Inside Everything TCU coach Sonny Dykes said about SMU ahead of rivalry game
The rivalry between SMU and TCU has grown stronger in recent years, marked by closely contested games and the transition of coach Sonny Dykes, who led the Mustangs from 2018 to 2021 and then joined the Horned Frogs in 2022.
Dykes has won the last four battles for the Iron Skillet, and with the series coming to an end after 2025, the upcoming games are increasingly significant.
Before the 103rd meeting in the series, Dykes addressed the media on Tuesday, where he talked about the strength of SMU’s roster, his familiarity with SMU coach Rhett Lashlee, and the adjustments needed due to the change in the Mustangs’ quarterback.
On SMU’s 2024 Team:
“They’re a very talented football team. Many expect them to be a dark horse contender for the ACC title this year. I mentioned to our players that Pro Football Focus recently ranked players from the 17 ACC teams and noted that six of the top ten players came from that conference. In contrast, we didn’t have any players in the top 30 in the Big 12. Their running back, Brashard Smith, is currently ranked as the No. 1 running back in college football by Pro Football Focus. Their offensive line is impressive too; I believe all their starters are four-star recruits. Additionally, three of their four starting defensive linemen are transfers from Miami, making them a very talented team filled with NFL prospects. We’ll definitely have our hands full.”
On SMU’s Starting Quarterback Switch to Kevin Jennings:
“Switching quarterbacks, especially during an open date, can be challenging. It requires careful preparation because you have to anticipate what you might face and ready your team effectively to avoid scrambling during the game. We plan to show them various looks this week to help them get prepared, trying not to overthink things. I expect there will be more focus on the quarterback running game and quicker passes with moving the pocket, but there’s still a lot we don’t know until we see it in action.”
On Sonny Dykes’ Relationship with People at SMU:
“It’s great to reconnect with familiar faces—there are many people I truly care about, including some players who are still there. The hardest part is definitely the players; I’ve invested a lot in them. For example, Preston Stone was in my home numerous times during recruiting, and I’ve developed close relationships with many of them.
Moreover, I hold fond memories of friends and individuals who treated my family and me well during my time there. A college football program’s success relies on a collective effort; it involves the administration, everyone in the football department, and donors. People like Paul Loyd, a former player and board member, supported SMU football for three decades through tough times without wavering. It’s easier to be a fan now with the team in the ACC, enhanced facilities, and recent successes, but Paul was loyal when it was challenging, and you don’t forget supporters like that.”
On whether Dykes believed Lashlee and UCF coach Gus Malzahn had spoken before the matchup:
“I’m confident they did. I’d actually be surprised if they hadn’t. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. Rhett played under Gus; he was Gus’ quarterback at Shiloh Christian, so it’s natural for them to have a conversation.”
On the familiarity between coaching staffs:
“It’s somewhat uncommon, but many of us have connections from previous experiences, whether through coaching together or sharing the same staff. For instance, A.J. Ricker was Rhett’s offensive line coach. There’s a strong level of familiarity between both teams. However, I don’t think that gives either side an advantage. You might feel inclined to adjust your strategies a bit more, particularly with things like game management and signals. It’s crucial to modify your signals and implement dummy signals, as those are easier for the other team to pick up on.”