There will be no bowl game for Iowa State this season, but players say they are moving forward with other hopes. 

“We have to stay with it,” said ISU running back DeVondrick Nealy, who rushed for the Cyclones’ lone touchdown in last Saturday’s loss to Kansas State. “There’s not much positive that can come of the season, we can’t go to a bowl game, it’s mostly just playing for yourself, showing your coaches that you really have good character.”

“You want to continue the season out even though we can’t go to a bowl game or anything.”

Iowa State (1-7, 0-5 Big 12) will face TCU (3-6, 1-5) in its Homecoming game Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium, still winless in conference play. The Cyclones have lost seven consecutive Big 12 games dating back to last season.

The latest game puts Iowa State against a team facing similar problems. The Horned Frogs enter Saturday’s game potentially missing a handful of key players, much like the Cyclones.

TCU running backs Waymon James and B.J. Catalon are both questionable, defensive end Devonte Fields is out for the season, and cornerback Jason Verrett also may not play. 

“They have a pretty good defensive line,” said Nealy, who rushed for a team-high 53 yards Saturday. “We have to just continue to do what we’re supposed to do, continue to execute, read our keys, make our blocks and we should be fine.”

Iowa State’s quarterback situation remains unresolved. ISU coach Paul Rhoads said Monday he hadn’t made a decision who will start against TCU, redshirt sophomore Sam Richardson or redshirt freshman Grant Rohach.

Rohach has entered each of the last three games to replace Richardson, entering midway through the second quarter against Kansas State. Rohach was listed as the starter on the team’s depth chart Monday.

“Moving the ball down the field and getting in the end zone,” said ISU offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham when asked about the factors in the quarterback decision. “That’s the bottom line.”