Week 3 of the 2025 College Football Regular Season brings us an exciting game between the Abilene Christian Wildcats and the TCU Horned Frogs. The Wildcats head to Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX, where they will face TCU on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM. This night game will be broadcast on ESPN+, offering fans a chance to see how these teams stack up.
The Abilene Christian Wildcats enter this game with a 0-1 record, having lost their season opener to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 35-7. The Wildcats struggled in their first game, particularly in the rushing department, as they amassed only 120 rushing yards compared to Tulsa’s 268. With no wins yet this season, they aim to improve their performance against a strong TCU team.
On the other hand, the TCU Horned Frogs come into this matchup with a 1-0 record, having convincingly defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels, 48-14, in their season opener. The Horned Frogs demonstrated dominance in both passing and rushing, accumulating 284 passing yards and 259 rushing yards. TCU’s strong start to the season, combined with home-field advantage, positions them as a formidable opponent for the Wildcats.
TCU vs Abilene Christian At a Glance
- Game Location: Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, TX
- Game Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 8:00 PM
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Abilene Christian Record: 0-1 this season
- TCU Record: 1-0 this season
- Game Spread: TCU -36.5
TCU Horned Frogs Look to Extend Their Winning Streak
Offensive Performance
The TCU Horned Frogs have begun their 2025 season with a strong offensive showing, scoring 48 points in their opening game. Despite being ranked 45th in points for, they managed to dominate North Carolina Tar Heels with a balanced attack. Their passing game is a work in progress, ranked 108th with 284 yards.
Their rushing game, however, is showing potential with 259 yards, placing them at 83rd. This balanced offensive approach helped them secure 29 first downs, demonstrating their ability to control the game’s tempo. As they head into their next match, improving their passing game will be crucial.
Defensive Strength
TCU’s defense is proving to be a formidable force, allowing only 14 points against North Carolina. Ranked 7th in points against, their defense is making a statement early in the season. The Horned Frogs also managed to record two sacks, showcasing their ability to pressure the quarterback.
Their secondary was effective, securing one interception, and their ability to recover two fumbles places them among the top teams in this category. As the season progresses, maintaining this defensive tenacity will be key to their success. TCU’s ability to force turnovers is a critical factor in their early success.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Josh Hoover was efficient, passing for 284 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to manage the game will be vital as the season unfolds. Running back Kevorian Barnes contributed 113 rushing yards and a touchdown, providing a solid ground game presence.
Wide receiver Jordan Dwyer was instrumental, catching nine passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. His performance will be critical in stretching defenses and providing options for Hoover. Tight end DJ Rogers also made a notable impact with five receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, TCU has two upcoming home games against Abilene Christian Wildcats and SMU Mustangs. The games at Amon G. Carter Stadium will be an opportunity for the Horned Frogs to capitalize on their home-field advantage. These matches will test their consistency and ability to build on their successful start.
Following these, they will travel to face Arizona State Sun Devils, a game that could test their resolve on the road. Maintaining their defensive prowess and improving their passing game will be essential in securing victories in these contests. TCU aims to keep the momentum going in the upcoming weeks.
TCU Horned Frogs Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Totals ≥ 50: 1-0 (100.0%)
Abilene Christian Wildcats Seek Redemption on the Road
Team Overview
The Abilene Christian Wildcats started their 2025 campaign with a 35-7 loss against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. This performance has set the stage for a critical bounce-back effort in their upcoming game. The team will need to address both offensive and defensive challenges that were evident in their opener.
Stone Earle leads the Wildcats as their quarterback, having thrown for 140 yards and one interception in the first game. Earle’s performance is critical as the Wildcats look to improve their offensive output. With a passing game ranked 153rd, finding rhythm through the air will be essential.
Offensive Struggles
The Wildcats’ offensive struggles were apparent in their opener, with only 7 points on the board. They managed 140 passing yards and 120 rushing yards, ranking them 153rd and 129th respectively. Improving their ground game could alleviate pressure on Earle and open up more passing opportunities.
Running back Jordon Vaughn led the team with 50 rushing yards, ranking 385th nationally. The Wildcats’ rushing attack will need to be more dynamic to keep opposing defenses honest. Enhancing their first down conversions, where they are ranked 50th, could help sustain drives.
Defensive Concerns
On the defensive side, the Wildcats allowed 35 points, placing them 26th nationally in points against. They failed to record any sacks, interceptions, or fumble recoveries, highlighting a need for more aggressive play. Defensive adjustments will be key to stifling opposing offenses and creating turnovers.
As they move forward, the Wildcats’ defense must focus on applying pressure and forcing mistakes. Being ranked first in interceptions last season indicates potential that has yet to be realized this year. Their defensive unit needs to return to this form to give their offense more opportunities.
Key Players
Wide receivers Javon Gipson and J.J. Henry combined for 10 receptions in their last game, with Gipson accounting for 73 receiving yards. Increasing the involvement of these players could be pivotal for offensive success. Their ability to create separation and make plays downfield will be essential.
Tight end Bryan Henry also contributed with a reception, and the team will look to use him more effectively in the passing game. Utilizing Henry as a reliable target can help in crucial third-down situations. His role could expand as the Wildcats seek more versatility in their attack.
Abilene Christian Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
TCU vs Abilene Christian Prediction: TCU -36.5
TCU Horned Frogs come into this game with a strong start to their season, having defeated Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns 34-3 in their last postseason game. Their offensive firepower is evident with 48 points scored in their first game of the 2025 season. Playing at home, TCU has the advantage and should continue to dominate offensively.
On the other hand, Abilene Christian Wildcats are struggling on both sides of the ball, having allowed 35 points in their first game while only scoring 7. Their defense ranks poorly, and facing a team like TCU, the challenge only gets tougher. TCU’s defense is also a force to be reckoned with, having only allowed 14 points this season, indicating a strong likelihood of containing Abilene Christian’s offense.
Considering TCU’s recent performance and Abilene Christian’s defensive struggles, TCU is expected to cover the spread of -36.5. The Horned Frogs’ offense and defense should outmatch the Wildcats on their home turf, leading to a comfortable victory.
With these factors in mind, a projected final score of TCU 49 – Abilene Christian 10 supports the pick of TCU to cover the large spread.
- TCU vs Abilene Christian Prediction: TCU -36.5
- TCU vs Abilene Christian Score: TCU 49 – Abilene Christian 10
