However, TCU is no easy win. The Horned Frogs come into this weekend currently in Playoff position. Their offense, led by quarterback Kenny Hill, ranks in the top 10 in all of college football in points scored per game. The Cyclones will have starting linebacker Joel Lanning to lead ISU’s defense. Not only a standout on defense, but Lanning also gets snaps at quarterback, even starting a couple of games as the Cyclones signal-caller earlier in his career. Moreover, with the Cyclones scoring at least 30 points in every victory, the TCU defense cannot underestimate this tough Iowa State team.
The Horned Frogs at (7-0) currently sit atop the Big 12 standings with Iowa State closely behind at number two. A win for the Cyclones could propel them to their first Big 12 Conference Championship ever. While Iowa State is looking for their first conference championship, the Horned Frogs have National Championship hopes, going 79 years without a national title in football.
Kenny Hill and TCU will still have to visit Baker Mayfield and No. 10 Oklahoma in November to keep their goals for this season alive. A TCU loss this week would bust the Big 12 wide open, with the Cyclones sitting at the top, followed by three one-loss teams in the mix. This matchup has the potential to be one of the most exciting, and important games of the season that no one saw coming.
However, a fairytale ending for the Cyclones is hard to envision with TCU’s dominance this season as one of only seven schools remaining undefeated going into week nine.
Prediction: Horned Frogs get the win in Iowa 35-31 in a high scoring, but close conference matchup.