FORT WORTH, Texas — Head coach Todd Whitten said many times before Saturday's game that Tarleton was about to play their toughest opponent in program history. TCU proved him right, overtaking the Texans 59-17 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth.
 
The Horned Frogs (2-0, 0-0 Big 12) went right down the field on their opening drive and never looked back, racing out to a 28-0 lead, eventually winning by 42. The Texans (1-1, 0-0 WAC) showed full effort for all 60 minutes, but they were simply overmatched against the Power Five program, Tarleton's highest opponent competition level in program history.
 
Darius Cooper had the big night offensively for Tarleton, recording a career-high 117 yards on six catches, adding a sweet toe-drag touchdown in the second quarter. Jaden Smith put up back-to-back 90-plus yard games with 92 yards on four catches. Beau Allen had 10 of his 11 completions go to the duo, finishing 11-of-25 for 210 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Deangelo Rosemond scored his first touchdown of the year on a 1-yard punch-in to start the second half. Braelon Bridges came in late for his second game played in two seasons, running for 32 yards on nine carries.
 
Defensively, Tarleton was led by its pair of inside linebackers once again, with D.J. Harris (11) and Qua'Shawn Washington (10) combining for 21 tackles. Patrick Jones was active early, recording a sack and eight total tackles. Towards the end of the game, Jaylen Jackson forced a fumble at the 1-yard line that was recovered by Blake Smith to keep the Horned Frogs out of the end zone.
 
Adrian Guzman booted another career-long field, besting last week's 46-yarder with a 47-yard make on Saturday.
 
Tarleton fans showed out for this one, coming in droves to help fill the stadium with 43,197 attendees. Tailgates were full of Texan faithful and a sea of purple (duh), and regardless of the result, the team put forth a great effort that fans should be proud of.
 
TCU senior QB Max Duggan showcased his skillset to the tune of 390 yards and five touchdowns on a 23-of-29 clip. Three Horned Frogs ran in a touchdown; Kendre Miller, Emani Bailey and Sam Jackson. Quincy Brown caught a pair of scores, accounting for two of his three receptions.
 
The Texans will return home for what should be another full stadium, with Family Weekend upcoming. On Saturday, the Texans will host Eastern New Mexico at 6 p.m. CT.