Ames, Iowa- TCU is looking to make a big statement after the upset loss to West Virginia last weekend in Fort Worth. The Horned Frogs have hit the road to take on their third Big 12 opponent of the season, Iowa State.
Iowa State comes into this game 1-1 in the conference and 2-3 overall. They are coming off a huge loss to Oklahoma 50-20, leaving them hungry for a victory.
Looking at the quarterback battle, it looks like a no-brainer who will have more success. Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht has thrown for 1,085 yards this season with 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. TCU quarterback Chandler Morris has thrown for 1,415 yards with 11 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. The biggest difference on paper is the rushing yardage difference between these quarterbacks. Becht is more strictly a pocket passer, with only 58 rushing yards this season. Chandler Morris is a dual threat with 235 yards rushing. The ability to rush during this game will be the biggest difference. If Chandler Morris can get more pass protection and read his progressions this game, the offense should see a lot of success. If TCU’s offensive line can’t protect, they will be back to how they looked last weekend, forcing Morris to scramble and only make plays on his feet.
The lack of a run game for Iowa State could be the big difference in this matchup. TCU did a decent job stopping the passes for big gains last weekend versus the Mountaineers, but struggled with the run game. With Iowa State lacking in the running department, it might be time for the TCU defense to shine.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Jack Trice Stadium.
