Instant Analysis: TCU routs Grambling in season opener

FORT WORTH - There was no slow start for TCU Saturday as they opened the new Amon G. Carter Stadium by routing Grambling State 56-0.

The Frogs scored four touchdowns in the first, two in the second and two in the third. Three came from Casey Pachall passes, two sent to Josh Boyce.

The Frogs tallied over 500 total yards of offense in a nearly perfect effort that made head coach Gary Patterson the winningest coach in TCU history.

WHY TCU WON:

This one is easy - TCU was flat out the better team. But beyond what put more points on the board, TCU won in the bigger picture because several levels of the depth chart on both offense and defense were able to see playing time.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Trevone Boykin took his first colligate snaps in the game, picking up his first career rushing and passing touchdowns in the second half.

Freshman running back B.J. Catalon also saw significant playing time.

GROWING UP FAST:

Eleven true freshmen saw the field Saturday: Aviante Collins, Devonte Fields, Griffin Gilbert, Deante' Gray, A.J. Hilliard, Joey Hunt, Derrick Kindred, Jordan Moore, Jaden Oberkrom, Kolby Listenbee and B.J. Catalon. This broke the single season record for freshman playing under Gary Patterson, which was six.

GREAT BEGINNINGS:

Deante' Gray and Devonte Fields excelled in their first game with the Frogs. Gray tallied 160 punt return yards on five attempts, breaking the school record of 146 by Lindy Berry in 1947.

Fields led the team in tackles at the half with five and recorded his first career sack in the game.

WHAT THIS MEANS?

Patterson spoke of his team having to grow up quickly through camp and they took huge steps in that direction after this game. The amount of playing time the lower ranks of the depth chart picked up was invaluable. However, don't read too much into how great the rushing attack is until TCU faces a FBS caliber defense.

More to come after the postgame press conference