Game Week: TCU @ SMU

Poor SMU. They haven't been terribly good for a while now, and sure, they've beaten TCU twice since 2002, but the average score since that season, including those two Mustang wins, is 31-15 in favor of the Horned Frogs.

Now, June Jones, once the beacon of hope for the Mustangs, has returned dust to dust, only to walk away with semi-clean hands in a move that reeks of self-preservation.

It reeks, in part, because it very well could be true. It has been rumored that Jones left the Mustangs because he feared they would be 0-12 when the season was all said and done, effectively ending his coaching career. However, because he wants to coach again, and because the university wanted him gone, they agreed to part ways.

I asked a person close to the team about the situation, and this was what they had to say:

Well when you look at what this team has done on offense it certainly feels like he abandoned us. I'm not sure [self-preservation] is why he left though. In talking to a lot of players, none of them have said they felt he gave up on them.

So, take that how you will, but there seems to be no ill will towards Jones, at least from the players.

I could go on about how bad SMU is, but Marshall is planning on doing that later this week, for this week's Midweek Musings segment.

So now, let's turn our attention back to our guys.

With two weeks to prepare for an 0-3 SMU team that has allowed 146 points on the season and scored only 12 of their own, there's no reason for us to think this game will be close. Sure, it's a rivalry game, but that didn't stop the Frogs, who were in much worse shape offensively last season, from destroying SMU 48-17.

This game may not be a big test for Boykin, but it will allow him to get quality snaps at full speed. In three games , SMU has allowed 816 passing yards and six touchdowns, along with 135 rushing yards and a touchdown to opposing quarterbacks.

The worst part of SMU's defense though has been the run defense, though, which has allowed 774 rushing yards (258/game) and 10 touchdowns on the season. In short, B.J. Catalon, Aaron Green, Kyle Hicks and Trevorris Johnson should all feast on Saturday.

Coming into this week, here are TCU's stat leaders.