TCU Loses To Arkansas

FORT WORTH, Texas — Earlier in the game, Arkansas quarterback Austin Allen remembered being stuffed by TCU’s defense on third-and-short.

The Razorbacks went back to the same play with the outcome hanging in the balance in double overtime. This time, Allen and his lineman found something extra.

“I give all the credit to the guys up front,” the junior said. “I think I got stopped, and they kept playing through the whistle and pushed me in.”

Allen’s 5-yard touchdown run in double overtime gave Arkansas a 41-38 upset win over No. 15 TCU on Saturday night at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Allen and the Razorbacks responded from what could have been a deflating fourth quarter with a game-tying drive with just 1:03 left in regulation before beating their former Southwest Conference rivals in the second extra session.

Allen’s final touch capped an evening in which he threw for three touchdowns and 223 yards before a sold-out crowd of 48,901.

“We never yielded,” Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said.

Bielema was quick to point out that the Razorbacks have now beaten four ranked teams on the road since the start of last season. He said the outside world should take notice of what’s happening in Fayetteville.

“We beat a good football team on the road in a hostile environment,” Bielema said.

Arkansas’ closing push ruined a Kenny Hill-KaVontae Turpin inspired rally by

TCU in the fourth quarter. The Horned Frogs (1-1) roared back from a 20-7 deficit with three unanswered touchdowns to lead 28-20 with 2:05 remaining.

Allen followed by leading a furious drive that ended with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Keon Hatcher. That duo would reconnect on the two-point conversion, but it was a reverse option pass from Hatcher to Allen that tied the game.

Turpin nearly won it for TCU on the ensuing kickoff by taking it 64 yards. The Frogs set up for a 28-yard field goal with 22 seconds left in regulation, but the kick by Ryan Graf was blocked by Arkansas’ Dan Skipper.

“You feel like you gave one away,” TCU coach Gary Patterson said. “(TCU players are) going to be upset when they watch the film.”

The teams traded touchdowns in the first overtime.

Hill finished 36-of-56 passing for 377 yards, one touchdown pass and an interception. Turpin caught seven passes for 126 yards.

Rawleigh Williams had 137 yards rushing on 28 carries for the Razorbacks.

TCU was hoping to turn the tables on an old rivalry that went dormant for a quarter century. Arkansas traditionally held the upper hand when the two programs were in the SWC.

Both teams had uneven performances last week, albeit in wins. Arkansas squeaked by Louisiana Tech, while TCU found itself in an unexpected shootout with FCS member South Dakota State.

The Razorbacks (1-1) put themselves in position to spring the shocker by taking advantage of TCU mistakes early and being the more physical team for three quarters.

The Razorbacks took advantage of turnovers in the first half to thwart a potential TCU scoring drive and get points on the board.

Arkansas linebacker Brooks Ellis delivered the big change in momentum with a 47-yard interception return of Hill in the second quarter. The pick-six gave the Hogs the 13-0 lead they took into the locker room.

TCU’s best chance to score in the opening half died inside the Arkansas’ 10-yard line on receiver Deante Gray’s lost fumble.

“We made too many little mistakes,” Patterson said.

Arkansas kicker Cole Hedlund had field goals of 38 and 27 yards in the first half.

TCU opens Big 12 play at home next week against Iowa State. Arkansas plays host to Texas State next Saturday in a nonconference game.

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