Ames, Iowa-- The TCU Horned Frogs looked like they might have to come back late in the game again. Freshman receiver KaVontae Turpin left the game in the first half and safety Denzel Johnson was ejected for targeting. The defense had to dig even deeper to stop the Iowa State Cyclones. The Cyclones moved the ball well early but the TCU defense strengthen up in the second half.
The game was tied at 21 late in the second quarter and TCU kicked a field goal as time expired in the first half to take a 24-21 lead. The Frogs started with the ball to start the second half and outscored the Cyclones 21-0 over the final 60 minutes. The defense played well and forced a couple of fumbles.
There was a huge hit on a second half kickoff by TCU safety Derrick Kindred that literally dropped Trevone Boykin's jaw. It was a monster hit that provided TCU with a lot of energy. The defense was able to hold running back Mike Warren to just 78 yards and one touchdown on 22 carries. They also held quarterback Sam Richardson to 251 yards through the air.
The offense for TCU continued to impress. Heisman candidate Trevone Boykin finished with 436 yards and three touchdowns through the air and was also the teams leading rusher with 74 yards and a touchdown. Another potential Heisman contender in Josh Doctson finished with 10 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns, despite taking a huge hit in the first half. Kolby Listenbee finished with six receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown.
TCU gets a bye this week and it is much needed. This team is banged up and a week off can only help. They will return and play West Virginia on a Thursday night game in Fort Worth. After that they will play at Oklahoma State, - Kansas, at Oklahoma, and - Baylor. TCU will be tested in their remaining games playing some of the best teams in the Big 12.
As for injuries, wide receiver KaVontae Turpin's status has not been stated and cornerback Torrance Mosley who hasn't played the past few weeks should be ready for their next game. Losing Turpin would be huge if that is the case which it doesn't seem to be. He has been a spark for this team and is a big time play maker. He had a return for 60 yards and had just one catch for 11 yards before he got hurt in the first quarter. Hopefully he will be back on the field for the Frogs when they play West Virginia.
The Frogs are past the midway point of the year and they are 7-0. They will need to play good football to keep winning and hopefully play better defense in the first half of games moving forward.