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12:50 AM EDT: That will do it for VAVEL USA's coverage of this game. Once again, the final score: TCU Horned Frogs 23, Minnesota Golden Gophers 17. Stay tuned to VAVEL USA for coverage of college football all season long.

Opening night in Minneapolis was big for both teams, however for different reasons. For the visiting TCU Horned Frogs, it was the first step in their quest for a berth in the second College Football Playoff after being left out last year. For the Minnesota Golden Gophers, it was a chance to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten this season. It was a highly competitive battle between these teams, but in the end

The first half started out incredibly well for the Horned Frogs. Quarterback Trevone Boykin, and early Heisman Trophy candidate this season, led his team down the field to set up a field goal, which was nailed by one of the nation's top kickers, Jared Oberkrom. On the ensuing Golden Gophers possession, quarterback Mitch Leidner fumbled while being sacked and TCU recovered. Already starting in the red zone, it was an easy scoring drive for the Horned Frogs from there. Boykin would eventually connect with his favorite target, Josh Doctson for a touchdown on a well-designed route.

After that short drive however, while the speed of the offenses continued to be fast, the scoring slowed down trememdously. Both defenses played quite well, applying pressure to both quarterbacks on a frequent basis. In a second quarter defensive struggle, Minnesota came away with the only points, a field goal late in the period. TCU had a chance to score right before the half, but the usually stellar Jared Oberkrom missed a 29-yard field goal with 24 seconds remaining. Entering halftime, the Horned Frogs held a lead over the Golden Gophers 10-3.

After focusing a great deal of plays on the passing game in first half, TCU came out pounding the ball on the ground to start the third quarter. The Horned Frogs pieced together a 76 yard drive to open the second half, capped off by an electrifying 19-yard rushing score by Boykin. Minnesota could not successfully respond, giving TCU the ball right back. After another long Horned Frogs drive, the Gophers were able to apply plenty of pressure ona Boykin throw which led to an interception by the Minnesota defense. After punding the ball for much of the drive and executing a pass play on a crucial fourth down, Rodney Smith punched the ball in from one yard out for a Minnesota touchdown. TCU would tack on one more field goal, sending the game to the fourth quarter with the Horned Frogs leading 20-10.

Against a team with an offense as strong as TCU's, Minnesota's defensive performance Thursday night looks even better. The Golden Gophers were able to thwart a threatening drive at the start of the fourth quarter by TCU, just one of many examples of the Gophers defense holding when it needed to. Despite the strong defensive play, Minnesota's offense struggled to open the last period. After stopping the Gophers deep in their own territory, the Horned Frogs tacked on a third field goal from Oberkrom to extend their lead to 23-10.

12:49 AM EDT: In the end, TCU ended up outgaining Minnesota both through the air and on the ground, holding the advantage in overall yardage over the Golden Gophers by a margin of 449-341.

12:49 AM EDT: It was a highly competitive game at TCF Bank Stadium, but in the end Minnesota's strong defensive performance was not enough to stop TCU.

4th (00:00) That will do it. TCU is able to hold on and takes down Minnesota in Minneapolis by a score of 23-17.

4th (00:11) Minnesota goes for a quick toss play which gains little yardage and keeps the clock running.

4th (00:18) Incomplete pass again, third down is coming up for Minnesota.

4th (00:22) Leidner underthrows KJ Maye, it will be second down.

4th (00:27) Minnesota goes for the punt block and nearly gets there as the kick goes into the end zone. The Golder Gophers need to go 80 yards with no timeouts left.

4th (00:33) TCU takes a delay of game penalty. They will be punting.

4th (1:15) Aaron Green takes a handoff and is stopped after only gaining a couple of yards on third and 4. Fourth down coming up.

4th (1:20) Boykin keeps the ball again and gains several yards, immediately followed by Minnesota's final timeout.

4th (1:25) Trevone Boykin runs for a gain of 2 and Minnesota immediately calls a tim eout. They have 1 remaining.

4th (1:32) A bad onside kick attempt lands right in Kolby Listenbee's hands and TCU will take over.

4th (1:32) The extra point is good. After an impressive drive by Minnesota's offense and a poor drive by TCU's defense, an onside kick will be coming up, Horned Frogs leading by 6.

4th (1:32) Leidner hits a wide open KJ Maye over the middle for a touchdown. Minnesota is still in the game.

4th (1:37) Minnesota is on fire right now, completing passes and gaining more and more first downs.

4th (1:53) Now Leidner runs the ball and picks up solid yardage.

4th (2:06) Leidner completes another pass and picks up yet another first down.

4th (2:24) Rodney Smith continues to impress and picks up 6 more on the ground.

4th (2:37) Leidner completes a pass under the pressure and gains another first down.

4th (2:47) Rodney Smith dashes up the middle and picks up 12 and another first down.

4th (2:52) TCU calls a timeout on defense, their second of the half.

4th (2:56) Minnesota picks up 14 and a first down.

4th (3:02) TCU punts and the ball is downed inside the 10-yard line. Minnesota will take over, down 13.

4th (3:50) Boykin throws and completes a pass to tight end Ty Slanina for the first time tonight, Fourth and 1 upcoming.

4th (4:33) Green gets the ball again and is tripped up in the backfield. Third and 8 is coming up for TCU.

4th (5:16) Aaron Green carries and just gets passed midfield. Second down.

4th (5:22) On fourth and 9 Leidner throws deep and incomplete. TCU will take over on downs.

4th (5:28) Minnesota is flagged for a false start which will push them back 5 yards. They will still go for it on fourth down.

4th (5:28) Leidner throws incomplete, it will be fourth down for the Gophers.

4th (5:45) Smith carries again and sets up a manageable third down.

4th (6:09) Now Leidner keeps the ball and picks up about 4 yards.

4th (6:23) Leidner finds Eric Carter down the far sideline and they pick up a first down, into TCU territory.

4th (6:29) Leidner throws incomplete on first down.

4th (6:42) Smith carries once more and this time picks up the first down.

4th (7:04) Smith runs again and is stopped shy of the mark, third down.

4th (7:20) Rodney Smith gains 7 yards on first down.

4th (7:33) Oberkrom kicks the ball out of the end zone for another touchback. First down Golden Gophers.

4th Quarter: Boykin has had a surprisingly difficult time connecting deep tonight; he's missed two wide open targets in the end zone alone.

4th (7:33) Jaden Oberkrom hits his third field goal of the game, this one from 33 yards out. 23-10 Horned Frogs lead.

4th (8:11) Boykin runs up the middle but is stopped by the linebacking corps. Fourth down for TCU.

4th (8:18) Third down coming up after a screen over the middle falls incomplete.

4th (8:24) Shaun Nixon was wide open in the end zone and Trevone Boykin overthrew him. Second down.

4th (8:30) Boykin goes deep for Emmanuel Porter and while the pass falls incomplete, Minnesota is called for defensive pass interference again. First down Frogs.

4th (9:09) Minnesota's defense continues to play well against outside runs, forcing a loss of two on first down. Second down coming up.

4th (9:36) Josh Doctson makes a catch on the sideline for a first down.

4th (9:42) KaVontae Turpin does not signal for a fair catch and is walloped immediately after receiving the punt. The Horned Frogs take over on offense.

4th (9:50) Minnesota is called for delay of game, although the ball could not be moved much closer to the goal line that it already had been.

4th (9:50) On third and 13 from the 1, Minnesota goes deep through the air but the pass falls incomplete. Fourth down for the Golden Gophers.

4th (10:01) The safety call has been overturned, it is now being deemed a fumble that was recovered at the 1-yard line by Minnesota.

4th (10:01) The intentional grounding call is now under review.

4th Quarter: It originally seemed as though Leidner was being sacked in the end zone but somehow fumbled forward out the end zone. Referees got the call correct by deeming the play a pass with no receiver in the area.

4th (10:01) Mitch Leidner is called for intentional grounding in the end zone, leading to a safety. TCU now leads Minnesota 22-10.

4th (10:54) Minnesota starts the drive with a short run play up the middle.

4th Quarter: It should be noted that Trevone Boykin's leg is being worked on currently on the sideline.

4th (11:01) Ethan Perry puntsthe ball deep and Minnesota will start deep in their own territory.

4th (11:09) TCU takes a delay of game penalty to make for an easier punting situation.

4th (11:54) The pass is caught on third down but it is short of the line to gain.Fourth down.

4th (12:35) KaVontae Turpin makes a few nifty moves but gains just a couple yards, setting up third down.

4th (13:20) White catches the ball again but for just a short gain.

4th (13:28) Desmon White is open down field and Boykin hits him for a big gain and a first down.

4th (13:55) Aaron Green runs outside but doesn't get past the line of scrimmage. TCU is also called for holding, pushing them back 10 yards.

4th (14:36) Boykin keeps the ball on an option run and gains 8 yards. He is slow to get up off the turf.

4th (14:42) TCU's offense is coming back out after a 51-yard punt and a short return by KaVontae Turpin.

4th (14:53) On third and 21, Leidner throws deep but out of bounds, bringing up fourth and long.

3rd Quarter: After 3 quarters of play, Trevone Boykin has a passer efficiency rating of 110.5, while Mitch Leidner has a rating of 98.7.

3rd Quarter: TCU still eads Minnesota in total yardage, now by a margin of 375-213.

3rd (00:00) That will be it for the third quarter. It's been a highly competitive game in Minneapolis, as TCU leads Minnesota 20-10.

3rd (00:00) Minnesota runs another play, which is a run for minimal yardage.

3rd (00:00) Leidner overthrows his man deep and KJ Maye is called for offensive pass interference.

3rd (00:31) A screen pass to the near side goes for a loss of yards. Second and long coming up.

3rd (00:36) Oberkrom's kickoff goes out of bounds. Minnesota will start at their own 35-yard line.

3rd (00:36) A 45-yard field goal attempt by Jaden Oberkrom is good. TCU now leads Minnesota 20-10 late in the 3rd quarter.

3rd (00:41) Boykin throws behind an open receiver downfield and it falls incomplete. The field goal unit is coming on the field for TCU.

3rd (1:14) Green gains 2 yards after escaping in the backfield. It will be third and long.

3rd (1:20) Boykin goes deep for Doctson but the pass falls incomplete. Second down.

3rd (1:30) Green gets down to the 30-yard line after another 9-yard pickup.

3rd (1:55) TCU is called for a false start again, it will now be second and 6 for the Horned Frogs.

3rd (2:10) This time Green has a nice run and is stopped just inches shy of the first down marker. Second and short.

3rd (2:16) Boykin goes deep again, this time for Ju'juan Story, who gets the benefit of a defensive pass interference call. First down TCU.

3rd (2:45) Green carries again and is dropped for a 2-yard loss.

3rd (2:59) Boykin goes deep to Emmaneul Porter for 26 yards and a first down.

3rd (3:33) Minnesota's defense is stepping up big, stopping a run play for little gain at all. Second and long.

3rd (3:38) TCU comes out in a trick play formation, but confusion forces Gary Patterson's team to burn a timeout.

3rd (3:38) Kolby Listenbee is dropped at this own 16-yard line on his kick return. TCU comes out on offense again.

3rd Quarter: Just like on TCU's last scoring drive, Minnesota found a great deal of success running the ball on that drive.

3rd (3:44) The extra point is good. TCU's lead is now down to 7 over Minnesota, 17-10.

3rd (3:44) Rodney Smith takes the ball straight up the middle and score a touchdown. Minnesota cuts the lead to one possession.

3rd (4:21) Leidner keeps again and he is smacked at the line of scrimmage for no gain.

3rd (4:37) Leidner keeps the ball and is tackled just short of the goal line, however he does pick up a first down.

3rd (5:05) Smith takes it again and picks up 8 more. Gophers have the ball inside the 5 now.

3rd (5:38) Rodney Smith gains 15 and a first down on a run right up the gut. Minnesota is threatening again.

3rd (6:09) Leidner completes a pass on fourth down to KJ Maye for a first down.

3rd (6:13) Minnesota has to burn a timeout due to confusion on the field. Fourth down is coming up for the Golden Gophers.

3rd (6:53) Leidner throws into heavy coverage, only gaining short yardage on the completion.

3rd (6:58) A pass for Roderick Williams is dropped. Third down.

3rd (7:15) Leidner keeps it again, this time for 5 yards.

3rd (7:31) Leidner connects with his man on the outside for a big gain, down into TCU territory.

Opening night in Minneapolis was big for both teams, however for different reasons. For the visiting TCU Horned Frogs, it was the first step in their quest for a berth in the second College Football Playoff after being left out last year. For the Minnesota Golden Gophers, it was a chance to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten this season. It was a highly competitive battle between these teams, but in the end

The first half started out incredibly well for the Horned Frogs. Quarterback Trevone Boykin, and early Heisman Trophy candidate this season, led his team down the field to set up a field goal, which was nailed by one of the nation's top kickers, Jared Oberkrom. On the ensuing Golden Gophers possession, quarterback Mitch Leidner fumbled while being sacked and TCU recovered. Already starting in the red zone, it was an easy scoring drive for the Horned Frogs from there. Boykin would eventually connect with his favorite target, Josh Doctson for a touchdown on a well-designed route.

After that short drive however, while the speed of the offenses continued to be fast, the scoring slowed down trememdously. Both defenses played quite well, applying pressure to both quarterbacks on a frequent basis. In a second quarter defensive struggle, Minnesota came away with the only points, a field goal late in the period. TCU had a chance to score right before the half, but the usually stellar Jared Oberkrom missed a 29-yard field goal with 24 seconds remaining. Entering halftime, the Horned Frogs held a lead over the Golden Gophers 10-3.

After focusing a great deal of plays on the passing game in first half, TCU came out pounding the ball on the ground to start the third quarter. The Horned Frogs pieced together a 76 yard drive to open the second half, capped off by an electrifying 19-yard rushing score by Boykin.

3rd (8:12) Screen pass to Eric Carter goes for just 2 yards. Third down now.

3rd (8:50) Mitch Leidner keeps the ball himself and runs for a short gain. Second down.

3rd (8:56) Minnesota gets more pressure on Boykin, who is hit as he throws and is picked off. Minnesota takes over after their second takeaway of the game.

3rd (9:33) Aaron Green runs the ball for minimal yardage. Here comes another third down for the Horned Frogs.

3rd (9:38) Boykin avoids pressure and throws for a wide open Emmanuel Porter, but he misses the mark to bring up second down.

3rd (10:03) The call is confirmed, first down for TCU.

3rd (10:03) This play will also be reviewed, this time initiated by the booth.

3rd (10:09) Doctson makes a sliding catch on an acrobatic throw from Boykin for a first down for TCU.

Opening night in Minneapolis was big for both teams, however for different reasons. For the visiting TCU Horned Frogs, it was the first step in their quest for a berth in the second College Football Playoff after being left out last year. For the Minnesota Golden Gophers, it was a chance to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten this season. It was a highly competitive battle between these teams, but in the end

The first half started out incredibly well for the Horned Frogs. Quarterback Trevone Boykin, and early Heisman Trophy candidate this season, led his team down the field to set up a field goal, which was nailed by one of the nation's top kickers, Jared Oberkrom. On the ensuing Golden Gophers possession, quarterback Mitch Leidner fumbled while being sacked and TCU recovered. Already starting in the red zone, it was an easy scoring drive for the Horned Frogs from there. Boykin would eventually connect with his favorite target, Josh Doctson for a touchdown on a well-designed route.

After that short drive however, while the speed of the offenses continued to be fast, the scoring slowed down trememdously. Both defenses played quite well, applying pressure to both quarterbacks on a frequent basis. In a second quarter defensive struggle, Minnesota came away with the only points, a field goal late in the period. TCU had a chance to score right before the half, but the usually stellar Jared Oberkrom missed a 29-yard field goal with 24 seconds remaining. Entering halftime, the Horned Frogs held a lead over the Golden Gophers 10-3.

After focusing a great deal of plays on the passing game in first half, TCU came out pounding the ball on the ground to start the third quarter. The Horned Frogs pieced together a 76 yard drive to open the second half, capped off by an electrifying 19-yard rushing score by Boykin.

3rd (10:00) Minnesota wins the challenge; the pass has now been ruled incomplete. Third and 4 coming up for TCU.

3rd (10:00) Minnesota was able to call their first timeout of the half and the play will be reviewed.

3rd (10:00) TCU quick-snaps the ball to try and avoid a replay, however the game has been stopped on the field.

3rd (10:10) Boykin goes long to Kolby Listenbee who makes a tremendous play on the sideline.

3rd (10:20) Now Boykin keeps the ball on the ground and picks up a chunk of yards.

3rd (10:38) Nixon gets it again and picks up a first down.

3rd (10:56) Shaun Nixon receives a sidearm pass from Boykin for a 9 yard pickup.

3rd (11:02) TCU will start right around their own 30 after a weak punt. Here comes Trevone Boykin and company.

3rd (11:10) Leidner throws incomplete. A chop block penalty on the offense is declined, bringing up fourth down.

3rd (11:33) Roderick Williams carries the ball for nearly no gain. Here comes third down for Minnesota.

3rd (11:56) Mitch Leidner escapes a near-sack situation and picks up 6 on the ground. Second and short coming up.

3rd (12:03) Oberkrom sends another kickoff deep. It's taken for a touchback and Minnesota will start at their own 25.

3rd Quarter: Seems as though TCU found a successful offensive strategy on that scoring drive; they ran the ball incessantly and kept gaining solid chunks of yards. Minnesota had no defensive answer on that drive.

3rd (12:03) Oberkrom's extra point is good. The Horned Frogs now lead 17-3.

3rd (12:03) Trevone Boykin keeps it on a designed run and scampers 19 yards for a TCU touchdown.

3rd (12:10) Boykin throws for the end zone but his pass falls incomplete.

3rd (12:30) Green continues to punt the ball between the tackles as he picks up 5 more yards.

3rd (12:43) Green takes an option handoff up the middle to the 25 for a first down.

3rd (13:15) Boykin takes a shot again and still completes another pass, this one a short completion to Doctson.

3rd (13:50) Green gains 7 yards on the ground, second and short coming up.

3rd (14:05) Boykin hits White again over the middle and it's a big play for a first down, inside the Minnesota 40.

3rd (14:22) Trevone Boykin takes a huge shot but still completes a pass for a first down to White.

3rd (14:52) Aaron Green takes a handoff for 3 yards on first down.

3rd (14:56) Kolby Listenbee returns the opening kickoff of the second half to the 20-yard line. First down Horned Frogs.

1st Half: The second half kickoff is coming up soon. TCU leads Minnesota at the half in Minneapolis 10-3.

1st Half: The game's leading receiver is KJ Maye, who has 2 receptions for 44 yards for the Golden Gophers, many of those yards coming on the team's flea-flicker play in the second quarter. Josh Doctson is TCU's leading receiver with 43 yards on 5 receptions.

1st Half: The Horned Frogs led the Golden Gophers in rushing yards by a margin of 115-62 in the first half. TCU's leading rusher s were Boykin and Aaron Green, who each had 47 yards. Minnesota's leading rushers were Roderick Williams and Rodney Smith, who each had 30 yards on the ground.

1st Half: Minnesota's Mitch Leidner had something of a shaky first half. He completed 6/13 passes for 64 yards, with no scores or interceptions, giving him a passr efficiency rating of 87.5. He also ran for just one yard on four carries.

1st Half: Trevone Boykin played well for much of the first half, however he did struggle quite a bit on third down. He was 14/22 through the air for 94 yards and a touchdown, while also picking up 47 yards on the ground.

1st Half: TCU put up 209 yards of offense in the first half, while Minnesota racked up 126.

2nd (00:00) That is is for the first half. In a surprisingly low-scoring game thus far, the TCU Horned Frogs lead the Minnesota Golden Gophers 10-3.

2nd (00:22) Minnesota takes a knee. They will not try to score again this half.

2nd (00:23) Oberkrom makes an uncharacteristic mistake and his kick hits the upright. No points on the drive for the Horned Frogs.

2nd (00:28) Before Jaden Oberkrom attempts a 29-yard field goal, Minnesota also calls a timeout, their final one for the half.

2nd (00:28) TCU calls their second timeout of the half.

2nd (1:10) Boykin gets knocked down in the backfield on another option play. Fourth down coming up.

2nd (1:13) Minnesota nearly intercepts a low and errant pass. Instead it will be third down.

2nd (1:55) Boykin keeps on a read-option play and gains 5 yards.

2nd (2:20) Aaron Green with another nifty run, this one for 12 yards down to the 14-yard line. First down TCU.

2nd (2:42) Boykin keeps the ball himself and picks up a first down on the ground.

2nd (2:48) Minnesota calls their second timeout of the half as TCU was trying to push the tempo.

2nd (3:00) Nixon receives the pass again to set up second down.

2nd (3:13) Boykin finds Shaun Nixon underneath for a first down.

2nd (3:21) After an incompletion it will be third and six for the Horned Frogs.

2nd (3:47) For the third time this half TCU is flagged for a false start. It will be second and six.

2nd (4:02) Green gains nine more on the ground.

2nd (4:13) Aaron Green carries the ball for 15 yards, reaching midfield and picking up a first down.

2nd (4:18) Boykin goes deep for Emmanuel Porter and he cannot come up with the ball despite a great diving effort. Second down.

2nd (4:48) Boykin hits his top target Doctson again, this time for a first down at the 35 yard-line.

2nd (5:10) Trevone Boykin scrambles and gains seven yards with his legs. Second down for the Horned Frogs.

2nd (5:17) Ryan Santoso kicks off to Kolby Listenbee, who is stopped inside of his own 20. First down TCU.

2nd Quarter: minnesota's offense has been a very balanced attack thus far; they have 64 yards on the ground and through the air.

2nd (5:23) Minnesota elects to kick a field goal and it is good. They are on the board, trailing 10-3 to TCU.

2nd (5:27) TCU brings the heat and Leidner cannot connect with his man. Fourth down.

2nd (5:32) Leidner passes and it falls incomplete. Here comes third and 4 for the Golden Gophers.

2nd (5:54) Minnesota continues to pound the ball and it is working for them.

2nd (6:03) Nine yard pickup on the ground for a first down by Minnesota.

2nd (6:24) Smith carries again and picks up three more. Second and 7.

2nd (6:48) Leidner connects with KJ Maye for a first down over the middle.

2nd (7:02) Rodney Smith gains three yards on the ground. Here comes another third and long for Minnesota.

2nd (7:06) Mitch Leidner goes deep again and he overshoots his man. Second and 10 coming up.

2nd (7:13) Another short punt by Ethan Perry will give Minnesota the ball at their own 45.

2nd (7:20) Boykin looks for Josh Doctson again and the pass falls incomplete. Good pass rush again from the Golden Gophers.

2nd (7:45) TCU is flagged for false start, which will bring up third and 6 yards.

2nd (7:56) Third and 1 is coming up after a short pass play.

2nd (8:24) Trevone Boykin runs the ball on a keeper and picks up two yards.

2nd Quarter: That is now the second turnover for the Golden Gophers on the day.

2nd (8:28) Williams fumbles the ball into the end zone on his fourth straight running play and TCU recovers it for a touchback. Crushing blow for Minnesota.

2nd (9:03) Roderick Williams runs the ball again, down to the 11-yard line.

2nd (9:21) Now a run play to get the Gophers down to the 20.

2nd (9:35) Minnesota runs a flea-flicker and the pass is complete to KJ Maye all the way down at the TCU 25-yard line.

2nd (9:43) Ethan Perry gets off a short punt and Minnesota will start not too far from midfield.

2nd (10:00) TCU is called for a false start on fourth down. Punt still upcoming.

2nd (10:30) Boykin takes a shot on a pitch play and gets up slowly. Great play by the Minnesota defense to blow that play up in the backfield.

2nd (11:00) Boykin runs the ball and picks up just one yard, third down coming up.

2nd (11:19) TCU gains four on the ground on first down.

2nd Quarter: This game has been a tale of two offenses so far; Minnesota has just 38 total yards, while TCU has 124.

2nd (11:22) Peter Mortell launches a rocket of a punt and TCU will start in the middle of their own territory.

2nd (12:10) Rodney Smith runs for a short gain up the middle, bringing up fourth down for the Golden Gophers.

2nd (12:20) Minnesota is flagged for a delay of game, pushing this next play back to third and 13.

2nd (12:20) Leidner throws deep but overthrows his target, bringing up another third and long for the Gophers.

2nd (13:00) Rodrick Williams runs for little yardage up the middle on first down.

2nd Quarter: Trevone Boykin actually threw a block on that last run play.

2nd (13:05) Green makes a nifty run to escape disaster in the backfield, but fumbles the ball after getting hit at the 10-yard line and the Golden Gophers recover.

2nd (13:50) Third and short is coming up for TCU after a quick run up the middle.

2nd (14:30) Trevone Boykin connects with Josh Doctson again, this time for just four yards. Second down.

2nd (14:56) Aaron Green picks up five yards on the ground for a first down.

1st Quarter: On the Minnesota side, Mitch Leidner did not have quite as successful of a first period of play. He passed for just 20 yards in 7 attempts (4 completion) and ran for just 1 yard overall on 4 official carries.

1st Quarter: It was a productive quarter for Trevone Boykin; he passed for 61 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 28 yards.

1st (00:00) That is the end of the first quarter. TCU leads Minnesota and is threatening once again, 10-0.

1st (00:00) Turpin is stopped for no gain, third down is coming up.

1st (00:28) Boykin keeps the ball on an option run and reaches the 25-yard line. Second and short upcoming.

1st (1:04) KaVontae Turpin runs the ball for 16 yards to the Minnesota 33.

1st (1:10) Peter Mortell has punted well in this game. His shortest kick yet, however, has extra yardage tacked on to it due to a penalty by TCU. First down Horned Frogs.

1st (1:20) Leidner is hit as he throws and his pass sails incomplete out of bounds. Fourth and 8 is coming up, as is another punt.

1st (1:24) Leidner throws a fastball to KJ Maye on a slant route but the throw is high and incomplete.

1st (2:02) Rodrick Williams takes a handoff for a minimal gain, bringing up second down.

1st (2:07) A low, line drive punt takes a favorable bounce for TCU and goes out of bounds at the 11 yard line. First down for Minnesota.

1st (2:15) Boykin lofts a pass up deep for Doctson but it falls incomplete. Fourth down is coming up for the Horned Frogs.

1st (2:25) Boykin goes deep on second down but a miscommunication with his receiver leads to an incompletion. Third and long coming up.

1st (3:00) Ace Rodgers makes a great play at the line of scrimmage to stop a screen play.

1st (3:24) Trevone Boykin finds Josh Doctson again, this time for 12 yards and a first down.

1st (3:32) TCU will start at their own 28 after a great punt and a short return.

1st (4:26) Rodrick Williams Jr. is stopped a yard shy of the first down marker. Fourth and 1 is coming up.

1st (4:32) Minnesota calls their first timeout of the half.

1st (4:55) Third down is coming up after another short run for Minnesota.

1st (5:34) Eric Carter picks up four yards for the Golden Gophers on first down.

1st (5:41) Minnesota returns the kickoff and is stopped at their own 19-yard line. Here comes Mitch Leidner and the offense.

1st Quarter: Last season, TCU forced Minnesota to turn the ball over 5 times and it led to 20 Horned Frogs points; they've so far forced 1 turnover and come away with 7 points today.

1st Quarter: The throw to Doctson was on-target, and the route itself opened up more space downfield for him to run through for the score. Well designed route for the TCU offense.

1st (5:46) The extra point is good. The Horned Frogs now lead the Golden Gophers 10-0.

1st (5:46) Trevone Boykin connects with Josh Doctson on a curl route for a touchdown. TCU extends their early lead.

1st (6:17) Aaron Green runs for four yards to set up second down at the 11-yard line.

1st (6:21) Mitch Leidner is hit in the backfield and fumbles. THe ball is recovered by TCU and they will take over deep in Minnesota territory.

1st (6:50) Minnesota tries to fake an option run and TCU snuffs it out. Second down.

1st (6:58) Oberkrom kicks the ball into the end zone for the second touchback of the game. Golden Gophers will take over, down 3.

1st Quarter: That ties a career-long field goal for Jaden Oberkrom.

1st (6:58) Oberkrom comes out for the 53-yard attempt and it is GOOD. TCU takes a 3-0 lead over Minnesota.

1st Quarter: TCU already has 60 yards of offense, compared to 26 for Minnesota.

1st (7:03) Jaden Oberkrom was initially on the field to attempt a long field goal, however Gary Patterson has called timeout, the first for TCU.

1st (7:45) Boykin is sacked to bring up fourth down. Great pressure by the Minnesota defense.

1st (7:50) A third down and medium distance is coming up for the Horned Frogs.

1st (7:55) Another incompletion, second down coming up.

1st (8:05) Now a 13-yard rush for Boykin on another scramble. Minnesota cannot stop the TCU QB.

1st (8:14) Boykin throws his frist incompletion. Second down.

1st (8:23) Emmanuel Porter grabs a pass over the middle on a quick slant and takes the ball to the Minnesota 46. First down.

1st (9:03) The Horned Frogs continue to move quickly, as Boykin hits Kolby Listenbee for a solid gain on first down.

1st (9:29) Ja'juan Story makes a catch for a first down over the middle.

1st (10:01) Aaron Green gets his first carry and he sets up a third and inches again.

1st (10:28) The quarterback continues to hold the ball, making a nice play fake and keeping it up the middle again. Second and short.

1st (10:51) Boykin keeps it again, picking up a first down right up the middle.

1st (11:05) Boykin dekes a Minnesota defender out of his shoes and scrambles to set up third and inches.

1st (11:20) Boykin funds his fav orite target, Josh Doctson, for a short gain on first down.

1st (11:24) TCU will start from inside their own 10-yard line after a booming punt and a fair catch. Here comes Trevone Boykin.

1st (11:31) Pass intended for KJ Maye is dropped, however the throw was low for the receiver. Fourht down and a punt coming up.

1st (12:12) Rodney Smith tries to bounce outside but the TCU defense stuffs him. Third down.

1st (12:53) Leidner continues to run well. Second down coming up for the Golden Gophers.

1st (13:36) Mitch Leidner shows off his leg talent and picks up a solid gain on first down.

1st (15:00) Minnesota will start with the ball.

9:07 PM EDT: Minnesota will be looking to start better than one of the other team's in their conference has tonight; Michigan is currently struggling against Utah.

8:52 PM EDT: Last season when these two teams squared off, TCU defeated Minnesota 30-7 in Fort Worth, the first game of a home-and-home series.

8:38 PM EDT: This is not the only matchup on Thursday night with a lot of hype surrounding it; the Michigan Wolverines dueling with the Utah Utes in Jim Harbaugh's first game is also taking place tonight.

Kickoff between the Horned Frogs and Golden Gophers is now expected to be at 9:15 PM EDT.

The second-ranked TCU Horned Frogs of the Big 12 Conference travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to take on the  Minnesota Golden Gophers of the Big Ten Conference at TCF Bank Stadium. Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM EDT.

Oddsmakers have TCU as 17 point favorites on the road in Minneapolis. While it is unsurprising and frankly expected that the Horned Frogs are favored, it is not a guarantee of what the outcome will be at all. Last season both of these teams had their share perfromances countering the spread; Minnesota upset Nebraska last season when the Cornhuskers were 10.5 point favorites, while TCU struggled and nearly lost against the Kansas Jayhawks, who were 28 point underdogs to the Horned Frogs.

If that wasn't enough, the Minnesota defense also took a hit in the form of losing players this offseason. Two other now-former Golden Gophers were drafted, leaving the team with holes at linebacker and free safety. Inside linebacker Damien Wilson was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of this past draft, while free safety Cedric Thompson was taken in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins. Minnesota will need to find solid replacements right away for these crucial positions on both sides of the ball.

As hard as those losses will be to overcome for the Horned Frogs, Minnesota is feeling even more pain in the wake of losing star players. David Cobb was drafted in the fifth round of this past draft by the Tennessee Titans, while Maxx Williams was drafted in the second round by the Baltimore Ravens. Cobb was one of the best backs in the Big Ten last season, rushing for 1,626 yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams was one of the best tight end prospects in the country last season, as he led the Golden Gophers in both receptions and receiving yards in 2014.

While the Horned Frogs still have plenty of talent on their roster, they have lost several crucial pieces since last season. Running back BJ Catalon, who missed much of the latter half of the season with an injury, has graduated and is no longer with the team. Kick returner extraordinaire Cameron Echols-Luper recently decided to leave to TCU and transferred to Arkansas State to play quarterback. To add to these departures, the star of the TCU defense, Paul Dawson, left school and was taken in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

One cannot sleep on the athleticism of Mitch Leidner, however. Along with nearly 1,800 passing yards in 12 games last season, he also was the team's second leading rusher, racking up 452 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. While a great deal of attention will be on Trevone Boykin's athleticism, and rightfully so, this should be a game with many exciting plays made by both quarterbacks.

Boykin is known for being a tremendous athlete. A former wide receiver, Boykin is a threat with his legs as well as with his arm. He ran for 707 yards and 8 touchdowns last season, while throwing for 3,901 yards and 33 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions.

Minnesota is led by junior quarterback Mitch Leidner. Leidner threw for 1,798 yards last season along with putting up 11 touchdowns through the air. Leidner is a veteran and will be a leader for Jerry Kill's team throughout the season, however he will need to focus on maintaining possession of the ball; he threw 8 interceptions to go along with his 11 touchdowns last season.

The Horned Frogs are led by Trevone Boykin, who exploded on to the scene last year and dominated opposing defenses with his strong arm and elusiveness on his feet. Gary Patterson's teams are typically known for their defensive prowess, however Boykin was the impetus behind a dynamic TCU offense in 2014. They will look to continue that momentum to kick off the 2015 campaign.

This game is one of the premier matchups in the opening week of the season and is one of the top non-conference games this season. TCU enters this game as the preseason #2 team in the nation, while Minnesota is unranked, but they are likely to be in the running for the Big Ten West title this season.

Hello and welcome to VAVEL USA's coverage of college football on the opening night in the FBS. Tonight's matchup is between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Minnesota Golden Gophers, LIVE from TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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About the author
Brendan Dzwierzynski
Originally from just outside of Chicago, IL, USA, Brendan is a at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS, USA. Brendan has a great deal of experience in broadcasting and journalism. He has won several awards for radio work, including the Best Sports Play-by-Play at the Columbia College Chicago High School Radio Awards, won during his senior year of high school. He currently serves as the FM Sports Director at KJHK-FM. In terms of writing, he currently writes for several publications, including VAVEL, RockChalkTalk.com (an SB Nation website), thewrestlinggame.com, as well as two personal blogs, titled Per audacia ad astra and Press Box Opinions (sports-only). Brendan is a fan of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs and White Sox, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Blackhawks and all teams at the University of Kansas.