1. Turpin Era

A true freshman returning punts? Why yes, KaVontae Turpin handled his three returns well, though he didn’t break free for any long runs … yet. The guy must be capable of breakaway magic, or the coaching staff wouldn’t have put faith in him at the crucial position.

Running back Shaun Nixon and linebacker Mike Freeze also had stellar debuts in the purple and white. Fans will enjoy watching these freshmen play this season and beyond.

2. Road War

When TCU faltered in 2014, it did so on the road by losing at Baylor and narrowly escaping West Virginia with a win. The 2015 schedule is less favorable in terms of playing in front of friendly crowds. The Frogs will need to dig deep to wrest momentum away from unfriendly audiences, something they did with mixed results in Minneapolis.

3. Where is the Killer Instinct?

Punting on fourth-and-short in Minnesota territory harkens back to the era of a more cautious offensive approach. The high-flying Frogs of 2014 went for the jugular time and time again. Just ask Mississippi about its Peach Bowl experience. Next time Boykin and Co. have an opportunity to pile on points and break the opponent’s morale, perhaps the play callers will have some faith and let them do it.

Chris Hackett’s ability to steal interceptions out of the air might be sorely missed. Will the next troop of ball sharks please stand up.

4. Fans Need Practice, Too

High-stakes football can be a nerve-wracking experience. The team was able to find reserves of determination and come home with the win. Judging by the anxious reactions of some Frog fans on social media, the audience needs practice managing emotions, too. But who can blame the TCU faithful? The offseason stretches for a long eight months. A few hot afternoon home games in September will do us all a lot of good.

5. Gopher the Gold

Director of Athletics Chris Del Conte said last week that having fewer Top 25 wins than Ohio State kept TCU and Baylor out of the playoffs in 2014. Should a similar scenario unfold this season for the selection committee, a strong Minnesota team will benefit the Frogs. So let’s go, Golden Gophers.

TCU defensive end Terrell Lathan sacks Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner, causing him to fumble in the first quarter. (Associated Press)

5 stats that stood out

1. The TCU defense came to play, extending its nation’s-best streak to 26 consecutive games with a takeaway. The Frogs also surrendered 17 points. They’re 95-3 under head coach Gary Patterson when allowing that total or less.
2. Can TCU handle the mantle of being a top team? That’ll be a theme in 2015. With the W in Minneapolis, the Frogs improved to 31-3 when taking the field as a top-10 team in the Patterson era, including a 20-1 mark as a top-5 team.
3. Jaden Oberkrom’s 53-yard field goal in the first quarter tied for the fourth-longest made kick in TCU history. Oberkrom also had a 53-yard field goal in the 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Michigan State. His 56-yard boot against Kansas State in 2013 is his career long. Oberkrom now has three of the five longest field goals in TCU history.
4. Quarterback Trevone Boykin’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Josh Doctson extended his streak to 16 consecutive games with a scoring toss. It’s tied for the third-longest streak in the nation. He also moved up the TCU career leaders chart. With 246 yards passing last night, Boykin moved into second place all time with 7,399 yards, just ahead of Max Knake (7,370.) Boykin’s 92 yards rushing led the team in the opener and pushed him past the 1,500-yard mark for his career. He now has 1,529 yards on the ground and is on pace to break the 2,000 barrier.
5. For his part, receiver Josh Doctson may have been the game’s MVP, showing tremendous hands on special teams and offense. He had a team-best eight receptions for 74 yards. He should enter TCU’s all-time Top 10 list for receptions and yardage. He’s 11 catches from tying No. 10 Jeremy Kerley at 120 career grabs and 153 yards shy of John Washington, who had 1,685 yards. Doctson is already tied with Stanley Washington for fourth all time in touchdown receptions with 16. Josh Boyce is No. 1 on the list with 22.

TCU running back Aaron Green rushed for 88 yards on 19 carries against Minnesota. (Getty Images)

5 tweets that told the tale

If you are diminishing TCU’s win last night, it means you didn’t watch Minnesota play last year.

— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) September 4, 2015

Now at the top, every problem is magnified for #TCU, every game a grind. Welcome to expectations, Frogs. http://t.co/QKGuDDP3P0 — Matt Hayes (@Matt_HayesSN) September 4, 2015

Considering six new starters, plus missing Pierson and McFarland, TCU had eight new starters on defense for a Power 5 opener on the road. — Carlos A. Mendez (@calexmendez) September 4, 2015

Props to the @TCUFootball D last night. To be able to win on the road when the offense isn’t sailing says something.

— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) September 4, 2015

 

Dear sports writers… FLASHBACK: the National Champion escaped Minnesota last year with a 7 point win. #Perspective #GoFrogs #TCU

— Killer Frogs (@Killer_Frogs) September 4, 2015