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Rhett Lashlee previews SMU vs. TCU

On3 imageby:Billy Embody•09/21/23•

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SMU HC Rhett Lashlee. (Matt Visinsky - On3)

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee met with the media on Wednesday to preview the matchup against TCU in the Battle for the Iron Skillet. Check out the video at the top with the full interview.

Lashlee has a lot of respect for what Sonny Dykes has on his team this year.

“Obviously we know how good they were last year, they were national runner-ups,” Lashlee told reporters. “I think their roster is better this year than it was last year. They got some really key returners on both sides of the ball back and then the areas they lost players, they brought in transfers and guys that are arguably more talented.”

TCU defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie has done a solid job with his unique approach to his defense. SMU’s had its moments in the past where its struggled against the group.

“I think when you start with their defense, they’re really big inside,” Lashlee said. “They’re giving up to 60 yards a game in the running game. Two of their three starting linebackers are back. They’re really good. Joe Gillespie, I’ve got a lot of respect for him, I’ve gone against him a bunch and he does it the right way and he’s really good. Those guys know their system and believe in it. Good on the back end. I think the Newton kid, I thought was the best corner on their team and maybe in college football last year, thought they gave the award to the wrong guy. So him being back’s a big deal, Bud Clark and all those guys.”

TCU’s offense also has some juice to it with quarterback Chandler Morris at the helm. Overall, Lashlee sees SMU’s next opponent as a well put together football team.

“Kendal (Briles) knows how to run the football and AJ Ricker is really good at what he does,” Lashlee said. “They’ve got a really good O-line back this year. They’ve added some pieces. The two backs are really good. They’re arguably as good as the ones they had last year, which is hard to say because the ones that had last year were really good. There wide outs are explosive, they have the best tight end we’ll see all year and Chandler Morris is a ballplayer. He’s a coach’s kid, known him for a long time. He competes. He’s a winner. He can extend plays, he can run it, it’s a problem.There’s not much to say there’s a weakness anywhere to be honest with you. So yes, they’re really good up front. They’re really good everywhere.”

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