TCU Holds Off Kansas State 20-10 in Fort Worth
Jaden Craig threw for 225 yards and a touchdown as TCU beat Kansas State at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Saturday.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Football
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TCU defeated Kansas State 20-10 at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Jacobe Hayes and Kari Ashley each scored a touchdown for the Horned Frogs, and Jeremy Payne returned to the field after missing the previous three games.
Why it matters
The win comes after TCU's one-point loss to Arizona, and the Horned Frogs will host No. 2 Utah next Saturday in their final home game. Kansas State's preparation was also complicated by an FAA shutdown that grounded U.S. domestic flights and kept the Wildcats from flying out Friday night.
Craig finished 20 of 34 for 225 yards and a touchdown, and Kansas State quarterback was sacked four times in the first half. Payne rushed 15 times for 55 yards, lifting his season total from 429 yards, though the stub does not say how much of the Wildcats' offensive struggle came from the sacks versus the travel disruption.
The players
TCU Horned Frogs
The Texas Christian University football program competes in the Big 12 Conference and plays its home games at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth.
Kansas State Wildcats
The Kansas State University football program competes in the Big 12 Conference and is based in Manhattan, Kansas.
Jaden Craig
Jaden Craig is the TCU quarterback who threw for 225 yards and a touchdown in the 20-10 win over Kansas State.
Jeremy Payne
Jeremy Payne is a TCU running back who returned to the field after missing the previous three games.
The details
Kari Ashley scored on a direct snap after Kansas State fumbled at its 28-yard line, and Craig threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jacobe Hayes on TCU's opening drive of the second half to make it 17-0. Koron Howard recorded four tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble in the first half.
Timeline
Friday afternoon: An FAA shutdown grounded all U.S. domestic flights for several hours.
Friday night: Kansas State was unable to fly out as scheduled.
Saturday morning: Kansas State landed at DFW early in the morning.
Saturday afternoon: TCU defeated Kansas State 20-10 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Next Saturday: TCU hosts No. 2 Utah in its final home game.
Season Trajectory
TCU's 20-10 win over Kansas State follows its one-point loss to Arizona, a result that keeps the Horned Frogs in contention while they prepare to close their home schedule against No. 2 Utah. The victory gives TCU a chance to finish the season strongly before the final home game.
Craig's 225-yard passing day and Payne's return give fantasy managers a clearer picture of TCU's offensive rotation heading into the Utah game. Fans planning to attend next Saturday's final home game at Amon G. Carter Stadium should expect a high-profile matchup against a ranked opponent.
The takeaway
The Horned Frogs closed the first half with a defense that forced turnovers and sacks, a formula that will be tested when they face No. 2 Utah. Keeping quarterback pressure on the field will remain central to TCU's remaining games.
What happens next
TCU hosts No. 2 Utah next Saturday in its final home game of the season.
Further reading
For more on the Horned Frogs' season, see Football coverage for Fort Worth.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Dallas Morning News.
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