Three Potential Catalysts To Victory: Part III
When TCU traveled to Iowa State two weeks ago, most experts anticipated a close game, as the Cyclones were favored by three points. Even though Iowa State had not played very well to start the 2019 campaign, TCU was starting true freshman QB Max Duggan in his first Big 12 road game.
ISU jumped out with a touchdown to start the game, but Duggan and TCU responded with a field goal. Then the Horned Frogs defense forced a punt to get the ball back with a chance to take the lead. Momentum was clearly back on TCU's side.
The first play of the ensuing drive, Duggan held the ball too long in the pocket, and the Cyclones got a strip-sack, recovered the fumble, and scored a defensive touchdown after a short return. Iowa State went on to dominate the rest of the game, winning 49-24 in Ames.
It's amazing how one play can completely change the landscape of a football game.
Duggan beat out former Wildcat Alex Delton for the starting QB job at TCU earlier this year, and his stats are impressive. He has completed 54% of his passes for 742 yards, nine touchdowns, and more importantly, zero interceptions. The TCU offense is certainly predicated on the running game, but the freshman signal-caller has done an excellent job of taking care of the ball.
Look for that to change on Saturday. K-State defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton has had two weeks to prepare his unit to face the TCU offense, and I believe they'll show some different looks to confuse Duggan. Not only do I expect to see some exotic blitzes and disguised coverages, but I anticipate that the veteran K-State corners may try to jump a route early in the game if they know that a blitz is called.
TCU has also been extremely fumble-prone - star WR Jalen Reager has one fumble in both of the TCU Big 12 games. They also opened the season with seven (!!) fumbles in game one against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. They also had six fumbles in an embarrassing home loss to SMU, with Duggan responsible for three of those.
I really like K-State's chances on Saturday as they're facing a TCU team that is prone to putting the ball on the turf as well as having an inexperienced quarterback. Whether it's the defense creating turnovers, the special teams coming up with a big return, or one of the freshman playmakers making a big play on offense - look for the Cats to get a spark to get the season back on track.