Brashard Smith Dominates as SMU Crushes TCU
On a sunny Saturday in Dallas, Brashard Smith showcased his exceptional talent, leading the Southern Methodist Mustangs to a resounding 66-42 victory over their rivals, the TCU Horned Frogs. Smith’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he ran for 127 yards and three touchdowns while also adding a touchdown catch to his impressive stat line.
SMU’s Defensive Dominance
While Smith’s offensive prowess was undeniable, it was SMU’s defense that truly made the difference in the game. The Mustangs scored two defensive touchdowns and returned a punt for a touchdown, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on TCU’s mistakes. This defensive performance was crucial in snapping SMU’s two-game losing streak to their Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex rivals.
Kevin Jennings also played a key role in SMU’s victory, passing for 137 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to effectively lead the offense, combined with Smith’s dynamic playmaking, proved to be too much for TCU to handle.
Sonny Dykes’ Ejection
The game took an unexpected turn when TCU coach Sonny Dykes was ejected for multiple unsportsmanlike penalties after the opening kickoff of the third quarter. Dykes, who previously coached SMU from 2017-21, was visibly upset after a holding penalty nullified Jordyn Bailey’s 93-yard kickoff return touchdown. This marked the first time since 2021 that a coach had been ejected from a game, adding a dramatic element to an already intense rivalry matchup.
TCU’s quarterback, Josh Hoover, threw for an impressive 381 yards and three touchdowns but also struggled with two interceptions and two fumbles. Despite Hoover’s efforts, TCU was unable to overcome SMU’s relentless defense and Brashard Smith’s electrifying performance.
Explosive Offensive Display
The first half of the game was filled with back-and-forth action, with both teams trading scores. Collin Rogers kicked three field goals for SMU, showcasing his accuracy and range. However, it was SMU’s defense that truly shined, with Brandon Crossley returning a fumble for a touchdown and Roderick Daniels Jr. scoring on a punt return.
As the game progressed, SMU’s offense continued to put up points, with Jordan Hudson, Ahmaad Moses, and Brashard Smith all finding the end zone. Despite TCU’s best efforts to keep pace, SMU’s offensive firepower proved to be too much to handle.
In the second half, SMU continued to build on their lead, with Brashard Smith adding to his impressive touchdown total. TCU’s defense struggled to contain Smith, allowing him to score at will. Even a late surge by TCU was not enough to overcome SMU’s commanding lead.
Conclusion
In the end, Brashard Smith’s standout performance and SMU’s dominant defense propelled the Mustangs to a decisive victory over TCU. The win not only marked a significant triumph in the rivalry between the two teams but also solidified SMU as a force to be reckoned with in college football. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see if Brashard Smith and the Mustangs can maintain their impressive form and continue to make waves in the competitive world of college football.