Iowa State Football: Ranking Cyclones’ 2020 opponents by toughness

TCU going just 5-7 and missing a bowl game last season was shocking. While the Horned Frogs weren’t expected to contend for the Big 12 title, many believed Gary Patterson would create some magic yet again.

The Horned Frogs found their starting quarterback in sophomore Max Duggan who broke out as a freshman for 2,007 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air and another 555 yards and six scores on the ground. He’ll be back to lead the offense and with him under center, the outlook for the Horned Frogs is positive.

Patterson’s defense returns four starters to the best unit in the entire Big 12 last season. TCU will look to replicate that, and the talent is there to do so. This will be a tough game.

Charlie Brewer may very well be the best returning quarterback in the Big 12 for 2020, rivaling Brock Purdy, so this is going to be one heck of a battle.

A year ago, Iowa State found itself down big to Baylor in Waco and then roared back to make it 23-21 but ultimately couldn’t piece together a final blow to complete the comeback. Revenge will be on the minds of the Cyclones here which will help their chances, along with the fact that this is a home game for Iowa State.

Baylor has a new head coach, only two starters on defense returning and Denzel Mims has moved on. The Bears may take a slight step back this season.