DMN (AP) game preview

[The PonyGrad]

Associated Press


No. 4 TCU (3-0) at SMU (2-1), 7 p.m. CDT Friday (ESPN)

Line: TCU by 18.

Series Record: TCU leads 43-39-7.

Last Meeting: 2009, TCU 39-14.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

The "Iron Skillet" goes to the winner in the Dallas-Fort Worth rivalry. The trophy has stayed mainly the past decade at TCU, which has won nine of the last 10 meetings. The Frogs' lone loss in that span was 2005, their only loss that season coming a week after winning at Oklahoma. A potential statement game for coach June Jones in his third season at SMU, while TCU has to keep winning to stay in BCS contention again.

KEY MATCHUP

SMU passing game vs. TCU defense. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Padron has already thrown eight TDs with three interceptions, and three different Mustangs receivers have at least 11 catches and two TDs. The Frogs, despite having only one interception, have 10 sacks and allowed only 135 yards passing a game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

SMU: RB Zach Line was recruited to SMU as a linebacker, but scored seven TDs as a goal-line specialist last season and is now the No. 1 running back. Line already has a 100-yard game and last week against Washington State had 82 yards on eight carries (10.2 yards per carry).

TCU: LB Tanner Brock, in his first season as a starter, leads the Frogs with 19 tackles. In last year's game against SMU as a freshman on special teams, Brock had a bone-rattling block after losing his helmet on a punt return that helped spring Jeremy Kerley for his 71-yard TD.

FACTS & FIGURES

SMU has won five consecutive home games, its longest streak since 1986. The Mustangs are playing at home for the third consecutive week. ... The Horned Frogs have won 17 consecutive regular-season games. ... TCU is the highest-ranked opponent to visit Ford Stadium. The last time the Mustangs faced a higher-ranked opponent was in their 1989 game at No. 1 Notre Dame. ... TCU QB Andy Dalton has 32 victories, the most among active FBS quarterbacks. His 48 career TDs are one short of matching the TCU record set by Max Knake from 1992-95. ... The Mustangs have been in the red zone 13 times this season. They have 11 touchdowns, a field goal and took a knee at the end of their 28-7 victory over UAB.

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