SMU Falls to TCU in Iron Skillet Rivalry, 35–24
FORT WORTH, Texas — In what could be the final chapter of the Iron Skillet rivalry, SMU fell 35–24 to TCU on Saturday afternoon at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
The Mustangs (2–2) had their chances, even taking a 24–21 lead in the third quarter when quarterback Kevin Jennings connected with Jordan Hudson for a 34-yard touchdown. But the Horned Frogs (3–0) responded with two lightning-quick scoring strikes from quarterback Josh Hoover to wideout Eric McAlister, flipping the momentum for good.
Hoover carved up the SMU defense, completing 22 of 40 passes for 379 yards and five touchdowns. McAlister was unstoppable on the outside, finishing with eight receptions for 254 yards and three scores, including a 70-yard catch-and-run that ignited the home crowd and a 44-yard dagger moments later.
SMU’s Jennings put up respectable numbers — 24 of 37 passing for 290 yards and three touchdowns — but also threw two costly interceptions. The Mustangs were held to just 94 rushing yards on 27 attempts, limiting their ability to control the tempo.
Third-down efficiency proved decisive. TCU converted 9 of 17 opportunities, while SMU managed just 4 of 13, often stalling near midfield.
“Explosive plays really hurt us,” SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said after the game. “We had the lead in the second half, but we didn’t finish, and against a team like TCU, you can’t afford breakdowns on the back end.”
Jennings echoed his coach’s frustration. “We moved the ball, but turnovers and missed chances killed us. We have to execute better in key moments,” he said.
For TCU, the victory preserved bragging rights in a rivalry that has stretched for decades. “This game means something to both schools,” Hoover said. “We wanted to make a statement, and I think we did.”
The Mustangs now turn their focus to their ACC opener against Syracuse on October 4, hoping to regroup before entering conference play. TCU, meanwhile, stays unbeaten at 3–0, carrying momentum into the heart of its schedule.
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