SMU fries the Frogs, reclaims the Iron Skillet

By Emil Asaf, Staff Writer

Published Sep 22, 2024

Safety Kaden McFadden misses a tackle on wide receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Sept. 21, 2024. The TCU horned frogs were defeated by the SMU Mustangs 66-44.

SMU put together a wire-to-wire victory at home in Gerald J. Ford Stadium defeating the Horned Frogs, 66-42 and taking home the Iron Skillet for the first time since 2021. The Mustangs never looked back after building a 17-0 lead less than 10 minutes into the first quarter. TCU ran just 65 yards on 32 rushing attempts, bringing the team’s total to 123 yards on an average of 2.5 yards per carry over the last two games. The Frogs turned the ball over five times, with three fumbles and two interceptions.

TCU’s defensive unit showed no improvement from last week. The Mustangs had 233 total rushing yards and three touchdowns. SMU senior running back Brashard Smith shredded this unit, racking 151 total yards and four touchdowns. The Frogs’ return unit allowed a 69-yard punt return for a TD early in the first quarter, alongside a 39-yard kick return that was inches from breaking for six. A disappointed head coach Sonny Dykes was ejected just minutes into the third quarter after two unsportsmanlike penalties.

SMU wide receiver Roderick Daniels Jr. returns a punt for a touchdown at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Sept. 21, 2024. The TCU Horned Frogs were defeated by the SMU Mustangs 66-44. (TCU 360 Photo by Shane Manson)

Earlier this week, Dykes said, “We really, honestly, have no idea” on what to expect in this matchup against SMU. It’s safe to say Dykes did not expect his team to get blown out either. TCU struggled with a combination of recurring issues like turnovers, penalties, and the run game which prevented the team from building any momentum. SMU outplayed the Frogs in all three phases of the game, accumulating 14 penalties for 135 yards, including nine by the offense alone. Quarterback Josh Hoover fumbled on a 4th-and-1 attempt during their first drive. SMU recovered and returned for a touchdown. On a 4th and short situation like that it’s unusual to see a pitch-option play called, but TCU’s inefficiency in the run game this season seemed to influence this decision by offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. TCU ran for just 65 yards on 32 rushing attempts, bringing the team’s total to 123 yards on an average of 2.5 yards per carry over the last two games.

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes fist pumps to fans after being ejected from the game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Sept. 21, 2024. (TCU 360 Photo by Shane Manson)

The Horned Frogs move to 2-2 and look to return above .500 against the Kansas Jayhawks next Saturday, Sept. 28, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.