TCU Football: What Did We Learn from the Iowa State Game

After a 27-14 defeat in Ames, the Horned Frogs looked like a different team. Breaking down what we learned from the game and what it means for the rest of the season.

TCU traveled into Ames looking for a win to rebound after a sloppy, heartbreaking loss to West Virginia. Instead, they traveled back to Fort Worth with more questions than answers. The offense struggled, the Frogs might be without Chandler Morris for a few weeks, and special teams struggled again. The only bright spot of this game was the defense yet again played their heart out and gave the Horned Frogs another chance to win a game they had no business being close in. Continue reading below as I break down the negatives and positives of the game and the impact it will have on the rest of the season. 

What did we learn from TCU's loss to Iowa State? :: Tony Beblowski/KillerFrogs

The Negatives

Chandler Morris injury

When things were already looking bad for the offense, the sport found a way to make it worse. Chandler Morris came down with a knee injury. At the time of writing this, the official result of his injury has not been released, but assuming he misses a week, it could not have come at a worse time. While Morris hasn't been perfect, he gives the Horned Frogs the best chance to win the games. Josh Hoover did go into the game and played well after settling in, but an already struggling offense will need to rely on a freshman backup for a spark they so desperately need.

The Miscues

The game's first interception came from Morris. He was throwing an in-route to JP Richardson, but JPR sat on the route for a hitch. Okay, cool, miscommunication, no big deal. It is still early in the season. Oh, wait, it was Week Six of the season? The Horned Frogs still have miscommunication issues in Week Six of the season. The halfway point of the season and the minor mistakes that hurt the Frogs at the beginning of the season are still happening. Sonny Dykes has said after every loss this season that the little things need to be cleaned up, and they need to do a better job coaching so these issues are prevented. Going into Week Seven, they are still happening, and it begs the question: is this the players' fault or the coaches'?

Jordy Sandy

The average punt distance in college football is 42.5 yards. Jordy Sandy's longest punt of the day yesterday was 38 yards. 38 YARDS. The average distance his punt traveled was 33.7 yards yesterday. In a game where your offense struggles as much as it was, you must help your defense by flipping the field. Special teams have been an issue, and the Frogs should not have them with the veteran players back there.

The Positives

The Defense

In a game where your offense allows four turnovers and the opposing team starts with a fantastic field position, allowing only 27 points, it deserves praise. The defense had no takeaways, which is rare for them, but they did the job they were asked to do. I have said it every week, and I will continue to say it: this team only does so far as the defense allows. That statement has never been more important than following this week.

TCU Football Suffers Ugly Loss Against Iowa State

While this has not been the season that Horned Frog fans have wanted, there has never been a more critical time than now to show out and show your love for this team. Yes, of course, you are right to be upset, but also imagine how these players dictating the game's result feel. They need more support now than ever, so do not give up on the season or these players. Next week, when BYU comes to town, fans must show up and be loud because this week could ultimately determine if there is hope for the season or if the Horned Frogs should turn their focus to the 2024 season and start developing players. 

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