Iowa State @ TCU

Scouting Report for Iowa State Cyclones (3-1) vs. TCU Horned Frogs (4-0)
October 5, 2012- Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX


Iowa State: The Cyclones were in the game against Texas Tech for the most part. But after taking a 13-7 lead late in the 3rd quarter, the Red Raiders had 17 unanswered points (24-13).

A.J. Klein helped the Cyclones draw first blood with an 84 YD INT return late in the first quarter. But as well as the defense did, the offense had struggled on all but one drive. Steele Jantz was picked off 3 times and lost a fumble. Ernst Brun (2 catches 11 YDS)had caught the lone TD pass, but also had the ball separated from him in the 4th quarter (Jantz's second INT). James White and Shontrelle Johnson combined for 5.6 YPC on 18 carries to help move the offense.

TCU: Despite a rainy night in Dallas, the Horned Frogs were able to bring the Iron Skillet back to Fort Worth. While the offense had some issues, the TCU defense had little trouble against the struggling SMU offense.

Casey Pachall threw for only 107 yards (38.4 % completions), but had 2 touchdown passes to keep the Mustangs from taking the lead. However, they only scored 3 points in the second half and almost let the Ponies back in the game. The Frog defense picked off Garrett Gilbert 5 times. Jason Verrett had 2 INTs and Elisha Olabode had the longest return with 51 yards (set up a score).

What to watch for: Pachall is suspended indefinitely after a DWI arrest on Thursday. Trevone Boykin who has been the Wildcat quarterback should help keep the Cyclone defense at bay. Boykin has only missed one pass (10 attempts) this season, but it's his running ability (122 YDS on 12 carries) that might be the Frogs best chance to win.

Conclusion: Boykin has played in every game this season and should be OK. However, the Iowa State defense led by Klein and Jake Knott could be the difference and make a long outing for the TCU offense. Especially since SMU was able to get Pachall in the second half. If Jantz continues to struggle like he did last week, someone new will be making his name known on the Horned Frog defense.

Prediction: TCU by 9.

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