Official: SMU vs. TCU Thread

TCU (2-0) at SMU (0-3) Sept. 27, 12:00, CBS Sports Network
Here's The Deal: Former Southwest Conference rivals TCU and SMU meet in Dallas for the 94th revival of the Battle for the Iron Skillet. No one knows too much about this year’s Horned Frogs, which have only played twice, handling Samford and Minnesota. They’ve got this test across town before next week’s visit from Oklahoma that’ll provide an indication of how high the ceiling in Fort Worth might be in 2014. The Mustangs haven’t left the skillet since the season began. They’ve been outscored 146-12, with the most recent pounding coming in Tom Mason’s debut as interim coach.
Why TCU Might Win: SMU is complete disarray. TCU, on the other hand, is focused and well-rested following last week’s bye. The Mustangs are averaging three yards per play, one yard a carry, and have scored one offensive touchdown. This will be an easy assignment for defensive-minded Gary Patterson, who’ll lean on LB Paul Dawson, tackles Chucky Hunter and safeties Sam Carter and Chris Hackett to keep SMU skidding.
Why SMU Might Win: The Horned Frogs are still evolving in their new offensive scheme, which could provide an opening for the Mustangs to attack from the second level with linebackers Jonathan Yenga and Stephon Sanders. TCU has been one-dimensional so far, QB Trevone Boykin, and it struggled on third downs in the Minnesota win.
Who To Watch Out For: Boykin needs more help if the Horned Frogs are going to compete for a Big 12 title. WR Josh Doctson is a playmaker on the outside, but someone needs to emerge from the glut of similar backs this weekend. Boykin leads the team in carries and yards, categories that should be dominated by B.J. Catalon or Aaron Green.
What’s Going To Happen: TCU would have to completely look past SMU to succumb this weekend. And even then, the Horned Frogs would likely get out of Dallas with a W. They’ll suffocate the impotent Mustang offense, while getting another productive day from Boykin to coast to a lopsided win.
Prediction: TCU 42 … SMU 3
Line: TCU -31 o/u: 49.5
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 2
Here's The Deal: Former Southwest Conference rivals TCU and SMU meet in Dallas for the 94th revival of the Battle for the Iron Skillet. No one knows too much about this year’s Horned Frogs, which have only played twice, handling Samford and Minnesota. They’ve got this test across town before next week’s visit from Oklahoma that’ll provide an indication of how high the ceiling in Fort Worth might be in 2014. The Mustangs haven’t left the skillet since the season began. They’ve been outscored 146-12, with the most recent pounding coming in Tom Mason’s debut as interim coach.
Why TCU Might Win: SMU is complete disarray. TCU, on the other hand, is focused and well-rested following last week’s bye. The Mustangs are averaging three yards per play, one yard a carry, and have scored one offensive touchdown. This will be an easy assignment for defensive-minded Gary Patterson, who’ll lean on LB Paul Dawson, tackles Chucky Hunter and safeties Sam Carter and Chris Hackett to keep SMU skidding.
Why SMU Might Win: The Horned Frogs are still evolving in their new offensive scheme, which could provide an opening for the Mustangs to attack from the second level with linebackers Jonathan Yenga and Stephon Sanders. TCU has been one-dimensional so far, QB Trevone Boykin, and it struggled on third downs in the Minnesota win.
Who To Watch Out For: Boykin needs more help if the Horned Frogs are going to compete for a Big 12 title. WR Josh Doctson is a playmaker on the outside, but someone needs to emerge from the glut of similar backs this weekend. Boykin leads the team in carries and yards, categories that should be dominated by B.J. Catalon or Aaron Green.
What’s Going To Happen: TCU would have to completely look past SMU to succumb this weekend. And even then, the Horned Frogs would likely get out of Dallas with a W. They’ll suffocate the impotent Mustang offense, while getting another productive day from Boykin to coast to a lopsided win.
Prediction: TCU 42 … SMU 3
Line: TCU -31 o/u: 49.5
Must Watch Factor: (5: Roosevelts: An Intimate History – 1: Red Band Society) … 2