It is called the “Battle of the Iron Skillet,” and the 102nd meeting between SMU and TCU should be a good one. This is SMU’s final dress rehearsal before beginning its American Athletic Conference schedule.
These teams are close in proximity, as it is less than an hour’s drive (depending on traffic) for SMU from Dallas to Fort Worth. This should also be a game where the offenses enjoy a big afternoon.
Any series that can last for 102 games has to enjoy a great deal of importance. It is also bragging rights and more importantly great for a recruiting pitch in the fertile Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond in Texas.
In addition, both teams appear to be contenders in their respective conferences, SMU in the AAC and TCU in the Big 12.
SMU-TCU Game On TV
SMU will play at TCU at noon ET on Saturday, and the game will be televised on FS1.
When Was The Last Time SMU Played TCU?
On Sept. 24, 2022, TCU defeated SMU 42-34.
This was an expected offensive showcase as the teams combined for 963 yards from scrimmage. TCU led by as much as 28-7 in the second quarter. SMU eventually cut the lead to 42-34 on Tanner Mordecai’s 35-yard scoring pass to Jake Bailey with just 1:04 left.
Max Duggan completed 22 of 29 passes for 278 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Mordecai was 27 of 49 for 372 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Twelve different players caught at least one pass for TCU. Derius Davis had three receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown for the Horned Frogs, while Kendre Miller rushed for 142 yards and a score on 17 carries.
SMU’s Tre Siggers rushed for 60 yards and three touchdowns, and teammate Jake Bailey had eight receptions for 163 yards and a score.
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SMU Football Preview
The Mustangs opened with a solid 38-14 home win over Louisiana Tech, then lost 28-11 at Oklahoma before bouncing back for last week’s 69-0 victory over Prairie View A&M.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Preston Stone has completed 62.7% of his passes for 798 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. Against Oklahoma, he completed 26 of 45 throws for 250 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
While not much can be gleaned from last week’s rout, the Oklahoma game paints a more realistic picture. SMU allowed four touchdown passes, but it would have been more competitive had the Mustangs not thrown two interceptions and had a punt blocked. The Mustangs actually outgained Oklahoma 367-365.
Strong safety Jonathan McGill, a graduate transfer from Stanford, and linebacker Ahmad Walker, a junior transfer from Liberty, share the team lead with 15 tackles.
TCU Football Preview
The Horned Frogs have faced a major rebuilding job after losing a good number of players from last year’s 13-2 team that advanced to the national championship before being humbled by Georgia, 65-7. A school-record eight players were selected in the NFL Draft.
TCU opened the season with a 45-42 home loss to Colorado. Since then, the Horned Frogs beat visiting Nicholls 41-6 and last week won 36-13 at Houston in their opening Big 12 game.
TCU outscored Houston 16-0 in the second half.
In the two wins, TCU has not allowed an offensive touchdown.
Against Houston, redshirt freshman Chandler Morris completed 24 of 37 passes for 314 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Morris also rushed for 54 yards. Junior Emani Bailey rushed for 126 yards and a score.
For the season, Morris has completed 67.8% of his passes for 876 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. Bailey has rushed for 357 yards and one touchdown.
Not known for its defense, TCU held Houston to 266 total yards from scrimmage. TCU recorded six sacks, including two by redshirt freshman defensive end Paul Oyewale. For the season, Ojewale has 10 tackles and three sacks.
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SMU-TCU Prediction
I predict TCU will cover the spread at -6.5.
Everybody downgraded the Horned Frogs after the opening loss to Colorado, but since then, it appears as if the Buffaloes, who were 1-11 last year, are vastly improved under head coach Deion Sanders.
TCU is coming off its best game of the season, while SMU gained nothing by routing Prairie View A&M. This game will come down to which young quarterback makes the fewest mistakes.
Both teams have several transfers who are getting accustomed to a new system, but TCU should come in confident after its road win at Houston. SMU is certainly capable of winning, but the feeling is that TCU will make fewer mistakes and win by a touchdown.
