DALLAS, Texas – SMU and TCU Football went head to head on Saturday during the battle of the “Iron Skillet”. Former SMU head coach Sonny Dykes was once again victorious in claiming bragging rights to the iron skillet, but this time he wore purple and stood on the TCU sidelines. The Horned Frogs walked away with a 42-34 win over The Mustangs.
The game was off to a fast start with TCU scoring two fast touchdowns, including one on their opening drive with 74 yards under 4 minutes. SMU picked up their pace in the second quarter with Tanner Mordecai connecting with Tre Siggers and Rashee Rice to bring the game to 28-14 at half-time.
A big question surrounding this game was if the presence of many SMU players former head coach, Sonny Dykes, on the opposite side of the field would cause a disruption in the Mustang’s play. SMU Head Coach Rhett Lashlee does not believe Dykes presence had anything to do with their loss.
“We’ve got a locker room full of really hurt guys,” Lashlee said. “At the end of the day, it came down to the fact that they(TCU) made more explosive plays.”
However, according to defensive end Nelson Paul, the knowledge that Dykes and a few other coaching staff that made their way over to TCU after last season, probably gave them a slight advantage in the game.
“They definitely know us,” Paul said. “Especially the coaches and they spread out information on our weaknesses.”
After half-time, SMU continued to fall one step behind TCU with quite a few overthrown passes and missed catches by the offense. In the fourth quarter, SMU turned-over the ball which led to a TCU touchdown, giving them the momentum to finish with the lead.
SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai threw for 372 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Rashee Rice was heavily covered by the TCU defense, which opened the door for wide receiver Jake Bailey to complete 8 catches for 163 yards, despite playing with one arm.
“It was a fun atmosphere,” Bailey said. “A lot of people, obviously, bad blood and all that. But it was a good atmosphere and I thought we did well.”
SMU is currently 2-2 and will travel to UCF next Saturday for the first conference game of the season.
“Our number one goal has always been to compete for our conference championship,” Lashlee said. “That season starts now.”
