Seth Doege moves into Heisman conversation against TCU

Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

Texas Tech and TCU were having so much fun they decided to play more, then more and then more, before Seth Doege cemented a spot in this week's Heisman Trophy conversation with a game-winning touchdown to Alex Torres in the third overtime.

When all was said and done, after the Red Raiders' offense outlasted TCU's youth-driven attack, Doege was 30-for-42 for 318 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns – one in each of the three overtime periods.

Doege has outdueled Geno Smith, who most project to be the leading Heisman contender. Who was the last quarterback to decimate TCU's proud pass defense? Try Robert Griffin III, who threw for six touchdowns in last year's opener. Doege tossed seven. Doege and Griffin are the only two quarterbacks to throw for more than four touchdowns against TCU since the start of the 2007 season.

The victory was Texas Tech's second in a row, following last weekend's 49-14 win against then-No. 5 West Virginia. The Red Raiders, 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big 12, head to Kansas State next Saturday in another key conference tilt.

What made this win the Red Raiders' most impressive on the season? Because it came on the road, for starters. Secondly, consider that for all its injury and attrition issues, TCU seems to have found its identity just in time for the heart of Big 12 play.

Redshirt freshman Trevone Boykin has filled Casey Pachall's shoes as TCU's quarterback, lessening fears that the Horned Frogs would collapse with its returning starter. Pachall, who was arrested on charges of DWI earlier this month, has left the program for the remainder of the season.

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Boykin was 26-for-47 for 332 yards and four touchdowns. Down 36-26 with four minutes left, Boykin tossed a 60-yard scoring pass to LaDarius Brown to trim Texas Tech's lead to three before Jaden Oberkrom's 43-yard field goal forced overtime.

You can make the case that the Horned Frogs dramatically outplayed Texas Tech: TCU had more yards (516 to 387), more first downs (29 to 23), committed fewer penalties and dominated on the ground, gaining 184 yards on 42 carries.

And that means nothing to head coach Gary Patterson, who said after the game, "There's no moral victories."

No, there are no moral victories for TCU – winner of 52 of its last 58 games heading into the weekend.

Texas Tech's victory helps clarify the Big 12's muddy conference standings. The Red Raiders are 3-1 in conference play; TCU is 2-2. Kansas State was hoping to move to 4-0 with a win against West Virginia. (The Wildcats were ahead 17-0 in the second quarter.)

An Oklahoma win against Kansas would push the Sooners to 3-1 in Big 12 play. (Oklahoma led 45-0 in the third quarter.) While Texas Tech already lost to OU, the Red Raiders can make the case that they control their own Bowl Championship Series destiny.