TCU opened their Big 12 conference play with a 41-20 win over the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday. Here's five things Horned Frog fans need to know from the game:
TCU might've lost one of their biggest stars.
If KaVontae Turpin's injury is as serious as it seems, the Frogs will lose a major weapon. Turpin went down with an apparent left knee injury in the third quarter, and he went to the locker room for further examination. The diminutive return man and receiver has provided consistent jolts of energy to this team when they need it most. He'd been limited in this game, but that's mostly because Iowa State refused to kick him the ball. Pending official announcements from Patterson and his staff, Frog fans will be waiting with baited breath.
The running game was outstanding.
Kyle Hicks finally had his breakout day, running for 117 yards on just 12 attempts, including a 64 yard TD run. But Hicks wasn't the only one that impressed on Saturday. Four different Frogs scored on the ground, including Hicks, Kenny Hill, Derrick Green, and Trevorris Johnson. TCU totaled 230 yards rushing, and the offensive line got great leverage on the Cyclones' D. Offensive coordinators Sonny Cumbie and Doug Meecham may try to implement that run game more often to take pressure off Kenny Hill.
The secondary saw a new face.
Deanté Gray got the start at corner over Ranthony Texada on Saturday. Gray, of course, is a TCU wide receiver. He'd started one game at corner and did see spot duty in the secondary last season, but he's primarily featured in the slot when TCU has the ball. Gary Patterson said he'd have a surprise for Iowa State in the secondary, and Gray apparently fit that role. He performed well, with a tackle for loss and a pass breakup, but it remains to be seen if this was a permanent move for Gray or a wake-up call for Texada.
The defensive line had a big day.
TCU finally broke through on the defensive line, with 5 sacks against the Cyclones. Mat Boesen and LJ Collier came off the bench to contribute 1.5 sacks each, and the Frogs had 8 tackles for loss on the day. Iowa State had no returning starters on the offensive line from last year, so part of the Frogs' success could be blamed on their opponent's inexperience. Still, TCU played well defensively, as a whole shutting down allowing just one catch for 8 yards from star receiver Allen Lazard. This was a nice performance from a Horned Frog defense that has endured criticism all season.
The Frogs may have a special talent at punter.
It's rare we shed light on the punting unit, but TCU's Adam Nunez had a stellar day today. Patterson had talked all preseason about how much the redshirt had improved in summer and fall camps, and he displayed it today. Nunez downed 3 of his 6 punts inside the 20, and had 2 punts over 50 yards. After the departure of Ethan Perry, TCU needed to find a suitable replacement. Nunez has solidified his spot, and then some.
More coverage
For Gary Patterson, Frogs' lack of emotion overshadows TCU's victory vs. Iowa State
Patterson's player rating scale, and other quotables from TCU's win over ISU
Photos: TCU's Kyle Hicks shows off speed during 64-yard TD run in win over Iowa State
A massive potential loss for TCU, and a newfound weapon | Five takeaways from TCU-Iowa State
KaVontae Turpin helped off field against Iowa State
Horned Frogs shake off loss to Arkansas, roll past Iowa State 41-20