Tag: TCU vs SMU

TCU vs SMU Prediction, Game Preview

TCU vs SMU game preview, prediction, and breakdown for the Week 4 game on Saturday, September 24

TCU vs SMU prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 4, Saturday, September 24

TCU vs SMU How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 24
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX
How To Watch: ESPNU
Record: TCU (2-0), SMU (2-1)
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TCU vs SMU Game Preview

Why TCU Will Win

If it’s possible to be totally rested and ready to roll in Week 4 of the season, that’s TCU.

It started out with a layup win over a horrible Colorado team, got a scrimmage against Tarleton State, and then it got two weeks off to get ready for the 30 mile trip on I-30 to deal with the Mustangs.

The Horned Frogs had no problem whatsoever in the first two games under Sonny Dykes. The passing game rolled two weeks ago, the running game averaged over nine yards per carry in Boulder, and the defense was fine.

QB Chandler Morris is still out, but Max Duggan is more than good enough to handle the starting work. As long as the turnovers are kept to a bare minimum, all should be fine.

SMU has a turnover problem – eight so far – the run defense has been shaky, and the Rhett Lashlee offense doesn’t care a lick about controlling the clock. But …

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Why SMU Will Win

There’s a flip side to only playing two games so far and getting all the rest TCU has had – there’s a chance SMU is sharper.

Yes, turnovers have been an issue with eight so far, but the defense has made up for it with taking it away multiple times in each of the three games. The offense is working – it’s tenth in the nation in passing yards and 12th overall in total O – and it’s going to be the toughest test for the TCU defense by far.

Tanner Mordecai needs to be a bit more accurate – he’s not hitting the 60% mark – but he’s spreading it around well, has ten touchdown passes, and is more than experienced enough to handle the moment against the Big 12 team.

It has only been two games, but TCU hasn’t cranked up the pass rush yet. Give Mordecai time and there’s going to be a problem.

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What’s Going To Happen

SMU will bring the offense, but TCU will get the ground game going enough to control the clock and the tempo.

For all of the good things the Mustang offense does, the inability to deal with the time of possession battle – it just doesn’t care – is going to be taxing on the D. TCU will be balanced, the rest defense will be solid, and it’ll be a good win before diving into the Big 12 season.

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TCU vs SMU Prediction, Line

TCU 34, SMU 30
Line: TCU -2.5, o/u: 70.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
TCU vs SMU Must See Rating (out of 5): 3

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Five things SMU did well vs TCU and how Texas can do the same

After watching the tape, Steve Sarkisian should be able to take some of what SMU did well vs TCU and apply it to his own game plan.

Back-to-back weeks, TCU will face off against an in-state rival in SMU and Texas. Gary Patterson will be hoping the latter goes better after letting the Mustangs retain the Iron Skillet, 42-34.

Now, the Big 12 rival will roll into town fresh off a 35-point thumping of Texas Tech. Offensive confidence is at an all-time high for Steve Sarkisian with Casey Thompson running the show at quarterback.

Sarkisian made it clear during his Monday press conference that Texas is going to continue the same preparation they have been. Losing their mindset just because of a hiccup in Fort Worth would be bad news. Especially after the past nine years.

“We’re also not going to buy the lie that we’re going to play the same TCU team that just played SMU on Saturday,” Sarkisian said.

Even so after watching the tape, Sarkisian should be able to take some of what SMU did well and apply it to his own game plan. With his offensive mind and the talent at his disposal, attacking Patterson’s famed defense might not be as big of a challenge this season.

Here are five things SMU did well against TCU and how Texas can do the same.

TCU vs SMU Prediction, Game Preview

TCU vs SMU prediction, game preview, how to watch: Saturday, September 25

TCU vs SMU prediction, game preview, how to watch: Saturday, September 25

TCU vs SMU How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 25
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX
How To Watch: FS1
Record: TCU (2-0), SMU (3-0)
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TCU vs SMU Game Preview

Why SMU Will Win

SMU has certainly been tested.

Beating Abilene Christian and North Texas wasn’t without its charm, but the Hail Mary to get by Louisiana Tech in a 39-37 thriller had that This Might Be Something Special feel to it.

Former Oklahoma Sooner QB Tanner Mordecai has thrown 16 touchdown passes with over 1,000 yards in his first three games. He was talented at OU, but he couldn’t push through with all the superstars at the position. Now he has his chance, and he’s making the most of it.

The line is giving him all day to work, the passing game is among the most efficient in the nation, and the O should push TCU harder than Cal did two weeks ago.

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Why TCU Will Win

It’s not like TCU needed the rest.

It had won a fun battle with Cal 34-32, showing off a great offensive balance that should continue if the O commits a bit to the run.

It’s going to be too tempting, though, to get Max Duggan throwing.

The SMU secondary has been suspect, allowing 351 yards to Louisiana Tech a week after getting hit for 388 against North Texas. There isn’t enough consistent pressure, and it’s leading to way too many big plays are happening down the field.

In this, though, it might just be more about control. TCU has dominated the clock over the first two games – keeping the ball for an average of 41 minutes – and should grind a bit to keep the SMU O on the sidelines.

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What’s Going To Happen

Mordecai will get his yards, but TCU’s defense will lock down on the SMU running game. It’ll be the Duggan show as he starts running a bit more to go along with well over 300 yards through the air.

This is where the Horned Frogs have to show a little muscle after getting hit hard by a Cal passing game that’s just okay. Up next … Texas, at Texas Tech, at Oklahoma.

This is supposed to be the breather, and it won’t be.

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TCU vs SMU Prediction, Line

TCU 40, SMU 26
Line: TCU -9.5, o/u: 65.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3

Must See Rating: 3

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