Aaron Marner

3-0

Iowa State 24, TCU 20

Iowa State’s offense has been hit-or-miss through three weeks.

The Cyclones relied on sophomore kicker Connor Assalley for four field goals against Akron, but getting stopped short like that won’t work against a talented TCU defense.

Zeb Noland has looked comfortable running the show and he’s capable for stretching the field. TCU has given up 40 and 31 points in the last two weeks, which is thoroughly out of character for a Gary Patterson defense.

Each of the last two weeks, TCU has held a small halftime lead before getting blown out of the water in the second half. Ohio State outscored the Horned Frogs 27-14 after halftime and Texas won the second half 17-3.

Iowa State needs a strong start to keep in the game early, but I think the Cyclones have a similarly strong second half. If David Montgomery can get going and Noland hooks up with Hakeem Butler for a few big plays, I think Iowa State has enough to come out with its first conference victory of the season.

Noah Rohlfing

3-0

TCU 24, Iowa State 21

There’s not much hope for high entertainment in this one, I’m afraid.

The Horned Frogs have been most entertaining this year when they’ve self-destructed, flailing through the third quarters of losses to Ohio State and Texas. The Horned Frogs have been second-half turnover machines under Shawn Robinson, the first-year starting quarterback, and a defense like Iowa State’s could cause similar mayhem.

However, the TCU defense — as vulnerable as it has looked with its back against the wall the wall the past two weeks — is fierce and not to be messed with. Gary Patterson takes pride in suffocating teams on the defensive end, and at times this season his group has been overwhelming, only to be overturned by offensive catastrophes.

I am of the opinion that TCU will right the ship and limit turnovers, while Iowa State’s all-too-inconsistent offense will struggle against the 4-2-5 set the Horned Frogs have been rolling with for over a decade. A defensive slugfest will ensue, possibly one of downright Big Ten proportions.

In the end, the Cyclones’ inability to score touchdowns in the red zone may prove fatal. Iowa State falls to 1-3, with bowl eligibility still up in the air and pre-season conference championship hopes dashed.

Trevor Holbrook

2-1

Iowa State 28, TCU 24

The Cyclones keep rolling after their win over Akron.

The Horned Frogs have a tendency to turn the ball over, meaning Iowa State should have opportunities to put the ball back in redshirt sophomore Zeb Noland’s hands.

Meanwhile, Iowa State is dealing with turnover problems by its standards. I expect Iowa State to clean it up in its fourth game.

Another improvement lies in the Cyclone offensive line. Iowa State has rotated its offensive line throughout the first three games, but the unit should be building unity up front. After a rough performance against a solid Iowa defense, the linemen have improved from week-to-week.

The rushing game has been a product of the improved offensive line play. David Montgomery, a junior running back, surpassed 100-yards on the ground. I expect Iowa State to continue improving its offensive line, allowing Montgomery to accumulate solid yardage.

On defense, the Cyclones will force enough turnovers to assist an inconsistent offense.

Alex Gray, Limelight Editor

0-0

Iowa State 20, TCU 13

If there’s one thing I know about sports, it’s that matches are decided by the real athletes, the mascots. Looking objectively at Iowa State and TCU’s mascots, it’s obvious to any third party observer that a bird with the ability to survive the gale-force winds of a cyclone is stronger than a frog with spikes.

It won’t be an easy win for Iowa State by any means. I mean, the frog is covered in spikes. I’ve picked up my fair share of sharp animals, such as a porcupine, and I know that they can do some serious damage. But through sheer willpower and slick dance moves, I am confident Cy will overcome.

The football players will do some things as well, I think. If I had to throw out a wild guess, we will probably see someone score a touchdown, an offensive line or two will make an appearance and, if we’re lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of field goal.