Photo Courtesy: Dominic Ceraldi
Game Info
#3 TCU Horned Frogs vs. Iowa State Cyclones
Saturday – October 17 – 6:00 pm CT
TV: ESPN2
Jack Trice Stadium – Ames
After a tough last minute win against a feisty Kansas State bunch, a team like the TCU Horned Frogs deserve a week like what the are experiencing at this moment. Like that thrilling, come from behind win in Lubbock against Texas Tech, the Frogs were treated to what turned into a glorified practice the following week against the Texas Longhorns. That exhibition ended in a 50-7 victory. Expect a similar outcome this Saturday in Jack Trice Stadium when they take the field against the Iowa State Cyclones.
The Cyclones are coming off a 66-31 defeat at the hands of Texas Tech last week. The defense won’t be leading in any statistical category after having Tech’s less potent offense rack up 66 points with the high powered offenses of TCU and Baylor coming up in consecutive weeks. Last year’s game ended with a 55-3 drubbing by the Frogs. That margin may seem minuscule to the outcome on Saturday.
This could be where TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin loses ground in the Heisman Trophy race. Not because of the stout defensive efforts of the Cyclones, but due to a lack of stats from limited playing time. He will probably have donned a ball cap on the sidelines by the third quarter as he watches his backup, Bram Kohlhausen pad his stats for the evening.
WHEN TCU HAS THE BALL
The Frogs will look to remove all doubt early in this game by striking fast and often. Boykin should have no trouble moving the offense through a defense that gives up 429 yards of total offense a game. With the weapons at his disposal, the offense may double that average. Receivers Josh Doctson, Kolby Listenbee and KaVontae Turpin should have a blast running threw the secondary of the Cyclones. Listenbee, who returned last week after missing two games with an injury, should get back into a groove with Boykin. Running back Aaron Green looked quick and decisive in his runs last week against Kansas State. Running lanes should be plentiful with a defense that gives up 171 yards a game on the ground.
WHEN IOWA STATE HAS THE BALL
Head Coach Paul Rhoads would love to see a better effort from quarterback Sam B. Richardson on Saturday than what he gave last week against Texas Tech. Of his 21 pass attempts, 13 were completed…10 to his teammates and the other 3 to gracious Red Raider defenders. He faces a TCU defense that has its own troubles. With two smallish linebackers playing in their 4-2-5 scheme, they are very vulnerable to a solid running game. Running back Mike Warren cut through Tech’s defense last week for 245 yards on 23 carries. He will have opportunities for large gains if his offensive line can get to the second level of the defense and on to the linebackers. When Richardson takes to the air, throwing to his own receivers, he will have the luxury of having the trio of Allan Lazard, O’Vario Montgomery and Jauan Wesley waiting against a suspect secondary of the Frogs. Converting on 3rd Down will be the key to moving the ball down field and keeping Boykin on the sidelines.
PREDICTION: TCU 63 – IOWA STATE 24
