The SMU Mustangs, led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, topped TCU 66-42 and led by as much as 41 points in the fourth quarter. The outcome of this year’s Iron Skillet rivalry shocked fans as TCU was blown out by a team that scored zero offensive points in their week two matchup.
The heartbreaking loss looked all too familiar for TCU fans: some took to Twitter to express their distraught feelings about how Saturday’s game went and the future of the program.
It seems like TCU football can only improve from here. This week’s opponent, the Kansas Jayhawks, are currently last in the Big 12 with a record of 1-3 (conf. 0-1). TCU isn’t much better, sitting at third-to-last with a 2-2 record (conf. 0-1).
Another lethal run game
The Jayhawks enter week five with three straight losses under their belt, and it’s been a rough start for quarterback Jalon Daniels.
He’s thrown seven interceptions through four games, three of those from the Illinois matchup.
Kansas’ running back Devin Neal has been great for the Jayhawks, leading the team in rushing yards with 448.
The Kansas offense poses a deep threat to TCU with a strong run game: TCU allowed 527 rushing yards in from UCF and SMU combined.
UCF and SMU’s running backs have a similar build to Kansas’ Neal, who is 5 feet and 10 inches tall and 200 pounds. The smaller build gives the running backs an advantage to be more evasive and find gaps in the defense.
Neal already has three rushing touchdowns this season and has the potential to tack on more if TCU can’t correct their defensive shortcomings.
All eyes are on Dykes, Avalos and Briles
The pressure is on for TCU to turn things around in Arrowhead Stadium this week. Serious questions are circulating about the future of the current coaching staff. The Frogs haven’t had the start they hoped for, but losing by over 20 points to a team that has appeared inconsistent isn’t a good look, and fans are losing trust.
Dykes was ejected from the SMU game for the first time in his 15-year career.
Dykes was distraught after the loss to SMU and surprised by the outcome. “We’ve got to do a better job of stopping the run,” he said. “I think it’s obviously, painfully clear to anybody, you know, we’re giving up too many yards, specifically on early downs.”
In this week’s press conference, Dykes said that the intensity of practice was good and he’s seen improvements, but what does that mean?
Having a good week of practice is becoming a buzzword for the community as after every good week, the team is coming up short of victory and more weaknesses are exposed.
TCU’s defensive failures are preventing the offensive successes from being seen.
Wide receiver Jack Bech has been spectacular this season and sits at fourth in the nation in receiving yards with 516. His size and physicality makes him a prime target for quarterback Josh Hoover, standing at 6-2, 215 pounds.
Up next
Dykes and the TCU football team hope to turn things around at Arrowhead Stadium this Saturday, Sept 28 against the Kansas Jayhawks.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. and will be available for streaming on ESPN+.