SMU vs. TCU: Through the Years - 2019
Editor’s Note: SMU and TCU meet for the 102nd time at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Amon Carter Stadium in Fort Worth (FS1). During this week leading up to the game, staff writer Kevin Lonnquist reveals five prominent games in this storied rivalry.
Game: 2019
Result: SMU 41, TCU 38
National Implications: SMU was looking for its first 4-0 start since 1984. TCU was 2-0 and entered the national rankings at No. 25.
How it Happened: With TCU coming into this game as a -7.5-point favorite, this was a game where the Mustangs shockingly never trailed. Behind QB Shane Buechele, they jumped out to a 15-0 lead within the first 10 minutes of the game. They then held a stunning 31-17 halftime lead on the strength of three rushing touchdowns including one from Buechele. TCU charged back with a score in the third quarter. However, a Buechele 3-yard TD toss Xavier Jones within the first 62 seconds of the fourth quarter made it a two-score game (38-24).
However, it got interesting from there. TCU closed to within 41-38 with three minutes to play. SMU’s ensuing possession imploded. That included Jones recovering a fumble deep in SMU territory. The Mustangs punted from their own end zone. The Horned Frogs began at the SMU 41. Facing a 4th-and-3 at the SMU 34, Delano Robinson broke up Max Duggan’s pass. SMU took over on downs and ran out the last 55 seconds. The Mustangs snapped a 7-game losing streak in this series.
How 2019 ended: SMU climbed to as high as No. 15 in the College Football Playoff Poll. However, the famed 8-0 start, the best since the 1982 team began 10-0, had a rather dismal finish. SMU fell out of contention for the AAC title game with losses to Memphis and Navy and then proceeded to play poorly in their 52-28 loss to Florida Atlantic in the Boca Raton Bowl. SMU completed the season at 10-3. This loss was just the start to a disappointing season for the Horned Frogs. They finished 5-7 and missed two chances at the end of the season to become bowl eligible when they lost to Oklahoma and West Virginia.
Bonus Game: The teams did not meet in 2020 as TCU cited COVID issues within its program. However, when the series resumed for the 100th meeting in 2021 in Fort Worth, the Mustangs won 42-34. The game ended in controversy in the postgame celebration when wide receiver Rashee Rice planted the SMU flag on the TCU field. In his postgame presser, TCU head coach Gary Patterson claimed an SMU player assaulted assistant coach Jerry Kill. However, video evidence proved that claim to be false. That also was the starting point to Patterson’s demise as the head coach.
This series concludes Friday with another selected game.
