Frogs O' War - TCU Football vs SMU: Battle (100) for the Iron SkilletThe #1 TCU Athletics blog on the internet!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50293/fow-fav.png2021-09-27T15:06:01-05:00http://www.frogsowar.com/rss/stream/224469842021-09-27T15:06:01-05:002021-09-27T15:06:01-05:00Three up, three down: missed tackles and mojo
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<figcaption>TCU receiver Taye Barber (4) comes down with a contested catch in the 2021 Battle for the Iron Skillet. | Photo courtesy of gofrogs.com</figcaption>
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<p>I start with the three down for the first time ever *sigh*.</p> <p id="QqXOar">You know things for TCU football are bad when former Horned Frogs get involved in the disappointments on Twitter.</p>
<p id="f5UOaM">Former TCU safety Derrick Kindred, who spent five years in the NFL, called the game, “one of the worst efforts in TCU history” in a tweet that has now been deleted.</p>
<p id="inK5XQ">Several other former Frogs, including Josh Carraway, chimed in on one of the all-around, most pathetic performances from a TCU squad in recent memory.</p>
<p id="WwbJIj">Though it was only an eight-point loss, the Frogs, frankly, got out-played. With that in mind, let’s go over my three up, three down for the week.</p>
<p id="C354RF"><strong>Three down:</strong></p>
<p id="Kp1mef"><strong>1. The defensive line</strong></p>
<p id="oeqYdD">My goodness, this unit has been downright horrendous for TCU this season. The defensive line had just one sack (Ochaun Mathis against Duquesne) entering the game, and that number did not change on Saturday.</p>
<p id="oCBEal">In the game, the defensive line recorded just 10 pressures on SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai, and five of those came from Mathis alone.</p>
<p id="RE0mXh">So yea, TCU gave Mordecai all day to throw, but that’s not even the worse part of the defensive line’s performance.</p>
<p id="gHnLbY">For most of the game, the Frogs looked like wet pieces of paper trying to stop the run, giving up 350 total rushing yards to the Mustangs. As a team, SMU averaged 6.7 yards per carry.</p>
<p id="ZOusHW">Running back Ulysses Bentley IV (dope name) rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown, while teammate Tre Siggers added 110 yards of his own. After his dominant performance against TCU, Bentley IV is now ranked as the top running back on Pro Football Focus with an astounding 90.0 offensive grade.</p>
<p id="HITCy3">What may be even worse is that Mordecai, who probably runs a 5.10 40-yard dash, ran for 37 yards and a touchdown on just four carries. His 72.6 run grade on the game was leagues better than any he had produced all season, even against FCS-opponent ACU.</p>
<p id="1U0ei6">Not to take any names here, but the interior of TCU’s defensive line was by far the worst part of the worst part of Saturday’s performance. Defensive tackles Patrick Jenkins, Earl Barquet, Terrell Cooper, and Kenny Turnier combined for more missed tackles (5) than they did overall quarterback pressures (4).</p>
<p id="EDsPjy">It will take lightyears more than that from the TCU defensive line if the Frogs want to be competitive against Texas and the rest of the Big 12.</p>
<p id="k3mlM2"><strong>2. T.J. Carter</strong></p>
<p id="8fcuLY">To be fair, T.J. probably had more on his plate than anyone else for TCU on Saturday, given that Patterson had him switching between cornerback and safety all game.</p>
<p id="4SGssu">Sadly, though, Carter was unable to wake up a Frogs defense that looked asleep for most of the game, and he was actually one of the main culprits in one of TCU’s worst attributes against SMU.</p>
<p id="OzRLXP">By far the most glaring issue with Carter’s game was his inability to make tackles in the open field. Though he did record six tackles (third on the team), he also missed four, leading to an abysmal 28.2 tackling grade on Pro Football Focus.</p>
<p id="ywPnOg">TCU missed 20 tackles as a team. </p>
<p id="EpRnOz">To add to that, he and the rest of the TCU secondary failed to record a single pass breakup on the day (though Deshawn McCuin did intercept a pass).</p>
<p id="ejzJ1K">On the bright side, though, Carter did not give up a catch on the two times he was targeted, and his coverage was, generally, pretty good (60.4 coverage grade).</p>
<p id="aGYgDD">Another thing to prop Carter on is that he did play 72 snaps in the game, which ranked second among any member of the Frogs’ secondary behind Tre Tomlinson (81).</p>
<p id="I7Tvqw"><strong>3. Quentin Johnston</strong></p>
<p id="fZDr70">Wow. This one might hurt the worst. Quentin Johnston is one of TCU’s brightest young stars, but he just did not have it on Saturday. </p>
<p id="pZloft">Johnston was targeted five times and did not record a catch, though one was called for pass interference.</p>
<p id="ZXiskA">Though he technically didn’t have any drops, Johnston needs to be better for TCU’s offense to find rhythm, especially given that he has typically been a security blanket for quarterback Max Duggan with big play potential.</p>
<p id="Phz6zx">There are so many excuses for Johnston’s absence from relevancy on Saturday (pass interference, low accuracy passes, double teams, etc.); but if he is going to be one of the league’s top wideouts, he needs to work on his ability to gain separation so that he can have an impact in close, important games.</p>
<p id="JwCrcQ">Not to mention, the sophomore also recorded a false start penalty. It just was not his day.</p>
<p id="bWmdIz"><strong>4. Honorable Mentions</strong></p>
<p id="dWBBAY">Cornerback C.J. Ceasar was targeted six times, and he gave up four catches. On one of those catches, Ceasar was absolutely baptized for a touchdown by Jordan Kerley.</p>
<p id="pFPtpf">Safety LaKendrick Van Zandt missed three tackles while also giving up five catches on the six times he was targeted in the game.</p>
<p id="R7sIrb">Despite having an outstanding interception in the first quarter, linebacker Dee Winters missed three tackles of his own while also giving up three catches on the four times he was targeted.</p>
<p id="qO16os">See a pattern? The defense was pretty pathetic on Saturday.</p>
<p id="SU7wh9"><strong>Three up:</strong></p>
<p id="yVon2e"><strong>1. Taye Barber</strong></p>
<p id="EQRTMq">After getting just four targets through the first two games, it looked like receiver Taye Barber was fading out of TCU’s wide receiver rotation.</p>
<p id="YoQujx">On the contrary, Barber was one of the few Horned Frogs who actually balled out in the Battle for the Iron Skillet.</p>
<p id="TjGDcZ">The sophomore caught all five of his targets (each of which went for a first down) for a team-high 114 yards and a score.</p>
<p id="2V9z7I">Needing an answer for SMU’s second-straight drive with a touchdown, TCU went to Barber on their second drive of the game, as Duggan hit the receiver for a 60 yard pass over the middle that would set up a touchdown two plays later.</p>
<p id="Sh1hh3">Then, late in the fourth quarter, TCU put their trust in Barber again. Duggan hit Barber three times on the Frogs’ final offensive possession, with the last one being a 21-yard score that showed off the wideout’s ability to catch under pressure.</p>
<p id="Cv5sm6">The touchdown was undoubtedly TCU’s most impressive catch of the year, and Patterson even called the reception “outstanding” in the postgame press conference.</p>
<p id="iJTIDj">Following a miserable, confusing loss to their crosstown rival, TCU will need to lean on veterans like Barber to get back on their feet.</p>
<p id="WHPeS5"><strong>2. Tre Tomlinson</strong></p>
<p id="FaDN71">TCU’s most decorated defender had somewhat of a slow start to the 2021 season. The junior gave up three catches for 98 total yards against California, begging the question of whether or not he’d be able to return to dominant form this year.</p>
<p id="qxC3sg">Tomlinson shut down those worries on Saturday. The cornerback was only targeted twice in the entire game, and the one catch he gave up was a screen that he blew up for a loss of three yards.</p>
<p id="eOmoLn">He also did a great job of having his teammates’ backs, recording six tackles while missing zero. Not to mention, he did all of this while tying with Dee Winters for a team-high 81 snaps on defense.</p>
<p id="ZPk1V4">To put it simple, Tre Tomlinson is a lockdown workhorse, and he’s just as good as we all expected.</p>
<p id="VlsjJg"><strong>3. Zach Evans</strong></p>
<p id="y8ele1">There is not much to say about Zach Evans that has not already been said. The man is good at football, and the game looks too easy for him.</p>
<p id="BDLQZE">On Saturday, Evans took 15 carries for 115 yards for an impressive 7.5 yards per carry. He has now recorded two-straight games of 115-plus yards, both of which he averaged 7.5 yards per carry or more and both of which he averaged over four yards after contact.</p>
<p id="YaQIuU">The equation is simple: Zach Evans plus a handoff equals production. Every. Dang. Time.</p>
<p id="v2vOnz">What was perhaps even more impressive, though was Evans’ performance as a pass catcher. The sophomore had three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.</p>
<p id="ndgHWB">Early in the second quarter, Duggan dumped a pass off to Evans, who took it 46 yards to the house with barely a touch from the SMU defense. </p>
<p id="1fylo9">Evans then “proposed” with the football to TCU offensive tackle Andrew Coker after the score, which was just about the only good thing that happened for Coker in the game (I won’t even go into why. I’ve dogged on enough people already in this article).</p>
<p id="zYBUJ2">The only thing that was concerning about Evans on Saturday was that he only got 18 total touches (15 carries, 3 receptions). Patterson mentioned that Evans’ fatigue was the reason he didn’t take the 4<sup>th</sup>-and-1 carry that Kendre Miller was stopped short on. In general, though, it feels like Evans needs the ball more.</p>
<p id="CB7dwI">If the Frogs give Zeke the looks he deserves against Texas, the Evans versus Bijan Robinson matchup on Saturday could be one of the best running back battles in the nation all season.</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2021/9/27/22696941/three-up-three-down-missed-tackles-and-mojoColin Post2021-09-24T14:33:03-05:002021-09-24T14:33:03-05:00Zach Attack: Horned Frogs’ winning formula is its ground game
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 11 Cal at TCU" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wPJe0ZabyHakpZbl1QuVqaPoYYM=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69904964/1235194646.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan (15) pitches the football out to running back Zach Evans (6) during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the California Golden Bears on September 11, 2021 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. | Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Even though SMU has the ninth-worst pass defense in the country, TCU needs to remain committed to Zach Evans and the running game </p> <p id="GMUXwe">After SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice said, “People don’t come to Texas for Fort Worth,” there may be a temptation for TCU to prove their passing game is just fine without Rice, a Fort Worth native, who attempted to get every nerve of every member of the TCU football program this week in the lead-up the 100th meeting between TCU and SMU. It would make sense: SMU is allowing 316 passing yards per game, the ninth-most in Division 1 college football.</p>
<p id="l4VXsc">However, TCU offensive coordinator Doug Meacham should resist and keep feeding Week 2’s Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, sophomore running back Zach Evans.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> , , <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Big12FB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Big12FB</a> Offensive Player of the Week<br><br> Set a career-high of 190 rushing yards, helping TCU erase a pair of 12-point deficits to pull out the 34-32 win over California<br><br>Details ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/jIjnjcmBNn">https://t.co/jIjnjcmBNn</a> <a href="https://t.co/kWugtuN4sM">pic.twitter.com/kWugtuN4sM</a></p>— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) <a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1437445793452077060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 13, 2021</a>
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<p id="Nvg8l3">“I’ve been laughing because everyone says no one mentions Zach Evans in their top five running backs in the nation, no one mentions Zach Evans,” TCU head coach Gary Patterson said. “He was the number one recruit in the nation, but nobody talks about Zach Evans. Just don’t talk about Zach Evans. We’ll just keep running him. They won’t pay any attention to him, and we’ll just keep doing the things we need to do.”</p>
<p id="pfMhxO">Just before halftime against Cal-Berkeley, TCU was trailing 19-7, but a simple shotgun handoff to Evans turned into a 51-yard touchdown, leaving the Horned Frogs with a very manageable 19-14 deficit they were eventually able to overcome. </p>
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 11 Cal at TCU" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4yXzKzx6R2cnO5grNH1QTFpXjDw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22875648/1235263062.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>TCU Horned Frogs running back Zach Evans (6) gets tackled by California Golden Bears linebacker Femi Oladejo (43) during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the California Golden Bears on September 11, 2021 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.</figcaption>
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<p id="f72XRa">Wide receiver Quentin Johnston, a physical specimen himself at standing six feet, four inches while weighing 201 pounds, was in awe.</p>
<p id="EgOCFH">“I was amazed,” Johnston said. “I knew he was good, but he really showed me something right there. That was a big game-changer going into the third quarter, really big for us.” </p>
<p id="PbqihZ">While being able to torch a porous defense through the air should come easy, TCU’s deep passing game experienced a few hiccups against Cal with quarterback Max Duggan overthrowing receivers Derius Davis, Blair Conwright, and Johnston on a few potential touchdowns. </p>
<p id="jSgyTX">“I have to do better on the downfield throws because I missed a lot of them, and it hurt us at times,” quarterback Max Duggan said. “It would’ve helped us if I hit them. Just working on connection and more work in practice at getting our guys a shot, just putting it out there for the playmakers to make plays is what we need to do. “We’ll hit them. During fall camp, we were hitting them. It’s just time together and one game we may not hit them, but there will also be games where you’re hitting on throws you may not have expected to. It’s just a matter of time.”</p>
<p id="dlb9Kk">Duggan’s deep throws are certainly more reliable than playing Russian roulette, and his point about the connection coming with time carries some weight considering the Horned Frogs’ week off gave them 14 days to improve upon that element of their offense. Although, that shouldn’t keep them from making the country’s 58th-ranked run defense (SMU allows 124.3 rushing yards per game) sweat. </p>
<p id="etcqcE">Additionally, running the ball keeps the clock moving and TCU’s <a href="https://www.frogsowar.com/2021/9/17/22679468/room-for-improvement-bye-week-comes-at-perfect-time-for-horned-frogs-secondary-tcu-college-football">work-in-progress secondary </a>away from SMU quarterback Tanner Modecai, the nation’s passing touchdowns leader with 16. </p>
<p id="bv5ZR2">While Patterson said he would like to keep Evans’ workload down in the 10-12 carry range and not the 20-25 carry range (Evans had 22 against Cal) in order to preserve him for the remaining 10 games on the schedule, Patterson may need to be flexible going forward, especially this week. Either way, Evans is simply happy to contribute.</p>
<p id="hsvV3T">“I tell him [Gary Patterson] I’m grateful to be here literally everyday,” TCU running back Zach Evans said. “I’m good with whatever workload they give me. I’m going to make something happen.”</p>
<p id="uvN1mc"></p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2021/9/24/22691964/zach-attack-horned-frogs-winning-formula-is-its-ground-gameGarrett Podell2021-09-24T08:00:00-05:002021-09-24T08:00:00-05:00How to Watch: TCU Football vs SMU
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<img alt="TCU Football vs Duquesne (9.4.21)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BNYj1UgSKIgWOnQLTlf4RM2faDw=/0x0:2048x1365/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69902690/Max_Duggan_4_2.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Melissa Triebwasser</figcaption>
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<p>The 100th edition of the Iron Skillet is on like Donkey Kong.</p> <p id="mA6aNN"><strong>GAME 3: </strong>vs. SMU</p>
<p id="0TIMrD"><strong>DATE:</strong> Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021</p>
<p id="tFWMdv"><strong>TIME:</strong> 11 a.m.</p>
<p id="7JN5K8"><strong>LOCATION:</strong> Fort Worth, Texas (Amon G. Carter Stadium)</p>
<p id="5TKhrH"><strong>SERIES RECORD:</strong> TCU leads, 51-41-7</p>
<p id="e7K1oQ"><strong>LAST MEETING:</strong> SMU 41, TCU 38 (2019)</p>
<p id="l10853"><strong>TV:</strong> FS1 (Dan Hellie, Robert Smith)</p>
<p id="EX11YI"><strong>RADIO:</strong> WBAP 820 AM, Sirius 119, XM 200 (<a href="https://gofrogs.com/staff.aspx?staff=214"><em>Brian Estridge</em></a>, <a href="https://gofrogs.com/staff.aspx?staff=308"><em>John Denton</em></a>, Landry Burdine)</p>
<p id="fjCX3b"><strong>SPANISH RADIO:</strong> Zona MX 99.1 FM (Miguel Cruz, Elvis Gallegos)</p>
<p id="PgwvaW"><strong>ABOUT THE GAME</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="8V5VdY">TCU hosts SMU on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the 100th meeting in the battle for the Iron Skillet.</li>
<li id="COyE1G">Dating back to last season, the Horned Frogs have won their last five games to tie for the seventh-longest active winning streak in the nation. They have also won seven of their past eight contests.</li>
<li id="QPOCw8">TCU has opened with a 2-0 record for the 13th time in Head Coach <a href="https://gofrogs.com/coaches.aspx?rc=929">Gary Patterson</a>’s 21 seasons. The Horned Frogs are looking to go 3-0 for the 10th time under Patterson.</li>
<li id="1z3k1l">Based on votes received this week, TCU is 26th in the Associated Press poll and 28th in the USA Today Coaches ranking.</li>
<li id="Fecs3V">Four SMU coaches, including Head Coach Sonny Dykes, were on staff with the Horned Frogs under Patterson.</li>
<li id="kLzcT7">Patterson is 15-3 as a head coach versus SMU and 2-1 against Dykes, including a 1-1 mark with him at SMU. The Horned Frogs and Patterson defeated Dykes’ Louisiana Tech team 31-24 in the 2011 Poinsettia Bowl.</li>
<li id="ZB4Z6m">The Horned Frogs have won 15 of their last 21 regular-season games after an open date.</li>
<li id="CNt3lK">When last in action, TCU defeated Cal 34-32 to improve to 8-0 under Patterson against Pac-12 opponents.</li>
<li id="FoMjbX">TCU running back <a href="https://gofrogs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12218">Zach Evans</a> ranks No. 1 nationally among active players with a 7.8 career yards per carry average. </li>
<li id="lrFDWs"><strong>HOME SWEET HOME</strong></li>
<li id="o8aepE">TCU is opening a season with four straight home games for just the second time (1979) in its history.</li>
<li id="APATn8">The Horned Frogs are 94-27 under Head Coach <a href="https://gofrogs.com/coaches.aspx?rc=929">Gary Patterson</a> at Amon G. Carter Stadium. </li>
</ul>
<p id="B6kCLj"><strong>SERIES HISTORY</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="AEzkPD">With TCU and SMU not able to play last season, it marked just the fourth time since 1925 the schools did not face other. The other times were in 2006 and the two seasons (1987-88) SMU did not field a team.</li>
<li id="qoXlSO">The Horned Frogs hold a 51-41-7 edge over the Mustangs in a series that began with a 43-0 TCU win in Fort Worth in 1915.</li>
<li id="0K1FxO">TCU has won 11 of the last 13 games and 17 of 20 with SMU.• The Horned Frogs are 28-19-5 versus the Mustangs in Fort Worth and 23-22-2 in Dallas.</li>
<li id="tRfrva">SMU is TCU’s second-most played series. The Horned Frogs’ 99 meetings with the Mustangs trail only Baylor (116). </li>
</ul>
<p id="ZQsFjK"><strong>FAMILIAR FACES</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="wGI37V">SMU head coach Sonny Dykes was an offensive analyst for TCU in 2017, prior to taking the Mustangs’ head coach position.</li>
<li id="aBJOEb">SMU wide receivers coach David Gru was also an offensive analyst with the Horned Frogs in 2017.</li>
<li id="71vWxo">SMU safeties coach Trey Haverty was a TCU graduate assistant (2007-09) and then safeties coach (2011) and wide receivers coach (2012).</li>
<li id="yb6Enk">SMU special teams coordinator Kenny Perry was TCU’s cornerbacks coach during its Big 12 championship season in 2014 after serving as its director of high school relations in 2013. </li>
</ul>
<p id="rqhafi"><strong>IT’S 2021</strong></p>
<ul><li id="iICWcM">In six of the last nine odd-numbered years (2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017), TCU has won at least 11 games. </li></ul>
<p id="bImBeq"><strong>TCU NOTABLES</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="DwVKLT">Over the last seven seasons, TCU is tied for the Big 12’s second-best conference record (38-25) and has the third-best overall mark (60-30).</li>
<li id="f1gkrq">TCU is one of just seven programs nationally to finish with an Associated Press Top-10 final ranking in at least three of the last seven seasons (2014, 2015, 2017). The others are Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Penn State.</li>
<li id="Nuk7HE">TCU head coach <a href="https://gofrogs.com/coaches.aspx?rc=929">Gary Patterson</a>, at 21 seasons, is the nation’s second-longest tenured head coach, trailing only Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz (23rd year).</li>
<li id="Jyw0K5">Patterson has released two music singles in which he wrote and provided lead vocals on, “Take A Step Back” and “Game On.” </li>
</ul>
<p id="kSXW60"> <strong>WELCOME SAINTS</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="QedThs">TCU has been the practice site the last three weeks for the New Orleans Saints.</li>
<li id="TqZtlf">The Saints are the third NFL team in the last 11 years to practice at TCU. The Dallas Cowboys have utilized the Sam Baugh Indoor Practice Facility, while TCU was the host practice site for the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV in Arlington.</li>
</ul>
<p id="lFQTwp"> <strong>TCU SUPPORT</strong></p>
<ul><li id="5LuB2Z">Since it began Big 12 play in 2012, TCU has had over $400 million in donor-funded athletics facilities upgrades. The most recent project was the $113 million Legends Club & Suites which opened in Fall 2020 on the east side of Amon G. Carter Stadium.</li></ul>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2021/9/24/22690027/how-to-watch-tcu-football-vs-smu-college-football-big-12Melissa B. Triebwasser2021-09-23T13:00:00-05:002021-09-23T13:00:00-05:00TCU Football vs SMU: Staff Predictions
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<img alt="Texas Christian at Southern Methodist" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tqEDAxQahEmL1-GYOlLl0Udkvtg=/0x14:3000x2014/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69899122/610052734.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Time to take it back. | Max Faulkner/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Will the Ponies put TCU in a perilous position in the 100th Battle for the Iron Skillet?</p> <p id="JrlOfF">It’s Iron Skillet week, as you well know, and the Frogs O’ War staff is here to tell you how this game will go, who will lead TCU Football to victory, and whether or not this game still matters.</p>
<p id="bJuqVu">Be sure to chime in with your thoughts in the comments!</p>
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https://www.frogsowar.com/2021/9/23/22689889/tcu-football-vs-smu-staff-predictionsMelissa B. Triebwasser2021-09-23T11:00:00-05:002021-09-23T11:00:00-05:00Keys to the Game: The pass defense can’t be secondary
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<img alt="Keys to the Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s5ZIqhQCjTM8cY6Dm7smWmpjZQg=/0x13:2820x1893/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69898259/keys_to_the_game.0.png" />
<figcaption>Melissa Triebwasser</figcaption>
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<p>The potent Ponies’ passing attack could present perilous problems for a porous TCU secondary. </p> <p id="QGRtMP">Listen, I am really proud of that dek, so if you didn’t read the sub-heading, please go do so now. It’s fine, I will wait on you.</p>
<p id="8axJNR">...</p>
<p id="p1nPvM">...</p>
<p id="pEPkry">Okay now that that is out of the way, TCU Football, fresh off of a bye week, looks to run their record to 3-0 in what is the 100th meeting of the Battle for the Iron Skillet. This isn’t your father’s SMU Football program though; the Ponies, at 3-0, present one of the most potent passing attacks that the Horned Frogs will face this season along with a pair of wide receivers that might be second only to Oklahoma when it comes to pure talent and pro potential. </p>
<p id="Nw2Xg5">And for good measure, a damn good tight end and a pretty good running back to boot.</p>
<p id="YowWPV">Phew.</p>
<p id="2Qe8lO">I was pretty bullish on the Mustangs initially, and then Rashee Rice had to go and fire me up. Rice is a nice player — a three star receiver out of NRH who is probably a little upset that he didn’t snag an offer from his hometown team. And he’s had a nice start to his season too, albeit against ACU, UNT, and La Tech. But for a lot of TCU fans, the best thing he did was get us to care about this game, as the younger generation has found fewer reasons to get fired up for a series that’s 17-3 in its last 20 in favor of the Frogs.</p>
<p id="BuCjeT">But the fans being fired up won’t get TCU in the win column Saturday, it’s going to take a lot more than that. Let’s fire up the Keys and see how the Frogs come home with a dub.</p>
<p id="npad5M"><strong>Park the Mustangs</strong></p>
<p id="UpHoBK">This offense can really roll, and it starts with the passing game. Reggie Roberson, Danny Gray, and the aforementioned Rice are all really good players in their own right; in fact, esteemed NATIONAL FOOTBALL WRITER Shehan Jeyarajah had this scorching hot take:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I don't know if any receivers on TCU's roster except QJ would start at SMU</p>— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShehanJeyarajah/status/1440359767327739908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a>
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<p id="2NuYfA">Challenged: issued.</p>
<p id="z07RQ9">Now will it be expected?</p>
<p id="QdBFlV">We don’t need to rehash the failings of the secondary over the first two games of the season, but the fact is, far less talented receivers than what the Ponies can roll out there have had their way in the passing game. You aren’t going to lock this trio + Grant Calcaterra down, but you can maybe contain them. Just limit YAC and don’t give them anything over the top, and that’s enough to keep the Frogs in the game.</p>
<p id="9zwLmd"><strong>Let Zach Eat</strong></p>
<p id="bAp2z4">Gary Patterson had his young running back on the equivalent of a pitch count through the early portion of his career, and the plan had been to ease him in this season. Until Cal happened.</p>
<p id="szSFzI">Evans had a career-high 22 carries and became the de facto workhorse against the Golden Bears, as Doug Meacham and co leaned on their star back. That’s got to be the recipe Saturday as well, as Evans’ touches should approach 30 in total.</p>
<p id="65GyW1">Look, the SMU defense is not very good, having allowed nearly 125 yards per game at almost four yards per carry to three pretty bad teams. Zach alone could — and should — surpass that per game average, and a heavy dose of Kendre Miller should help the Frogs eclipse the 200 yard mark. I also image Max Duggan will do some strategic running, and expect him to be successful in that area as well.</p>
<p id="JG0Yta"><strong>Speaking of Max...</strong></p>
<p id="RGLqsb">Man, if Duggan and Q can finally click, the deep ball should certainly be there. While, in my opinion, Evans is the key to opening things up, if Max can’t connect over the top, his opportunities could be limited as well. Duggan has to find the touch and stretch the D, taking advantage of a wide receiving unit that could match the Ponies for production. </p>
<p id="i6nDWQ">Duggan does so many things well and has moxey to spare, but he has to be successful before winning time or TCU could find itself in a big hole early, much like the last time these two teams met. TCU does not want to be playing catch up, and you know Sonny Dykes and SMU have no plans to take their foot off the gas if the opportunity arises.</p>
<p id="5NUqRT"><strong>Make the Skillet matter</strong></p>
<p id="H0Vda9">I know there are still quite a few Frog fans that have a hard time getting fired up for this game. But thanks to Rashee Rice, we now have to defend the honor of TCU Football, Gary Patterson, and the entire city of Fort Worth.</p>
<p id="epvIkD">I know that the game is early, that it’s going to be hot, that the Mustang fans are trying to red out section 121... but if y’all aren’t letting Rice and the rest of the Ponies hear it for four hours, well... I will be very disappointed in you.</p>
<p id="F8YdXj">Let’s have some fun and #BeatSMU!</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2021/9/23/22684097/keys-to-the-game-the-pass-defense-cant-be-secondaryMelissa B. Triebwasser2021-09-23T09:49:08-05:002021-09-23T09:49:08-05:00Too Cold U for SMU
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<p>The Frogs are busting out the all-whites Saturday morning. </p> <p id="XScRks">Look, SMU’s Dallas uniforms are sick. We can all grudgingly admit that. And until TCU responds with a Fort Worth version, we are good to lose the threads battle, but hopefully win the Skillet war.</p>
<p id="zIwqOy">On Saturday, the Frogs will go with their all white, #toocoldu kits, bringing out the ice to take on the Ponies.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> ⚪️⚪️<br><br>Game 3️⃣ uni combo ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/DegMiueBkW">pic.twitter.com/DegMiueBkW</a></p>— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUFootball/status/1441044784731369475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2021</a>
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<p id="zH3EN2">I, like most people, would prefer to answer SMU with a heavy dose of purple, but with the Ponies already announcing that they’ll be wearing their new alternate uniforms in Fort Worth, TCU Football must have made this decision a while back.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">SMU will wear the new blue alternate “Dallas” uniforms twice this season (and the choice appears to be strategic): at home against UNT on Sept. 11 and on the road at TCU on Sept. 25. <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/SMU_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SMU_Football</a> <a href="https://t.co/HujFgHROyi">pic.twitter.com/HujFgHROyi</a></p>— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeJHoyt/status/1432049984933924869?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2021</a>
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<p id="teeRHw">What do you think of TCU’s choice? Should they have gone purple to keep SMU from wearing their new blues? Let us know in the comments!</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2021/9/23/22689651/too-cold-u-for-smu-tcu-football-college-iron-skillet-patterson-rice-dugganMelissa B. Triebwasser2021-09-23T09:25:37-05:002021-09-23T09:25:37-05:00Mailbag Questions: Drop them here!
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<img alt="Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Philatelic Products" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4VMZtA7aTgn2MbwQG0cgBJYg3V0=/0x29:4428x2981/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69897767/1330170753.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Wang Jiankang/VCG via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Get your questions in for tomorrow’s mailbag. </p> <p id="AJgMVP">Hello - this post is later in the week than normal, as is the case with everything for me this week. My sincere apologies. </p>
<p id="rtqjEd">That being said, I had quite a bit of Old Forester last night and realized I hadn’t posted the call for mailbag questions yet, so here it is!</p>
<p id="SbvTOV">Let’s chat about TCU-SMU, CJK5H, some SMU player that was trash talking this week, Gary’s response, or anything and everything not TCU related either. </p>
<p id="IjLPbb">Fire away in the comments, and I’ll write it all up in the Friday Mailbag. </p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2021/9/23/22689611/mailbag-questions-drop-them-hereJamie Plunkett2021-09-23T08:00:00-05:002021-09-23T08:00:00-05:00“[Insert Rashee Rice comments here]”: A Q&A with Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News
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<img alt="Audience with the Enemy" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pMKzHrhczLd5AYaNdUzSTjX1Ni0=/0x175:2820x2055/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69897295/AUDIENCE__1_.0.png" />
<figcaption>Melissa Triebwasser</figcaption>
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<p>How much does this one mean for SMU? We talk to the man that made sure we all knew the answer.</p> <p id="EOHtJY">Suddenly, it seems Saturday’s Battle for the Iron Skillet has a little more heat, than usual, as the two fanbases have traded barbs over social media all week leading up to the 100th matchup between these two teams. </p>
<p id="gDRjBI">Well, some of that heat can be attributed to a quote from Mustangs’ receiver Rashee Rice, one that was shared on twitter by this week’s Q&A guest. ICYMI:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s Iron Skillet week, which means there are going to be rivalry quotes. <br><br>SMU WR Rashee Rice had a lot to say about TCU.<br><br>“After we won that skillet they were scared to play us.” <br><br>“It’s always Dallas vs. Fort Worth, but no one comes to Texas for Fort Worth.”<br><br>Full quotes: <a href="https://t.co/FY1BLrxhUD">pic.twitter.com/FY1BLrxhUD</a></p>— Joseph Hoyt (@JoeJHoyt) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeJHoyt/status/1440341118554574852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a>
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<p id="9nFpK6">Joe Hoyt, <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeJHoyt/status/1440727045001019396?s=20">who is not *just* some hack from the DMN</a> was kind enough to talk Skillet with us this week. Thanks to Joe, and support local journalism — even when it’s a Dallas paper ;).</p>
<p id="8zvce9"><strong>Frogs O’ War:</strong> The Big 12 once again announced its intentions to expand, and — once again — SMU was left on the outside looking in. How do those around the football program feel about being passed over once again and do you think choosing Houston over SMU was the right choice for the conference?</p>
<p id="5F62kC"><strong>Joe Hoyt:</strong> <em>I think there was an overall feeling of disappointment regarding the latest Big 12 Conference expansion. Remember, SMU pitched to join the conference years ago, but the Big 12 elected not to expand at that time. Being told “maybe one day” only to see that day come and it not work out has to hurt. In our stories we’ve outlined why Houston to the Big 12 ultimately made some sense, especially when it comes to number of alumni and fan attendance, but whether it was the right decision remains to be seen. </em></p>
<p id="UMgHwX"><strong>Frogs O’ War: </strong>Shane Buechele elevated the program during his tenure, but Tanner Mordecai might be an even better fit for Sonny Dykes’ offense. What are the early returns on the former Sooner and how he’s fitting in in Dallas?</p>
<p id="TY8PjV"><strong>Joe Hoyt: </strong>Let’s start with the obvious: Tanner Mordecai’s numbers are exceptional. He leads the nation in touchdown passes with 16 and he’s the first SMU quarterback since Garrett Gilbert in 2013 to throw for more than 300 yards in each of his first three starts for the Mustangs. Going from Lincoln Riley’s offense to Garrett Riley’s offense proved to be an effective transition, highlighted by a school record seven touchdowns in Week 1. Against North Texas, though, Mordecai experienced some growing pains and the Mustangs offense struggled, aside from a handful of big plays. He was very impressive against Louisiana Tech, though, and his progression is exciting to SMU fans.</p>
<p id="zeSlJG"><strong>Frogs O’ War: </strong>Reggie Roberson absolutely torched the Frogs the last time these two teams played, gaining 120+ yards on just four receptions. He was off to a slow start in 2021, but made quite possibly the play of the young season in catching a deflected Hail Mary to send the Ponies to 3-0 last week. How has Roberson’s role evolved this season, and what can the momentum of a play like that do for him and the Mustangs as a whole?</p>
<p id="cCnJYZ"><strong>Joe Hoyt: </strong>Roberson still has a brace on his knee after his second season-ending injury of his college career, placing him on an early snap count to start the season. That Hail Mary, while magical, was his first touchdown catch of the season. He’s still working back to full health, but when he gets there, he’s shown he can be one of the best receivers in the country. I’d bet he doesn’t get there against TCU, though.</p>
<p id="cXk5DK"><strong>Frogs O’ War: </strong>Danny Gray, a one time TCU commit, has been unbelievable this season, turning one in every four receptions into a touchdown. What are his strengths as a receiver and how much damage can he, along with Roberson, due to a Frogs’ secondary that got torched by Cal?</p>
<p id="b8Wz9R"><strong>Joe Hoyt: </strong>TCU head coach Gary Patterson was very complimentary of the SMU receiving corps – for good reason. The Mustangs have a ton of weapons, and Gray is surely the fastest. He’s explosive in the open field and dangerous when he gets the ball in his hands. He’s dealt with a handful of drops to start the season, though, which is something he needs to correct, but there’s a reason he’s a NFL prospect. Getting pressure on Mordecai should help that TCU secondary, if the Horned Frogs can make that happen. </p>
<p id="HNqyTR"><strong>Frogs O’ War: </strong>If there is something that has held the Ponies back the last few seasons, it’s the defense; the 2021 edition is allowing a ton of yards to opposing offenses but less than 20 points per game. Is this a bend, don’t break philosophy? Is this a unit that can play at a high level as the competition steps up?</p>
<p id="ijM32k"><strong>Joe Hoyt: </strong>In the first two games it was definitely a bend, but don’t break defense. Louisiana Tech, however, broke the SMU defense more time than the Mustangs would like. Tackling in particular was a big issue, but aside from that SMU’s defense looks like it’s taking strides under new defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt. Pressure, aside from Nelson Paul’s emergence last week, has also been hard to come by. If SMU can’t get pressure and struggles with its open-field tackling, it could be a long day against Zach Evans and Co.</p>
<p id="x15Gjn"><strong>Frogs O’ War: </strong>This is the 100th meeting of the Battle for the Iron Skillet, a rivalry that has at times felt immensely important and completely irrelevant. These days trends toward the former, as the programs have battled for recruits, Sonny Dykes has spent time on the staff at TCU, and frankly, SMU has just gotten a lot better. What is the feeling around the SMU program when it comes to the rivalry in general and this year’s game especially?</p>
<p id="9qNzzk"><strong>Joe Hoyt: </strong>[Insert Rashee Rice comments here] lol. But seriously, this is a big game for SMU, especially in light of how realignment has played out and will continue to play out. Sonny Dykes often talks about building credibility and this might be SMU’s biggest chance to do it.</p>
<p id="Ig3aca"><strong>Frogs O’ War: </strong>Outside of the big names, who are a couple players on offense and defense that TCU fans should be keeping an eye out for on the SMU roster?</p>
<p id="NRNfJT"><strong>Joe Hoyt: </strong>On offense, keep an eye on tight end Nolan Matthews-Harris. The former Frisco Reedy tight end transferred from Arizona State and is a part of SMU’s three-man rotation with Oklahoma Transfer Grant Calcaterra and former Cornell tight end Tommy McIntyre. Defensively, I already said one – Paul went from not paying against North Texas to being a Pro Football Focus first-team edge rusher last week. The one caveat though: he left last week’s game late and looked a little knicked up. If he can go, he could add that pass rush SMU needs.</p>
<p id="7mCvca"><strong>Frogs O’ War: </strong>What’s your prediction for the final score and how do we get there?</p>
<p id="45KuqN"><strong>Frogs O’ War: </strong>TCU 35, SMU 32. This is a big game for SMU and I think they’ll hold nothing back, including a successful two-point conversion to make it a three-point deficit late. I think the x-factor in this will be Zach Evans. He could have a huge day, and if he does, SMU could be in trouble.</p>
<p id="5GFTzo">Thanks to Joe for his time and insight. You can give him a follow on twitter: @JoeJHoyt</p>
https://www.frogsowar.com/2021/9/23/22688751/insert-rashee-rice-comments-here-a-q-a-with-joseph-hoyt-of-the-dallas-morning-newsMelissa B. Triebwasser