Every TCU Horned Frog fan remembers the 65–7 drubbing by the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2023 College Football National Championship. But that wasn’t the most points TCU has surrendered since joining the Big 12 in 2012.
Just last season, the Horned Frogs gave up 66 to SMU—a team that would go on to earn a College Football Playoff berth. That marked the most points allowed since 2004, when Texas Tech hung 70 on TCU.
Now, the Frogs are eyeing revenge as they host the Mustangs one final time in the Battle
for the Iron Skillet. The rivalry is officially on pause, with no future meetings currently scheduled.
Ahead of the much-anticipated clash, we caught up with Billy Embody of On3 Sports’ On the Pony Express to talk about the series, SMU’s early-season struggles, and his prediction for this last showdown.
Frogs O’ War: To kick things off, what has been the most memorable matchup between TCU and SMU over the last decade? Have you noticed a shift in competitiveness in recent years?
On the Pony Express: First off, I definitely have noticed a shift in the competitiveness. Since SMU jumped up its commitment to football when Sonny Dykes got there and even more when Rhett Lashlee was hired, it’s been at least a game that wasn’t just as much a “hope and a prayer” for SMU to win. For SMU fans, the most memorable game has to be Dykes’ return to SMU last season. That was probably one of the most memorable games for any fan since the return from the Death Penalty. That 2011 win in Ft. Worth though was a classic game with the overtime win for the Mustangs.
Frogs O’ War: What’s to make of SMU’s season thus far? Have the Mustangs met expectations? Or, is 2-1, with an 18-point win over Missouri State, a disappointment?
On the Pony Express: SMU’s season has been all over the place. There’s been really good offensive play, some ups and downs defensively, and just overall a really frustrating showing through three games. SMU hasn’t put together a complete game yet. The Baylor one is the game that obviously hurts, blowing a 14-point lead, but it also shows the Mustangs can jump out on a solid opponent and be in control. Saturday will show a lot as far as if SMU will be pretty inconsistent overall this season or if they’re going to right the ship and be back on track to challenge for a league title again.
Frogs O’ War: What’s been the Mustangs’ best unit (either on offense or defense) thus far? What unit most needs improving heading into the matchup against TCU, and most importantly, conference play?
On the Pony Express: I would say the running backs have been really good. TJ Harden’s been a welcome addition from UCLA, and he’s been a bell cow back. On top of that, Chris Johnson Jr. and Dramekco Green have shown flashes of good play as well. That’s a group SMU needs to lean on a good bit against TCU. SMU’s pass defense (whether it be pass rush or secondary) needs to improve as a whole. It’s been leaky and quarterbacks have been able to have big days against them this season.
Frogs O’ War: SMU was gashed through the air by Baylor to the tune of 440 yards and three touchdowns. What must the Mustangs do to slow down Josh Hoover and the high-powered Horned Frogs’ aerial attack?
On the Pony Express: Dial up a pass rush. Sawyer Robertson had a huge day because he had all day most of the time. SMU opted to play conservatively with its defensive calls and it cost them without a pass rush. I would expect we see some personnel packages to help SMU generate a pass rush against Hoover with hopes of helping the secondary out.
Frogs O’ War: Does a return to the College Football Playoff still feel within reach for the Mustangs? If not, what bowl games seem attainable?
On the Pony Express: It does only from the standpoint of you’ve seen the flash of good play that you need to see and SMU’s been in a weird position before in nonconference, like last year. Ultimately, the staff made adjustments and the Mustangs went on their run. If SMU is inconsistent this year like they were against Baylor, they’ll probably be in some bowl like the Holiday or Sun Bowl. Lashlee’s teams have gotten better as the season has gone on, so that’s also something to note.
Frogs O’ War: What’s your prediction in this final (for now) Battle of the Iron Skillet? Who wins? What’s the final score?
On the Pony Express: I wrestled with it earlier in the week, but I’m picking SMU. The run game for the Mustangs has emerged as a big threat with TJ Harden rolling. If Rhett Lashlee stays committed to that run game, Kevin Jennings should get that confidence boost as the team looks to control the flow of this one. It’d be a surprise to me if SMU can’t get things going on the ground. If they’re able to do that, that’ll help the defense, which maybe found a bit of a pass rush last week. If that carries over, SMU has the offensive firepower to get by the Frogs in this one. SMU 34, TCU 30
Shout out to Billy for providing fantastic insight into the final Battle for the Iron Skillet and SMU’s season thus far. For all things SMU, be sure to check out On the Pony Express.
