TCU begins decisive stretch against Iowa State

TCU still is eyeing a return to the Big 12 Championship Game.

And the Horned Frogs have plenty of games remaining against teams ahead of them in the standings.

If that hope is to stay alive, though, TCU figures to need to sweep its November slate, starting with Saturday's matchup against Iowa State in Fort Worth, Texas.

"You have to turn it up in November because everybody else is," Horned Frogs tight end Chase Curtis said. "... You've got to win now."

TCU (6-2, 3-2 Big 12) comes into the game on a two-game winning streak, and is looking to maintain that momentum after a week off.

The Horned Frogs have won seven consecutive home games dating back to last October.

After starting the season 5-0, the Cyclones (5-4, 2-4) have dropped four consecutive games.

Three of those losses have come by eight or fewer points, including last week's 24-19 setback to Arizona State.

"I said inches last week, we were probably at like centimeters," Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. "You're talking just a fabric away from where you want to be. ... The challenges have been fast and furious and every game is different."

The matchup will be a return to where Cyclones' quarterback Rocco Becht made his first significant impact.

In 2022 in Fort Worth, Becht entered early in the second half after starter Hunter Dekkers was hurt, completing seven of 13 passes for 65 yards and an interception in a 62-14 loss.

Becht has blossomed from there, becoming a three-year starter.

Even though Iowa State has struggled recently, Campbell said he was happy with Becht's progression.

"Playing really good football," Campbell said. "Our consistency, globally, on the offensive side of the football has to be better. ... What Rocco is doing is he's certainly giving us a chance to win every Saturday."

Becht is one score away from breaking Brock Purdy's school record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

TCU comes into the game 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 in passing offense, averaging 301.5 yards through the air, but is 108th in rushing offense.

The Cyclones' attack has been much more balanced.

Iowa State is one of three teams nationally with two players with 550 yards or more rushing. Carson Hansen (613) and Abu Sama (558) have split the load for the Cyclones.

TCU coach Sonny Dykes said he expected wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV to be available after dealing with injuries in recent weeks.

Though Manjack has yet to miss a game, he has just one catch for eight yards in the last three games after having 20 catches for 301 yards and two touchdowns over the first five games.

The Cyclones figure to be without tight end Ben Brahmer, who was carted off the field in last week's loss to Arizona State after taking a big hit late in the game.

Iowa State also remains without safety Ta'shawn James, who has a team-high five pass breakups, and linebacker Will McLaughlin.

Iowa State has won four of the last five meetings between the programs, including a 27-14 win in Ames in 2023.

-Field Level Media