Horned Frogs Run Beavers Over, Take 30-21 Win In Cowboys Classic

TCU wanted to prove that it had what it takes to contend for a national championship. The Horned Frogs' 30-21 win over Oregon State wasn't the blowout some expected, and proved more about TCU's toughness than anything.

But the TCU ground game that might be championship-caliber.

Playing against a team that had the 25th-ranked rush defense in 2009, the Horned Frogs racked up 280 yards on the ground on 54 carries, with Ed Wesley tallying 133 rushing yards and Matthew Tucker and Andy Dalton contributing 77 and 64, respectively.

It was that ground game that kept the chains moving (TCU went 11-for-17 on third down) and the ball out of Oregon State's hands (TCU had it for 38:40), and helping slow the Beavers' electric Rodgers brothers by keeping them on the sidelines. Jacquizz Rodgers mustered just 74 yards on the ground, but his elder brother James had a fantastic night, gaining 226 yards on receptions and returns.

This was also Dalton's 30th win as TCU's quarterback, the most in school history.

You may have heard of the guy he just passed: NFL Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh.