I think his strategy is to win Iowa first. He has the money and the organization to exploit that win to the max. trump has been so boastful that the loss in Iowa will create a media firestorm that will be impossible for him to control. And he will personally be sent reeling.
Sen. Cruz can then continue his very positive campaign and not have to attack anyone, including trump.
That’s their prayer (a media firestorm). Hmmmm... does anyone in the media pray?