The Iron Skillet belongs to TCU for a second straight season as the Horned Frogs pulled away in the second half, 34-10. SMU jumped out to an early 7-0 lead, but the TCU defense made life hell for Garrett Gilbert, especially in the second half; the Horned Frogs forced five turnovers and sacked Gilbert seven times.
SMU vs. TCU final score: Horned Frogs thump Mustangs, 48-17
A 27-point spree in the second half buoyed the TCU victory.
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The game seemed to swing after a driving rainstorm overtook the stadium during the second half, as SMU’s offense ground to a halt and TCU scored 27 straight points. The sun was out again by the fourth quarter, but at that point TCU was well in control and wouldn’t relinquish the lead.
SMU tried to get close late, as a touchdown with a few minutes left pushed the score to 34-17, but TCU returned the ensuing onside kick for a score (seriously) then registered a pick-six shortly thereafter to finish the scoring.
Box Score Hero: Trevone Boykin overcame a slow start and threw two second-half touchdowns en route to a 15-for-26, 228-yard showing. Bonus: a turnover-free game, which is sensational given that the first three quarters were played in a one-possession margin one way or the other.
Rankings Ramifications: TCU’s finish was impressive, but with the Horned Frogs’ record only rising to 2-2 the prospect of a Top 25 ranking is still a ways away. It’s not entirely fair, as most teams in the Top 25 haven’t faced the equivalent of LSU on a neutral field and a road game at Texas Tech yet, but hey, maybe a vote or two will trickle in.
But Did They Cover? TCU was a 17-point favorite, so an onside kick that TCU took to the house with three minutes left sure delighted some gamblers.
For More On This Game: For more on Horned Frogs football, visit TCU community Frogs O’ War.
Next Week’s Schedule: SMU faces Rutgers at home next week, while TCU must travel to Oklahoma. No word on if TCU asked to swap opponents with SMU.
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