UNIVERSITY PARK – In what will be the last meeting between rivals SMU and TCU at Ford Stadium for the foreseeable future, the Mustangs made a statement in front of a lively home crowd.
With a record 4,728 students in attendance at Ford Stadium, SMU (3-1) dominated TCU (2-2) 66-42 after getting off to a fast start in the first quarter.
SMU put in outstanding performances in all three phases, allowing the Mustangs to build a 20-point lead by halftime from which they never looked back.
Here are five thoughts on SMU’s win at the Iron Skillet:
SMU with a quick start to the decisive victory
SMU couldn’t have asked for a better start on Saturday.
After winning the coin toss and opting to receive passes, the Mustangs had a respectable first drive, taking an early 3-0 lead on a field goal before their defense and special teams took over.
TCU advanced to the halfway line on its opening drive before stalling. On a fourth-and-inch attempt, linebacker Ahmad Walker recognized the play and forced a fumble by TCU quarterback Josh Hoover. Cornerback Brandon Crossley recovered the fumble and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown.
After the defense forced a three-and-out on the next drive, Roderick Daniels Jr. punted for a 69-yard touchdown.
SMU built a 17-0 lead in less than 10 minutes of play.
From there, SMU’s offense was able to find its rhythm. Although Hoover and the TCU offense scored three touchdowns, the fast start was enough to give SMU some distance.
SMU takes advantage of the running game
The Mustangs entered Saturday’s contest with a big advantage in the running game.
TCU struggled to contain the run against UCF last week, allowing nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
The Mustangs wasted no time in taking advantage of this advantage, even though they were weakened in this position.
The Mustangs outscored TCU on the ground 238 to 65 and scored three rushing touchdowns.
SMU entered the game without running back Jaylan Knighton, who was out with an injury, and lost starter LJ Johnson in the first half. He was shaken up on a play and did not return.
Brashard Smith, who transferred from Miami, played the majority of the snaps, as he has all season. He finished the season with 18 carries for 127 yards and three rushing touchdowns. He also caught two balls for another 24 yards and another touchdown.
TCU outgained SMU by 480 yards to 375 overall, but the difference on the ground proved crucial for the Mustangs. SMU ran the ball 42 times and threw it just 19 times.
The Mustang defense plays excellently and forces a season record of four turnovers
Facing its toughest test of the season, SMU’s defense thrived under the pressure. Despite allowing 42 points, the most the defense has allowed all season, it made the plays it needed and put pressure on Hoover, leading to several mistakes.
The defense forced three fumbles and two interceptions – his first two of the year – by the sophomore quarterback. Two of those turnovers were converted into defensive touchdowns.
On TCU’s opening drive, Crossley recovered a fumble forced by Walker and returned it 49 yards for a score. Then, in the second quarter, Ahmaad Moses had a 60-yard pick six.
Moses had the second interception of the third quarter. Elijah Roberts forced the second fumble, which Jahfari Harvey recovered and nearly used for a third defensive touchdown. He was stopped at the one-yard line and Smith recovered it on a later play.
Late in the third quarter, Hoover threw a cross pass that was dropped by Cook. SMU recovered.
The Mustangs scored another touchdown through Daniels on special teams – and almost scored another through Smith, who carried a kickoff 99 yards but was ultimately ruled out at the 40-yard line.
Kevin Jennings and SMU offense find rhythm
The fact that SMU’s defense and special teams prepared the way for this success certainly didn’t hurt, but the offense also delivered a strong performance.
In his first start of the season, quarterback Kevin Jennings led SMU to a 3-0 lead on the opening drive, helping the Mustangs score for the first time this season and pick up a first down on their first drive of a game.
From there, Jennings got the offense going, leading them to four touchdown drives and throwing two touchdown passes – one to Smith and one to receiver Jordan Hudson.
The second-year quarterback finished the day with 14 of 19 passes for 137 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He also ran for 41 yards on 10 His only miscue was a fumble, but otherwise he helped SMU win the battle for possession 5-1.
The Mustangs matched their season-high score set against FCS school Houston Christian in the third quarter, breaking an Iron Skillet record with 66 points and surpassing TCU’s previous record of 62 points set in 2000.
Mustangs start the ACC games with a good feeling
The Mustangs won an Iron Skillet game in Dallas for the first time since 2005. This victory was especially significant because it will be the last time the two teams face each other at Ford Stadium unless the rivalry is resumed in the future.
SMU begins its conference season with a record of 3-1 after playing its most complete game of the year against an FBS opponent.
That’s the momentum the Mustangs need as they welcome Florida State to Ford Stadium for their ACC debut next Saturday at 7 p.m.
The Mustangs should be in top form all year before the ACC era begins.
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