After falling to West Virginia 30-27 in overtime last week, TCU (3-6) looks to get back on track against Iowa State (1-7), who comes into the game on a five-game losing streak.
Here’s who to watch for each team:
TCU
Casey Pachall, Quarterback, Senior
After last week’s performance in the Frogs’ overtime loss to West Virginia, Pachall is a must-watch player this Saturday. Pachall threw for career-high 40 completions in 58 attempts for a season-high of 394 yards passing. Pachall certainly had some words for his teammates after the game, when he said they needed to “look down deep inside themselves and figure out whether they really love playing the game or not.” This may signify an emerging change in Pachall’s leadership style, which could appear against Iowa State both in the huddle and on the sidelines.
Trevone Boykin, Wide Receiver/Quarterback, Sophomore
Trevone Boykin should stay at wide receiver for the remainder of the season. Boykin had his first solid game of 2013 against West Virginia, catching a game-high 11 passes for 100 yards. The former starting quarterback looked more comfortable running short routes and utilizing his agility to evade defenders after the catch.
Josh Doctson, Wide Receiver, Sophomore & David Porter, Wide Receiver, Junior
In the absence of Brandon Carter, these two wideouts stepped up against West Virginia. Each player caught eight passes last Saturday, with Porter grabbing two touchdowns and Doctson getting one. Porter had a big game earlier this season against Kansas, but both wide receivers have greatly increased production following the return of Casey Pachall. If Pachall keeps up his aerial assault, Doctson and Porter may find their numbers being called on more and more.
ISU
Grant Rohach, Quarterback, Redshirt Freshman
In a year that has seen Iowa State all but fizzle out entirely, the Cyclones have turned to freshman quarterback Grant Rohach. In three appearances this season, Rohach has thrown for 250 yards and two touchdowns, although he has yet to start a game under center. A week ago against Kansas State, Rohach relieved sophomore quarterback Sam Richardson for the third week in a row, and has now found himself at the top of the depth chart against TCU. Look for Rohach to make an impression in his first start as a Cyclone.
Quenton Bundrage, Wide Receiver, Sophomore
Quenton Bundrage has been electric for the Cyclones in 2013, leading the team with 30 catches for 451 yards and six touchdowns through eight games this season. Following reports that TCU cornerback Jason Verrett could be sidelined this weekend due to injury, Bundrage will likely feel confident going up against TCU’s secondary. To help quarterback Grant Rohach make the most of his first start, Bundrage will have to make himself a threat. Look for him to cause problems for the Frogs’ secondary on Saturday.
DeVondrick Nealy, Running Back, Sophomore
With preferred starting running back Aaron Wimberly once again listed as questionable for Saturday due to a hamstring injury, sophomore running back DeVondrick Nealy could see an increase in snaps this week. The Frogs allowed 148 yards on the ground against West Virginia and were unable to slow down Charles Sims. Nealy will be surely be looking to pick up right where Sims left off and test the TCU defensive line, which has struggled without leader Devonte Fields. For a player such as Nealy, who has found himself third in the depth-chart for most of the season, it will be essential to make the most of every snap he gets on Saturday.