Iowa State Football: 2018 Game-by-game predictions
5. TCU (Sept. 29)
Another game that brought the Cyclones into national relevancy last year was their upset of then No. 4 TCU in Jack Trice. Despite the game pitting two Big 12 schools, defense ruled this game as Iowa State forced three TCU turnovers, including the game-clinching interception by linebacker Marcel Spears as the Cyclones pulled out a shocking 14-7 win, their first win against TCU since their 2011 upset of the Horned Frogs.
TCU enters the 2018 season with some questions offensively. Kenny “Trill” Hill led the charge at quarterback last year but has since graduated. While inconsistent at times, Hill led the TCU offense with poise, something sophomore quarterback Shawn Robinson needs to do to keep the ball rolling for Gary Patterson. The Horned Frogs also return junior running back Darius Anderson, who averaged six yards per carry last season as a sophomore.
This game is one of the few coin flip games on Iowa State’s schedule this year if you ask me. There is no doubt in my mind TCU will be out for revenge and they have the home field advantage to back them up. However, Iowa State is not afraid of road environments and have shown that many times. This is a back and forth affair that TCU will pull out in the closing minutes, unfortunately.