As the college football season progresses, teams are either bolstering their College Football Playoff hopes or watching them evaporate. TCU still has a chance, but they’re facing a tough Iowa State team on Saturday.
Saturday’s matchup in Fort Worth carries huge implications, and our Iowa State vs. TCU prediction features the PFSN grades that could define the result, a detailed breakdown, historical head-to-head, and the final score projection for this must-watch matchup.
Iowa State vs. TCU Details
- Date:Â Saturday, Nov. 8
- Game time:Â 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location:Â Amon G. Carter Stadium | Fort Worth, TX
- Predicted weather at kick: 79°, Clear
- How to watch:Â FOX, Fox Sports App, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV
Iowa State vs. TCU Head-to-Head Record
Prior to TCU joining the Big 12 in 2012, the Horned Frogs and Cyclones played only three times. Since then, they’ve faced each other every season except last year. If you enjoy offense, this series delivers in that department.
The winning team scored 30 or more points in four of the last five matchups, and that trend appears set to continue this weekend. Both defenses continue to struggle on that side of the ball this year, potentially putting stress on the scoreboard.
TCU holds a 9-6 lead in this series but has lost four of the last five games. Iowa State hasn’t struggled to score against the Horned Frogs’ defense recently, so they’re hoping that continues in 2025.
Iowa State vs. TCU Grades
- Iowa State (80.1, B-)
- TCU (83.1, B)
- Iowa State (78.7, C+)
- TCU (77.7, C+)
- Iowa State (89.5, B+)
- TCU (77.5, C+)
- Rocco Becht (80.6, B-)
- Josh Hoover (89.7, B+)
- Carson Hansen (82.5, B-)
- Kevorian Barnes (76.8, C)
- Brett Eskildsen (75.9, C)
- Eric McAlister (81.2, B-)
- Gabe Burkle (78.6, C+)
- DJ Rogers (81.1, B-)
- Tamatoa McDounough (70.2, C-)
- Devean Deal (79.1, C+)
- Domonique Orange (75.8, C)
- Zach Chapman (79.8, C+)
- Caleb Bacon (73.2, C)
- Kaleb Elarms-Orr (83, B)
- Jeremiah Cooper (90.1, A-)
- Vernon Glover (81, B-)
- Ta’Shawn James (85.2, B)
- Jamel Johnson (85.8, B)
Iowa State vs. TCU Prediction
Iowa State’s season started strong with five consecutive wins, but the Cyclones followed that with four straight losses. It’s been a tough stretch, and facing this TCU offense puts even more pressure on them to get things right.
One of the most obvious observations is how Rocco Becht misses Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. The two former 1,000-yard receivers left major holes in the passing attack, and the Cyclones haven’t fully recovered. Their rushing attack remains consistent, but Iowa State needs Becht to elevate his game to balance the offense.
Josh Hoover’s stock cooled off a little this year, but the kid can still sling a football like the best of them. As long as Eric McAlister stays healthy, the passing attack remains a major challenge for a Cyclones defense ranked 60th against the pass.
While TCU still has an outside chance at the Big 12 title game and the College Football Playoff, both remain in play. That might create added pressure for the Horned Frogs, which could affect this game. Iowa State’s lofty preseason goals are gone, so they should be loose in this matchup.
Prediction: TCU 31, Iowa State 28
