TCU Football Takes Giant Step in Rose Bowl Win

TCU football has been a mid-major power for some time. However, TCU football is not really a mid-major, and not just because they will join the Big East soon. The Horned Frogs have jumped from conference to conference over the years, and found their niche in the Mountain West. As such, for the second straight year, the Horned Frogs came into a major bowl game with an undefeated record. But unlike last season, TCU football will finish with a perfect season, and a statement win in a BCS bowl at last.

The Horned Frogs fell narrowly to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl last year. However, this time they were in Pasadena, in an historic Rose Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers. This was their chance to prove themselves against an established power, and one that was as high scoring as themselves this season.

Yet TCU football proved themselves in a different way than expected. The Badgers started off strong behind their running game, but they were held to three points on the opening drive. Senior quarterback Andy Dalton then came out to lead an opening touchdown drive, and the two teams traded touchdowns right after that.

With the Horned Frogs leading 14-10 after a quarter, it appeared the Rose Bowl would be the high scoring shootout everyone expected. But the defenses started to settle in, as the Horned Frogs held the Badgers to two field goal attempts in the second quarter, of which they only made one.

The second half started perfectly for the TCU football team, as Dalton went right down the field for another touchdown. But the score froze at 21-13 for some time after that, as the Horned Frogs couldn't get much going afterwards. However, neither could the Badgers, as they were pinned downfield to start all their second half drives.

Yet Wisconsin finally woke up at the right time, as they drove for a big touchdown with two minutes left. But they were still down 21-19, and needed a two point conversion. Instead of using their vaunted running attack, the Badgers tried to throw it in - only to have linebacker Tank Carder knock the ball down.

After recovering the subsequent onside kick, and running for one first down, TCU football officially joined the ranks of BCS giant killers. After two wins each for Boise State and Utah in BCS battles, the Horned Frogs became the third mid-major to prevail in the series's history. What's more, they beat a traditional power in the most tradition-rich game in college football.

Despite the Horned Frogs' powerful offense, their defense was among the staunchest in the country. They proved it with one big play at the end, and made the biggest statement yet for their mid-major brethren.

Of course, TCU football is no ordinary mid-major program, and will be a fully fledged major team soon enough. Yet in their final days as a small time power, they are heading out on the highest of notes.

Sources

ESPN- "No. 3 TCU 21, No. 4 Wisconsin 19"