Iowa State
Running Back Room
Carson Hansen and Abu Sama have clearly been the most consistent group for the Cyclone offense so far this year. While they’ve had their own battles with injuries and low output games,
it almost seems that even when one of them struggles, the other one picks up the load and has a breakout game. Hansen has 113 carries for 613 yards while Sama has 103 carries for 558 yards. Both averaging 5.4 yards per carry and both have found the end zone four times on the ground. For reference, both were at 5.0 yards per carry or under last year and they had a similar split of carries (Hansen was much more touchdown-heavy last year at 13 scores) across the board. These guys are consistent, they have the ability to step up when the other is having an off game, and they know how to help the offense. If Iowa State is to get out of this losing streak this week, one of (or both) of these guys has to be the catalyst.
TCU
Josh Hoover
Maybe a bit of a softball answer here, but it’s a softball for a reason…
Josh Hoover is very good.
185/285 for 2,371 yards, 22 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions as the Horned Frogs sit at 6-2 on the year. TCU has dropped just two games in the conference, and both of them were on the road. In his four home games this year, Hoover has thrown for 231 and 3TD, 275 and 4TD, 379 and 5TD, and 337 and 4TD along with just a single interception at Amon G. Carter Stadium. He’s been every bit the difference maker TCU has needed him to be, especially at home, and the Cyclones will have their hands full on Saturday, particularly given the latest injury report that shows more injuries along the secondary where Hoover and the Frogs will most certainly be looking to take this game by the reigns.
