TCU Looks Forward to Season Opener
TCU will kick off its 2020 football season this Saturday against Big 12 opponent Iowa State. TCU will be trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2019, which saw the Horned Frogs finish with a measly 5-7 record missing out on a bowl game for the first time since 2013.
On the Offensive Side
Sophomore quarterback Matthew Downing will lead the team as the starting quarterback. Still, head coach Garry Patterson said that he intends on using all the quarterbacks on TCU’s roster throughout the game, including sophomore Max Duggan and JUCO transfer Stephon Brown.
Coach Patterson has made it clear that no matter which quarterback is throwing the ball, the number one receiver will be Nebraska transfer, JD Spielman. Coach Patterson stated that “Number one, I think he has a chance to be our starting punt returner; he’s a good specialist.”. As Saturday, be on the lookout for TCU to get Spielman involved early by running some quick passes and screens to take advantage of his quickness and elusiveness.
Iowa State Threats
While TCU will be kicking off for the first time this season, Iowa State has already played a game. Losing to the Rajun Cajun’s of Louisiana 31-14. Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy was held to just 16-35, passing with 145 pass yards. Purdy, who dominated TCU last year, will have a bounce-back opportunity against an opponent he is familiar with. Last year Purdy put up 309 total yards against TCU with a total of four touchdowns. TCU’s defense will have to stop the dual-threat abilities of Purdy to win this contest.
Score Prediction
For this game, you can be sure it will be highly contested with a lot of offense. The final outcome will most likely be decided by whichever team can take advantage of the opportunities given to them by their opponent. Iowa State is the more experienced team with many returning starters. They are also coming off an embarrassing loss and are looking to prove that it was a fluke. However, TCU is the favorite by 2.5 points, and I have them winning this one 28-24 over the Cyclones.
Story by: Ryan Scott, Sports Journalist Intern for Campus Live
