2-Minute Drill: The TCU Horned Frogs

Two-minute drill: The TCU Horned Frogs

 TCU Horned Frogs (3-6, 1-5) at Iowa State Cyclones (1-7, 0-5)

 Iowa State Rush Offense vs. TCU Rush Defense

Aaron Wimberly is expected to return from a hamstring injury and that's big news. Against Texas, the lithe but skilled tailback became the first Cyclone runner to post back-to-back 100-yard rushing efforts since Alexander Robinson in 2010. Yes, it had been that long. He hasn't played at all the past two weeks and former doghouse denizen DeVondrick Nealy's been solid in his absence. (Slight) Advantage: TCU.

 Iowa State Pass Offense vs. TCU Pass Defense

Sam Richardson or Grant Rohach? Cyclone coach Paul Rhoads said he'd like to be settled on a starting quarterback heading into Saturday, but may be forced to make a gut decision. It won't be easy keeping either one upright. The Horned Frogs lead the Big 12 in both sacks (26) and interceptions (17). Possibly getting Jacob Gannon back at tackle in a limited role should boost ISU's protection. Advantage: TCU.

 TCU Rush Offense vs. Iowa State Rush Defense

Rushing defense has been a weakness - and, briefly, a strength - for the Cyclones this season. TCU may provide a much-needed tonic. The Horned frogs rank last in the Big 12 in rushing at 119.9 yards per game. Third-leading rusher Waymon James has been suspended indefinitely. Top producer B.J. Catalon also could be out, but in his case, it's an injury. Advantage: Iowa State

 TCU Pass Offense vs. Iowa State Pass Defense

Quarterback Casey Pachall missed several games with a broken arm. He returned two weeks ago and is coming off a 394-yard, three touchdown, two interception performance in an overtime loss to West Virginia. He doesn't run much anymore, so pressure will be key. ISU defensive coordinator Wally Burnham has dialed up blitzes more than usual and produced two sacks at Kansas State.  (Slight) Advantage: TCU

 Special teams

Cole Netten of Edwin Arceo? Rhoads intimated he was close to starting a placekicking competition again after watching the two-minute drill play out in Wednesday's practice. So there's that. Big returns from Wimberly and/or Albert Gary could help ISU halt a five-game skid and TCU's awfully accommodating. The Horned Frogs rank 110th nationally in punt return defense and 103rd in kick return defense. Advantage: Iowa State

 Intangibles

ISU's long overdue for a Texas-like performance, where guys fit gaps on defense and offensive players bolt to explosive plays. Most fans are keeping the faith - granted, while longingly looking toward 2014 and basketball season openers - and another big crowd should offer ample support. The Cyclones haven't won at home in more than a year and, as linebacker and spiritual leader Jeremiah George said after the Kansas State loss, he just wants to sing the fight song to the fans again. It's been a while. That means something to him and other seniors that want to go out on an uptick, even though the customary bowl bid is beyond the scope of reality. TCU's a mess. But the Horned Frogs can play, especially on defense. Bowl chances, however dim, remain in place for them. (Slight) Advantage: Iowa State.

 Iowa State will win if ... The turnover margin swings in its favor for the first time in a month. The Cyclones have been minus-two or worse in each of the past three games. Punching holes in TCU's second-ranked rushing defense (126.9 yards per game) will be necessary. The swift and slippery Wimberly gives ISU the best chance of doing that.

 TCU will win if ... it can establish a running game for the first time against a team other than Kansas. B.J. Catalon is a dangerous runner - but he's likely out with injury. If last week is any indication, Pachall is fully back as a productive quarterback. His replacement, Trevone Boykin made 11 catches for 100 yards in last week's loss.

 Prediction: TCU 24, Iowa State 17

 Three things to watch

 Iowa State's quarterback(s)

Regardless of who takes the first snaps- and Grant Rohach is atop the depth chart, it's finishing that's the more dicey proposition. Banged-up Sam Richardson's started and been replaced in the past three games. If either Rohach or Richardson can go a full game, perhaps a positive rhythm can be established, more connections should occur.

 Iowa State's secondary

Interceptions, anyone? Secondary coach Troy Douglas is adroit at recruiting and developing ball-hawking players, so for there to be three picks all season, that's a head scratcher. Freshman Nigel Tribune continues to gain steam as a starter and he may be the one to break through with a couple INTs and make that now-low number go viral.

Pressure off the edge and up the middle

TCU's Terrell Lathan, Jon Lewis, Sam Carter and James McFarland. Get used to hearing and reading those names. Those are the Horned Frogs' top sack producers and combined they own 13.5 QB takedowns. TCU mostly gets team sacks. It starts on the back end. And Carter's come on blitzes. All four of them will be back next season.