WVU 'Neers Goal

#21 West Virginia – 24
#12 TCU – 13

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Jets ELITE QB Geno Smith threw for three first-half touchdowns as #21 West Virginia jumped in front of #12 TCU and hung on to advance to the Sweet 16.


SS Tekerrein Cuba 

The Horned Frogs opened the game with a 3-and-out and Smith promptly found WR Stedman Bailey for a 49 yard touchdown strike. TCU fumbled the ensuing kickoff but was able to avoid further damage as Tyler, Texas' Tekerrein Cuba (who's also up for the annual TNS Best Name Award) intercepted Smith in the endzone.

K Ross Evans converted the turnover into points with his first field goal of the day from 29 yards out.

Smith went back to work before halftime finding RB Shawne Alston out of the backfield for a 29 yard TD with 1:11 remaining. But he wasn't done yet as the 'Neers defense forced another 3-and-out, putting the ball back in Smith's hands with 31 seconds to play. He struck to Stedman again, this time for 45 yards putting WVU ahead 21-3 at the half.

Getting the ball to start the 2nd half it appeared WVU changed their strategy with a steady dose of running plays, but an opportunistic TCU defense was able to force another turnover. QB Casey Pachall was able to get the Horned Frogs in the end zone, finding WR Josh Boyce for a 13 yard TD.

TCU forced a punt on the next possession, but was only able to turn it into 3 points as Evans tacked on a 37 yard field goal.

WVU kicker Tyler Betancourt answered with a 48 yarder of his own, before TCU fumbled the ensuing kickoff ending any hope of a comeback.

The Horned Frogs offense finished 0-7 on the day on 3rd downs, yet were able to rack up 8 first downs. WVU managed just 3, despite 24 points to show for it.

The Mountaineers will move on to face #5 Boise State next round.

Stats:
West Virginia
QB Geno Smith – 6 of 11, 143 yards, 3 TD, INT
RB Shawne Alston – 10 carries, 51 yards, 1 rec, 39 yards, TD
WR Stedman Bailey – 3 rec, 89 yards, 2 TD
DE Julian Miller – 4 tackles, 3 sacks, fumble rec
K Tyler Betancourt – 48 yd FG

TCU
QB Casey Pachall – 7 of 20, 102 yards, TD
RB Ed Wesley – 13 carries, 64 yards
WR Josh Boyce – 3 rec, 59 yards, TD
SS Tekerrein Cuba – 4 tackles, INT
K Ross Evans – 2/2 FG (32 yd long)