TCU shoots to bounce back against Iowa State
After failing to hold off the Razorbacks last Saturday, will TCU make amends in its conference opener?
Gary Patterson’s program welcomes Iowa State to town this weekend. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI currently list the Horned Frogs, who just tumbled out of the rankings, as 24.5-point favorites. The over/under is 62.
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TCU (1-1) started fast against Arkansas, but a bevy of defensive issues ultimately doomed the home squad. Bret Bielema’s troops snatched a 41-38 overtime triumph thanks largely to an unrelenting air raid. Chad Glasgow’s secondary has now surrendered three touchdown passes in each of the first two contests.
Expect Matt Campbell, the Cyclones’ new head coach, to try to exploit the same weakness. Of course, quarterback Joel Lanning (three interceptions through eight quarters) doesn’t exactly seem at ease with the game plan. If the junior struggles early, Jacob Park could get heavy reps as the action wears on.
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In any event, ISU (0-2) must put the ball in tailback Mike Warren’s gut and play keep-away from Kenny Hill. The Horned Frogs’ signal-caller continues to torch foes, having already thrown for 816 yards and adding another 138 on the ground. His lone mistake: an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty late in the fourth quarter of the Arkansas tilt.
Those in attendance at Amon G. Carter Stadium probably don’t know what to expect from their guys at the moment. On paper, however, we’re looking at a decided mismatch. If TCU’s much-maligned D can’t handle Iowa State’s moribund offense, Fort Worth may want to begin thinking about 2017. But let’s not jump to rash conclusions quite yet.
FRIDAY NCAA FREE PICK: TCU -24.5