TCU Football: Keys to the Game, Week 4
With their win against the University of Houston in the rear-view mirror, TCU now looks ahead and begins preparations for Saturday's Iron Skillet against the SMU Mustangs.
This game will be the biggest test since the Week 1 loss to Colorado. The Frogs are coming up against an SMU team that is mature, physical, and smart.
Establish the running game:
The most consistent facet of the TCU offense has been its running game. Led by Emani Bailey, the rushing game has accounted for seven touchdowns this season.
Bailey continues to impress with his explosiveness off the handoff. Averaging 6.3 yards per carry, he has been unstoppable this season. He is also coming off the back of a tremendous performance away at Houston, where TCU picked up a 36-13 win. Bailey rushed the ball 23 times for 126 yards and a touchdown.
While Bailey has been the primary back, Trey Sanders has provided a great secondary option in the backfield. Despite being outworked by Bailey in the early going, Sanders has four touchdowns to his name.
The two tailbacks will be crucial in Saturday's game against an SMU defense that has allowed 103 rushing yards per game (on average). The Mustangs held Louisiana Tech and Prairie View A&M to 28 and 94 rushing yards, respectively, but gave up 189 rushing yards in their loss to the Oklahoma Sooners.
Pressure Preston Stone:
Sonny Dykes is no stranger to Mustang quarterback Preston Stone, who was a redshirt freshman in Dykes’ final season at SMU in 2021. Since then, Stone has grown into a mature quarterback with loads of talent. But for the Frogs to register a victory on Saturday, they'll have to pressure Stone, and that starts with the defensive line.
In three games, Stone has thrown for 798 yards and nine touchdowns, all while completing 62.7% of his passes. A pocket quarterback, Stone will rarely rush the football, which means the Frogs will need to impose their will on the pocket, making it difficult for Stone to escape.
Fortunately for the Frogs, their defense has registered 13 sacks, forced three interceptions, and forced two fumbles. Against a strong SMU offense on Saturday, TCU must lean on its veteran core to set the tone early.
SMU's Preston Stone
Be more excited than SMU:
It sounds simple because it is. Since the Week 1 loss to Colorado, Dykes has stressed that his team needs to be the more excited group entering a game. Excitement sets the tone for not only your team, but for your opponent as well.
Excitement will be crucial in Saturday's game, which will mark that penultimate Iron Skillet game at Amon G. Carter Stadium before TCU officially calls to halt the rivalry game following the 2024 season. Following a move to the ACC, the SMU Mustangs will have a point to prove to their counterparts in Fort Worth, but the Frogs will look to decimate any and all hope from the Ponies.
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