The Edge
Compiled by Braden Howell and Carlos Alvarado

TCU PASSING GAME
Brandon Hassell’s confidence level will be a big factor in the overall performance of the offense. The TCU receivers are talented, fast and capable of making big plays. The distribution of the ball has been pretty even, but only one receiver manages to have a big game almost every week. The unit has struggled picking up the blitz this season, and quick defensive lines pose a challenge for the TCU linemen.

SMU PASS DEFENSE
The unit is ranked 73rd in the nation but is not horrid. It held Texas Tech pretty much in check and have held three opponents to under 102 total yards passing. SMU does give up big plays asit allows almost 15 yards a reception while also allowing 2.5 passing touchdowns a game. Senior cornerback Jonas Rutledge is the best player in the secondary, and most teams stay away from him. TCU will not, so something has to give.

TCU RUNNING GAME
The TCU running game is at its best when freshman Robert Merrill and sophomore Lonta Hobbs get a high number of carries. When this happens it means they are running well, and the Frogs have sustained long drives. While the passing game has garnered all the attention, the Frogs have won in the past with a commitment to running the football. It is not flashy, nor does it get much respect in the polls, but it wins.

SMU RUN DEFENSE
Defensive tackle Allan Adami and linebacker Brian Bischoff are the best players on an undersized front seven. They possess the quickness that has given the TCU offensive line trouble in the past and the speed to contain the TCU option attack. Middle linebacker D.D. Lee leads the team in tackles and will be around the ball most of the afternoon.

SMU PASSING GAME
SMU’s victory total is a reflection of the amount of production it has gotten from the passing game. Zero. Freshman quarterback Chris Phillips leads a weak-passing attack that has failed to throw for more than 200 yards in a game. It has also been held under the 100-yard mark four times this season. The Mustangs cannot seem to do anything well when throwing the ball with an interception-to-touchdown ratio of 2-1.

TCU PASS DEFENSE
The Frogs’ pass defense has been drowning all season. Each time it looks like the unit is going to get its act together, it lets up a big play that pulls it right back down. The biggest problem has been the lack of a pass rush. The front four’s play and the blitz packages have struggled lately, allowing teams the time to find the open receiver. SMU’s inept passing game should give the Frogs some confidence and something to build upon going into the bowl game.

SMU RUNNING GAME
SMU has kept some games close at times because of its backfield. Senior running back Keylon Kincade has had a nice career at SMU and is an NFL prospect. He averages 110 yards rushing a game and 4.1 yards a carry. The offensive line has struggled protecting the quarterback but is built for running the ball.

TCU RUN DEFENSE
Brick wall. SMU will find out how difficult teams have had it all year. Sophomore Ranorris Ray is really settling in at defensive tackle, and senior nose tackle Chad Pugh has played well in recent weeks. The linebackers missed some tackles last week, but there is just no room on the ground for teams to run on this defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Jonas Rutledge is a top kick returner and could be a big difference in the game. TCU’s return units need to bounce back from a tough outing as upsets make its roots in special teams play. Freshman Cory Rodgers has big play potential, but the opposing team gunners are rarely blocked and constantly in his face. Nick Browne is the definite edge in this game if it has to come down to a kick.

OVERALL
The Mustangs have had two weeks to prepare for a game that could make their season. Rivalry games are always tricky things to predict, especially now as the Frogs are coming off a devastating loss. The Frogs toughest opponent will be themselves. If they fail to score touchdowns early and settle for field goals, SMU might just hang around long enough to put hope in its hearts. Hope is the one thing TCU can ill afford to allow SMU to have. The Frogs are too well coached to let the Mustangs pull off an upset. TCU will be taking out a lot of frustration on the winless Mustangs, and the Iron Skillet will be staying in Fort Worth.

PREDICTION:
Braden Howell - Frogs 34-7
Carlos Alvarado - Frogs 48-12