What to watch for in tonight’s TCU-SMU game? Shawn Robinson, big plays and more

TCU has dominated SMU in recent years, winning the past five contests by at least 19 points. But it’s a rivalry game and the Frogs don’t want it to become a “trap game” with the prime time Ohio State game on the horizon.

So coach Gary Patterson and the players have said all the right things leading into tonight’s game. Plus, they know SMU’s coach, Sonny Dykes, spent last season on Patterson’s staff and has knowledge of how TCU operates.

Plus, there’s always the pride factor in this matchup.

“It’s a lot more personal since you’re fighting for the DFW,” defensive end Ty Summers said.

And TCU doesn’t want to stumble before the Ohio State game. Patterson brings up the 2005 season as a constant reminder of what can happen before or after big games.

In 2005, TCU opened the season with a stunning 17-10 victory at Oklahoma and then fell the following week to SMU (21-10).

“Oh, [Patterson] always brings stuff up like that,” Summers said. “It doesn’t even have to be SMU. It can be any team.”

With that being said, here are five storylines to watch going into it:

1. Robinson’s encore. Quarterback Shawn Robinson had an impressive season debut against Southern. He accounted for five touchdowns — three passing, two rushing — in the first half.

Robinson missed a few throws he expects to make, but the season-opening rust has been knocked off. He’ll look to shine once again vs. SMU.

2. Running matters. The Frogs had three rushing TDs against the Mustangs last season, including two by Darius Anderson. Anderson, who was slowed by an injury in fall camp, saw limited action against Southern, carrying it eight times for 36 yards.

Anderson is expected to see his playing time increase as he progresses, which is a good thing as he’s a home-run threat every time he touches the ball.

But Patterson liked what he saw from fellow back Emari Demercado, who rushed for a team-high 57 yards against Southern.

3. Sharing the ball. Robinson and the rest of TCU’s quarterbacks did a nice job spreading the ball around in the opener. The Frogs finished with 10 different receivers registering a catch.

KaVontae Turpin and Jalen Reagor each had a team-leading four receptions, but TreVontae Hights had the most yards on a 57-yard TD reception early in the second half.

TCU has plenty of offensive weapons and getting the ball to multiple receivers will only keep defenses honest.

4. Applying pressure. TCU led the Big 12 with 42 sacks last season, but surprisingly didn’t have any in the SMU game. That would be a nice statistic to change this time around.

The Frogs had three sacks in the opener, one each by Ty Summers, Garret Wallow and Corey Bethley. Wallow also registered a QB hurry that led to an interception.

But it’d be a boost for TCU if Ben Banogu gets his season jumpstarted against SMU. Banogu had two tackles for loss and two QB hurries against the Mustangs last season.

5. Limit big plays. The Frogs’ defense played well in the opener by allowing just seven points. But they gave up two big plays, including a 55-yard TD pass.

SMU connected on big plays early on against TCU last season, too, including a 58-yard TD pass on the opening series of the game.

The Frogs have to limit those plays. They don’t want the Mustangs having confidence they can pull of an upset.

Our prediction: TCU 42, SMU 20. The Frogs don’t cover the spread (22 1/2 points), but win their seventh straight against the rival Mustangs.

This story was originally published September 7, 2018 at 7:30 AM.