Cyclone 2-Minute Drill: TCU Horned Frogs

ISU RUSH OFFENSE VS. TCU RUSH DEFENSE

Iowa State found a rushing attack against Kansas and Texas Tech, but hit a bit of a wall in the loss to West Virginia. The Cyclones rushed for just 135 yards as a team and averaged 3.4 yards per carry. Against TCU, things might prove to be just as difficult. The Horned Frogs simply don't let teams run the ball, holding opponents to 120.1 yards per game and 3.0 yards per carry, good for third in the Big 12. Advantage: TCU

ISU PASS OFFENSE VS. TCU PASS DEFENSE

Junior quarterback Sam Richardson is 10th nationally and third in the conference in completions per game (23.8) and has plenty of targets in the passing game. The ISU offense did miss the production of tight end E.J. Bibbs against West Virginia, and a determination will be made on Saturday if he will play. D'Vario Montgomery, Allen Lazard and Tad Ecby all provide options for Richardson, but he must continue to make favorable decisions against the Horned Frogs opportunistic defense. Advantage: Iowa State

TCU RUSH OFFENSE VS. ISU RUSH DEFENSE

Since the loss of Jevohn Miller, the rush defense of Iowa State has been suspect to say the least. Throw in Brandon Jensen's absence and other nagging injuries, and it's tough to stop opponents. The Cyclones gave up 285 yards on the ground against West Virginia and allow an average of 250.7 yards. TCU is the third best rushing team in the Big 12 and will give the ISU front seven fits. Advantage: TCU

TCU PASS OFFENSE VS. ISU PASS DEFENSE

While the ISU secondary has started to mature as the season nears an end, they'll come up with one of their biggest challenges of the year. TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin has tossed 26 touchdowns this season and averages 295.8 yards passing and will be in contention for the Heisman Trophy. The Cyclones allowed 285 yards through the air against West Virginia, and the Horned Frogs will likely look to throw it quite a bit early. Advantage: TCU

SPECIAL TEAMS

Iowa State is one move away at any time in the return game - kickoffs or punts - but it will be the sure foot of TCU kicker Jaden Oberkrom that can be a weapon for the Horned Frogs. He is second in the Big 12 in field goal percentage (83.3) on 24 attempts. He also has 39 touchbacks on kickoffs, not easily allowing returners to have a chance against the Horned Frogs' coverage. Advantage: TCU

ISU WILL WIN IF ...

It executes near perfect in every phase of the game while TCU doesn't play up to its potential. The ISU offense will need to make the plays in front of them and control the tempo of the game, while the defense will need to fill the gaps that have allowed teams in the second half of this season to have so much success.

TCU WILL WIN IF ...

It plays at the level that will essentially leave no doubt it belongs in the College Football Playoffs. The Horned Frogs jumped to No. 3 in the rankings this week and if they can pick up their 11th win of the season against the Cyclones, TCU is almost guaranteed a spot in the final four.

TCU 56, Iowa State 20

- Dylan Montz