After a bye week, TCU takes on SMU Saturday at 11 a.m. at Amon G. Carter Stadium. The Horned Frogs (1-2) are looking to bounce back from a loss to Texas Tech in Week 3. SMU comes into the games at 1-2 as well after losing to Texas A&M last Saturday.
Here's who to watch:
TCU
Trevone Boykin, Quarterback, Redshirt Sophomore
For the second week in a row, Trevone Boykin has landed himself on the watch list, as he will be under the microscope following a less-than-stellar display against Texas Tech. Boykin received heavy criticism for his performance and decision making in a game where the Frogs were never really able to get anything going on offense. Criticized for trying to do too much on his own, it will be important this week for Boykin to rely on the stars around him to make big plays. If Boykin throws well and plays to his full potential, the offense could have a big game against the Mustangs.
B.J. Catalon, Running Back, Sophomore
Last week against Texas Tech, TCU was unable to establish the run against a below-average defensive line. While the offensive line didn't do Catalon and fellow running back Waymon James any favors, the two of them rushed for only a combined 110 yards. Their ineffective efforts also added a degree of difficulty to Boykin's game, as he tried to take it upon himself to get things going on the ground. Catalon will be chomping at the bit to tear apart an SMU defense that gave up 265 rushing yards a week ago to Texas A&M. A solid performance from B.J. Catalon could serve as a catalyst to ignite the potent TCU offense waiting to break through in 2013.
Brandon Carter, Wide Receiver, Junior
A junior from Euless, Texas, Brandon Carter is a standout wide receiver/punt returner in the Big 12 Conference. Against Tech, Carter once again led the team in receiving, reeling in five passes for 50 yards, a testament to the struggles of the Horned Frog passing game. It is imperative for Carter to find openings and make himself a threat on offense against SMU. Look for Carter to make big plays on special teams as well. While his touchdown off a punt return in the Tech game was called back after officials ruled that he had signaled for a fair catch, Carter will be looking to showcase his incredible speed off the edge again this week. The struggling TCU offense could benefit from a solid special teams performance from Carter, as they desperately need to begin drives in better field position.
SMU
Darius Joseph, Wide Receiver, Sophomore
Joseph has emerged as a go-to target for quarterback Garrett Gilbert. Joseph has caught 31 passes for 285 yards in three games this season, including the game-winner against Montana State. SMU head football coach June Jones said he sees many areas in which Joseph can improve, but so far Joseph’s development must be encouraging for Mustang fans.
Chase Hover, Kicker, Senior
Rivalries can often lead to close games that rely on the kicker to make a play. Look for the experienced Hover to have a key role in this year's Battle for the Iron Skillet. Hover is 8-of-9 on the year and has shown the ability to make long field goals. He is 5-of-5 on the year from 40 yards or more, including a 51 yarder. The Mustangs will likely rely on Hover’s efficiency Saturday if the game turns out to be a close one.
Garrett Gilbert, Quarterback, Senior
After throwing five interceptions and completing an abysmal 37.5 percent of his passes in last season's matchup against TCU, quarterback Garrett Gilbert will be looking to avenge his performance. Through three games this season, Gilbert has achieved the highest completion percentage of his career with nearly 66 percent of his passes finding their intended targets. SMU will need Gilbert to be on his game Saturday if they want to have a shot at beating the Horned Frogs. Gilbert will have to resist turning the ball over to avoid a repeat of last year’s matchup.
