Staff Picks: TCU Horned Frogs

Chris Williams, Publisher – Iowa State 27, TCU 23

I said all week that I’m on Iowa State this week but am not confident about it. How can you be? The Cyclones seem to be a play or two away from being undefeated. But they aren’t. They are 2-2 and TCU is a solid ball club. But I’m betting on the Cyclones pushing through this weekend, turning TCU over and showing a little more consistency on offense.

Jared Stansbury, Staff Writer – TCU 24, Iowa State 21

I just have a bad feeling about this one. It will be close throughout and in the end, the Horned Frogs are the ones who make one more big play.

Rob Gray, Senior Writer – TCU 21, Iowa State 17

TCU’s strengths (defense, special teams) provide a perfect and well-timed challenge for the Cyclones, who have yet to find a semblance of consistency offensively this season. ISU’s been tremendously streaky on that side of the ball, scoring 11 straight possessions in the ULM win and three straight in last week’s Baylor loss, but largely struggling elsewhere in the first four games. Can this be a get well game? Absolutely. Will it be? #ProveIt

Brent Blum, Contributor – Iowa State 27, TCU 17

This is perhaps the most #proveit as #proveit can get. I have banged the Iowa State’s offense is better than it has shown drum the last several weeks, but ultimately points are the scoreboard (whoa that’s deep.) I still have belief in this team on both sides of the field. This gets everyone back on the wagon, for now.

Jay Jordan, Football Analyst – TCU 26, Iowa State 14

TCU would be knocking on the door of the top 10, but for a struggling QB, who is starting to figure it out. ISU is gun shy offensively. Not a good formula against TCU.  ISU will compete and the defense keeps it close, but they don’t really challenge….unless Brock Purdy plays an outstanding game, which is possible.

Jeff Woody, Football Analyst – Iowa State 24, TCU 18

This is a lynchpin-style game. ISU is 2-2 and 3 points away from being 4-0, but also 2 points away from 1-3. I’m not really all that concerned with this team, save for 2 things: special teams and turnover margin. Those are two areas where Gary Patterson is historically good. If ISU addresses this and wins one/both areas, they’re good. If they don’t, this will be a fistfight against the wind. I think they do. 

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Contributor – TCU 24, Iowa State 23

I’m still bullish on the overall trajectory of the Iowa State football program, but the issues flashed so far this season are hard to ignore until the team has proven they’ve been dealt with. There’s no margin for error in the Big 12 Conference and TCU is one of the best-coached teams around. I think this one will be a nail biter and I’m going to be the guy who *gulp* predicts another heart breaker.

Kirk Haaland, Stats Nerd – Iowa State 24, TCU 17

TCU has had their offensive struggles, but, so has Iowa State once they have gotten the ball into opponent territory. I think Iowa State will win but I also think it will be excruciating to sit through at the end.