With respect, I’m not so sure it’s a win for Ted Cruz - YET. The spotlight will be on him and whether he sticks to his principles or plays nice with Megyn Kelly and Nabela Noor (whoever the hell she is).
What I’m personally most interested in is: 1) How Ted Cruz comports himself when goaded to beat up on Trump; and 2) How he responds to the commentary of the Muslim apologist that Fox and Google are bringing in to ambush Trump. If he plays the politically-correct, wishy-washy “I know most Muslims are tolerant, loving, peaceful people and Islam is a peaceful religion...” B.S. (i.e., imitates Jeb Bush), I am done with him.
This debate will ultimately (and unintentionally - at least on the part of Fox) wash out more than a couple candidates for good. The question is, will Cruz be one of them?
Well, recovering the ball from a fumble is always in your favor, but as you say, it ain't no touchdown until you take it across the goal line.
The opportunity is currently an advantage to Cruz, but the opportunity has to be converted to something concrete or the opportunity is meaningless.