Mustangs Dominant in the Battle for the Iron Skillet

© Jerome Miron Imagn Images

On Sept. 21, the 103rd Battle for the Iron Skillet was controlled by the dominating defense from the SMU Mustangs (3-1, 2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference). The TCU Horned Frogs (2-2, 1-1 Big 12 Conference) appeared outmatched and overwhelmed in every phase of the game. The Mustangs bring the Iron Skillet back to campus after a convincing 66-42 victory.

Mustangs Run Away Early

It was a scorching 96 degrees at kickoff for the Battle of the Iron Skillet. The weather preheated the stove, and the Mustangs turned up the heat. SMU’s first drive ended with a 51-yard field, and it was the Mustangs’ defense scoring the first touchdown in this rivalry. TCU quarterback Josh Hoover lost a fumble on fourth-and-inches that was recovered and returned by safety Brandon Crossley. This would mark the beginning of an onslaught of mistakes for TCU and the opening that SMU needed to dominate this game.

TCU’s normally reliable offense had trouble moving the ball against an aggressive SMU front seven. The Mustangs sent blitzes early and often, making Hoover uncomfortable stepping up into the pocket. The aggressive play led to missed opportunities for TCU and the Mustangs capitalized every time they found the opportunity to do so.

TCU entered the second quarter down 17-0 but found momentum on offense in the second quarter. After a 1-yard TD by Hoover, the Mustangs turned the ball over on their next possession. TCU capitalized, and running back Cam Cook scampered into the end zone to make the score 17-14 Mustangs. Both teams would battle in the second quarter like prized fighters, but the Mustangs had an answer every time TCU put the game in question. The Mustangs countered TCU’s 21 points in the second quarter by scoring 24 points and taking a demanding 41-21 halftime lead.

Mustangs Dominate 2nd Half

The sunset during the second half gave players and fans well-needed relief. The Mustangs, however, turned up the heat on the defensive side of the ball and kept applying pressure to the TCU offense. RB Brashard Smith pitched a tent in the end zone as he found pay dirt three times. The Mustangs’ defense added 3 turnovers to complete their second-half hat trick and continued to make TCU’s game plan falter. Coach Sunny Dykes was outwardly frustrated with TCU’s performance and what he thought was a blown call by the referees. His frustrations spilled over onto the field, and Dykes was ejected in the third quarter.

TCU was able to add some late fourth-quarter points but the Mustangs were fully in control of the game at that point.

© Andrew Dieb Imagn Images

3-Phase Victory

SMU dominated the Battle for the Iron Skillet. It was a true team victory as every unit contributed points to the game and made the big play when needed. The major nod goes to the defense that forced 5 turnovers. They attacked the TCU offense and kept the usually dependable Hoover guessing wrong all night. 

The Mustangs’ special teams deserve recognition for their performance in this game. They added 7 points on a 69-yard punt return by WR Roderick Daniels Jr. Thanks to stellar defense and special teams play, the Mustangs offense began many drives with great field position.

Players of the Game

SMU: Defense—The defense came out today with a purpose and dominated one of the most electric offenses in the country from the kick-off.

TCU: WR Jack Bech—8 Receptions for 166 yards and 2 TDs.

Moving Forward

The Iron Skillet is back in Dallas, and the Mustangs can use this momentum as they enter ACC play next week. This game was essential for the Mustangs, who needed to establish an offensive identity after a QB change and poor offensive outputs in two of their first three games.

The loss for TCU stings their pride and halts their two-year winning streak in this rivalry game. TCU also begins conference play next week and will still be favored to compete for the Big 12 championship. TCU must learn from this loss, correct their mistakes and show up strong next week at Kansas (1-3).