Huddle up! Here’s a look back at this weekend on the gridiron, with three key takeaways from the state’s football scene -- and a glimpse at what’s to come next week.
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Cowboys lose big showdown to Eagles as Prescott nears return
With Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush leading the team to four straight victories after Dak Prescott suffered a broken thumb in a season-opening loss to Tampa Bay, there was some talk about a brewing quarterback controversy once Prescott was healthy enough to return.
But that talked seemed to be quelled on Sunday night following a 26-17 Dallas loss in Philadelphia.
Rush struggled, going 18-of-38 passing and throwing three interceptions. He did help Dallas form a comeback when Philadelphia took a 20-0 lead, leading three scoring drives to help the Cowboys pull within 20-17 early in the fourth quarter.
However, with Prescott saying he felt good throwing to receivers before the game, it’s likely he’ll be back as the starter for Sunday’s home game against 1-4 Detroit.
At this point, there won’t be a lot of controversy, and plenty of thanks heaped on Rush for helping see Dallas through as Prescott returns.
Is TCU a legit playoff contender?
With each passing week, it looks like TCU is more than just a feel-good story, but rather a legitimate contender for a College Football Playoff berth.
The Horned Frogs rallied from a 30-16 deficit in the fourth quarter to outlast Oklahoma State in overtime, 40-37, to cross another test against a ranked opponent off of its list.
There will be another one this week when the 6-0 Horned Frogs host No. 17 Kansas State.
It hasn’t been pretty, but behind gritty quarterback Max Duggan, so far the Horned Frogs have found a way to win each week.
But with so many unbeaten and powerhouse programs ahead of them in the rankings, the Horned Frogs still have little margin for error the rest of the season if they want to continue to be in the playoff discussion.
Longhorns survive with meat of schedule up next
It was closer than many Texas fans expected and desired on Saturday, but the Longhorns managed to eke out a 24-21 home win over Iowa State.
Now, the fun begins.
The stretch that will determine whether Texas can get into the Big 12 championship game and possibly keep slim College Football Playoff hopes alive (Texas will have to win out to have any hope) has arrived.
First up is a game at No. 11 Oklahoma State on Saturday, followed by a game at No. 17 Kansas State on Nov. 5 and a home contest against No. 8 TCU on Nov. 12.