The Last Iron Skillet Game - SMU v TCU Rivalry

Last Saturday (9/21/2024), TCU and SMU participated in the 103rd playing of the Iron Skillet Rivalry. The game was played in the newly remodeled Ford Stadium in front of a near capacity crowd, including the largest number of SMU students in recent memory. 

The game was broadcast by The CW, an OTA network that is slowly building itself into a respectable sports media partner. With two small private schools from the Dallas area, the  4 pm (CST) game recorded around 322,000 viewers. TCU fans immediately jumped on this as some indicator that nobody outside DFW cares about the game. But a little context might help. Overlapping the game on more traditional sports networks, were USC v Michigan, UCLA v LSU, Utah v Oklahoma State, Arkansas v Auburn, Miami (OH) v Notre Dame. And at the same time, UTEP v Colorado State had 56,000 viewers on TruTV. 

frogs on the cw, unfortunately. pic.twitter.com/NSLNj9ojk0

— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) September 20, 2024

Viewership is driven by a number of factors - size of the school and fanbase. The current rankings and importance of the game can increase the number of viewers. The most important factors are the time, network, and competition on other networks. Its going to be difficult stealing viewers from Notre Dame on NBC. Or even USC and Michigan on CBS. However, this was a rivalry game between the Big 12 and ACC, and one of the last ones. But both teams were limping into the game with player issues and a recent disappointing loss - TCU against UCF, and SMU against BYU.

It was TCU that decided it was best if the schools drop the annual game. I covered this including the history of the rivalry in a previous post. Back in the early 2000s, when TCU joined the Big 12 and dominated the series, it would have made perfect sense to pause, or even end the series. SMU looked as if they really did not care about football. TCU was in a power conference with the revenue advantage and the recruiting prestige, and they were winning games on the national stage. SMU was fortunate to make it occasionally to the Hawaii Bowl.

Now almost 20 years later, things are a lot different. SMU, along with Cal and Stanford, are now members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) - arguably the 3rd best Power conference. Only in SMUs wildest dreams did they see themselves landing in the ACC. They had hoped for the Big 12, reuniting with some Southwest Conference schools. But a certain school in Cowtown made sure that did not happen. They were likely helped by others - Baylor and Texas Tech. The idea of a Big 12 team in the middle of Dallas, and likely playing there every year, seemed like a no brainer. But these universities are not exactly known as the top academic destinations in the country - especially now that Texas, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma are in the Southeast Conference. The latest academic rankings confirm this. Simply compare the rankings of the two conferences. All but one, Louisville, is ranked higher than all the Big 12 schools - significantly. Of course winning football and basketball games is preferred, but if you can do both, why not?

SMU was all but in the PAC 12 when the Big 12 pounced on several teams, destroying that conference in the process. And once again leaving SMU on the outside looking in. As long as TCU had the golden ticket - membership in a Power conference and SMU did not, they could maintain their competitive edge. They even lured Sonny Dykes away from SMU, after his SMU teams beat TCU in consecutive games. Little did they know they actually did us a favor, as Rhett Lashlee is a far better man and coach. TCU is finding this out the hard way.

When the rules changed, and the portal became a reality, SMU jumped onboard and embraced it - telling players that they could "come home" have a fresh start playing at SMU in front of friends and family. The pitch worked, as SMU was able to upgrade their roster. And then the NCAA allowed players to earn money from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Once again SMU was a pioneer, mastering the acquisition of top players. The only thing missing, and keeping the very top players away was that SMU still was not playing with the Big Boys. That was a HUGE competitive disadvantage on signing day. And TCU was EAGER to keep it that way. Because every day, the talent on SMUs roster was getting dangerously close to TCUs level. A few players picked SMU over TCU, and some even transferred to SMU - both quite rare in the past. TCU had to do something. That something was to cancel the series. If the teams never played head-to-head, nobody would truly know which is the better school. And besides, is there a TCU fan who does not prefer seeing TCU play top schools like Long Island University?

Why Do All TCU Fans Have Early Onset Arthritis?

In spite of all the complaints - Its so hot. They ran out of water. The bathrooms were crowded. TCU fans by the hundreds, dragged their butts to Dallas to see what they hoped would be another decisive win over the lowly Ponies of SMU - their "lil bro" as some joke. But that little brother is ALMOST fully grown. Our Big Money Donors have invested over $250M in athletic facilities since 2013. We have a Presidential library, numerous new buildings, and a beautiful campus that does not resemble a La Quinta motel. Its no surprise that people from TCU don't want to see how much better things are in Dallas.

And what they witnessed was a bloodbath at Ford. SMU jumped out quickly and never looked back. Sonny Dykes even got himself thrown out in hopes it might fire up his team. It did not work. When it was over, SMU won 66-42 - and it really was not that close.

I've had a week to consider the Iron Skillet game. Other schools have cancelled games. This very year, Vanderbilt cancelled our game forcing SMU to scramble and find a week 0 opponent. We played Nevada. It would be nice to give TCU what they want - a pause. Let this be the last Skillet game for a time. It was a perfect ending to a 100+ year rivalry. We keep the Skillet, and TCU keeps Sonny - at least for a few more games.

But I know SMU will keep their commitment. We will play TCU one last time in Cowtown. The cows will walk aimlessly through the stockyards. Sunrise, sunset. But maybe one last Iron Skillet game will bring some much needed excitement to their campus. It was fun while it lasted.

Happier Times

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SMU - First Outright Conference Championship in 41 Years!

If you have read any of my blogs you know that I am, and will always be a committed SMU fan. I've written about my Mother's love for SMU, the many family ties to the Methodist church and the school, and my experiences on the Hilltop. It just seems like part of my family.

My positive memories of SMU go back long before I attended. My Mother introduced me to SMU during a United Methodist Youth Foundation trip to see the Mustangs play in the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Both my sisters were in the church youth group, and my parents were chaperones. I of course as a wee one, had to come along. All that I knew about college football at that time came from my Father, who graduated from the University of Texas. He was there at the same time as Tom Landry, and UT was his team. Naturally, it was mine, until I saw the red & blue of SMU. I believe that first game was against Houston. And I'm pretty sure they lost, but I was hooked. My Mother told me stories of SMU greats like Doak Walker. He was there when she attended. Her excitement led me to learn more. I drove librarians crazy in elementary school finding books on the SWC, and SMU. I found a biography on Doak Walker - which I read and turned in a pretty nifty book report. I also found books on the Southwest Conference, and the many greats from SMU. This culminated in a priceless piece of literature on the topic of what would you do with $1,000,000. That was a lot of money back then. I wowed the class with my plans to purchase SMU and make it THE VERY BEST University on the Planet. I dream big.

Doak Walker Statue At SMU

By the time I was old enough to really understand college football, SMU was transitioning into the Mustang Mania phase. A time of great hype, followed by incredible success. It was just before and during this time I got to experience SMU in person. Both sisters enrolled at SMU, and I went along to help move them in. I was blown away by the scenery the first time. By the time we moved in the 2nd sister, when I was a wee bit more mature, I was REALLY blown away by the SCENERY. I found my future college.

I still had a few years to go, so I followed from my home in Longview. We would usually take one or two trips a year to see a game, often with a church group. When I was old enough to drive, and proven to be reliable behind the wheel, I would travel there myself. I started working at 15, and purchased my own vehicle. And my parents surprisingly trusted me. I did not drink or do drugs, and only went to school and work, so there was little time for trouble.

In 1982, a truly remarkable year, SMU managed to fight its way through their Southwest Conference schedule unblemished. There were a few moments where they cut it close, like winning at Texas Tech in the final seconds on a kickoff return. It came down to one final game against a ranked Arkansas team at Texas Stadium - the home of the Dallas Cowboys, and on Saturdays - the SMU Mustangs. I was among the 60k+ fans, not quite a sellout, but very close. Arkansas always brought lots of fans, but this was packed with Pony fans - alumni, students, and even folks from Dallas who were now Mustangs. The game went back and forth. Two great offenses against two very solid defenses. The second ranked Mustangs (10-0) playing the 8th ranked Razorbacks (8-1). A nationally televised game watched by millions. 

The game did not end as I desired. SMU had a chance to win on a last second field goal, but it went wide. But with the TIE, which was allowed back then, SMU was the undisputed Southwest Conference Champions, and would face Pittsburgh in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Day. SMU would beat the Dan Marino led Panthers, but in one of many NCAA screw jobs, SMU, the ONLY unbeaten team in the nation, would be voted #2 behind the rapist protector and pedophile enabler Joe Paterno, who won their bowl game, yet had one loss. It was purely a sympathy vote for the whiner in Happy Valley, and some good old fashioned East Coast Bias.

That wasn't the only screw job that would occur that year. Eric Dickerson, who shared time at RB with Craig James, was clearly the best player on the best team in the NCAA by any objective measure. Dickerson was a Senior, Herschel Walker (Georgia) was a Junior - that right there should have led to a Dickerson win. Dickerson (232/1617/7.0/17) was inexplicably 3rd in voting behind Walker (335/1752/5.2/16) and Stanford's QB John Elway (262/405/3242/24/12) Stanford was 5-6 and didn't go bowling. Georgia was (11-1) and 4th in the final poll. Note Dickerson had 100 less carries, 1 more TD, and almost 2 yards more per carry, AND was only 140 yards behind Walker. An obvious case of voter bias. Most college football fans recognized who was best. And Dickerson's time in the NFL proved it.

But that all that came later. For much of December 1982 into January of 1983. SMU nation celebrated. They were SWC champions, and the ONLY undefeated team in the land! It was fantastic being a Mustang, and I eagerly looked forward to actually being a student on the Hilltop.

Some success would follow in 1983 and 1984 - including a shared SWC title with Houston in '84. But 1982 was the high water mark. Then 1987 hit. The program was shut down, followed by the demise of the SWC, and over 30 years of wandering in the wasteland of college football. It was a long road back to relevancy.

As the years went by, I wondered if SMU students would ever experience college football like I did while I was a student. The athletic success was such a major part of my time on the Hilltop. During the dark days of the 90s, I could see students were losing interest, indifferent to sports, and often embarrassed by the results. I would proudly wear my shirts or cap, and take my share of ridicule no matter where in America I traveled. But there were times when older fans who remembered the 80s indicated that they were Mustang fans back then. When I would encourage them to reconsider, my suggestion was usually rejected. People like winners. And for 30 years, SMU could not by any measure claim to be a winning football program.

That is why the win down in New Orleans was so special. No matter what accomplishments SMU had, the naysayers always pushed the goalpost further - one being a conference championship - which quite frankly, SMU had only sniffed at winning. But now, SMU was over that hump. Eleven wins, with a bowl game to come, shows that SMU is going to be a player on the national scene. We have the staff, the players, facilities, financial support, new conference ACC, and now excited students and fans, to keep us relevant in our new home.

Go Mustangs!!!

SMU To Upgrade Dance Team - Name Suggestions

 

As SMU prepares for its big move to the ACC and P5 status, folks on the Hilltop are noticing things that need an upgrade. Facilities, for instance, are already in the midst of major upgrades. The Garry Weber End Zone Complex adds three levels of public and private spaces, completes the oval of Ford Stadium, among other additions. This will increase capacity to around 40,000 and provide additional revenue when ACC opponents come to town. 

SMU was able to make this jump by improving many things. Better coaches, a solid NIL plan, scouting/recruiting the Portal, and expanding educational opportunities. And that still only scratches the surface of all that has been invested into SMU in the last decade. Just getting the invitation sounds like a Hollywood screenplay.

SMU athletics is having a phenomenal year, and look to be peaking at just the right time. The last major piece of the puzzle is Spirit and fan support. The latter is driven by success and national interest. SMU as a G5 team, playing regional opponents, and being average at best, is not a recipe for an excited fan base. Playing in a P5 conference versus national brands makes things far more interesting - especially if SMU is competitive. Spirit, however, needs some love. There are some really great traditions, and the Mustang Band and our feisty mascot - Peruna are fantastic. Many of SMUs traditions are outstanding. But there are definitely areas that can be improved.

I grew up in East Texas where EVERYONE knew about the Kilgore Rangerettes and Tyler JC Apache Belles. Both are nationally, if not globally known dance/spirit teams that perform all over the country. And they are both sponsored by junior colleges in Tyler and Kilgore! And let me frank, I am not suggesting we copy them, their routines, or costumes. Just note the attention they bring to their respective colleges - and have for 80 years! How much benefit could a globally known spirt/dance squad bring to the Hilltop? How much would that benefit the participants?

You only have to look West to see what TCU has created with its Showgirls. But they aren't alone.

Texas may not have the best dancers, but at least their uniforms are on brand. Hopefully, SMU can do much better in this area.

Then there are Georgia's Dance Dawgs.

There have been attempts to rank the best teams. Some I agree are very good, others just not my cup of tea. They need to be very talented, look good, and represent the school in a positive way. And of course come game time, be entertaining. And if the talent and presentation is there, they can have impact beyond the stadium and arena - become ambassadors for the university. 

Everything has to work. Select the most talented performers, good chemistry on the team, select music that is both relevant and exciting, and build from there. Suddenly, folks have another reason to stay in their seats during halftime. Although the Best Dressed Band In The Land puts on a great show.

During a recent video, I found out that SMU is addressing these very issues, even hired someone to implement the very changes I am discussing. And they were looking for names of the new group. So of course I am going to throw out some suggestions for consideration. In no particular order:

Peruna - Peruna is unique to SMU, connects to our history/mascot name. Matching it with the right modifier would be awesome. Some suggestions: 

Peruna Posse - Alliteration, posse has a wild west connection, but now used for friends, or folks with a common interest.

Peruna Energy (or Power) Think "Pure Energy" - Before most coeds were born.

Peruna Prancers - A Prancer is a fiery horse. It also means to step in a lively, showy manner 

Prime Peruna (or Peruna Prime) I like prime first - 1st in quality or value 

Prime Time Peruna - Too much?

Hilltop - Probably a few here, except there is a team, Hilltoppers, already in college, so likely too close. Not really a fan, as few outside of SMU would connect us to a Hilltop. Hilltop Honeys, Hilltop Fillies, High on the Hilltop, Peak Hilltop

Stampede - Works well with the our mascot - Mustangs. Not really dance sounding, Stampede may also suggest lack of control. Mustangs Stampede

Mustang - The most obvious word to connect with a dance group from SMU. But honestly I could not think of one that wasn't clearly borrowed from someone else. Mustang Mayhem. And of course we could bring back the now famous - Mustang Mania. There are plenty of fans and alumni that remember that name fondly.

Varsity - Another word closely connected with SMU. Unfortunately, almost every university can say the same. Varsity Blues, Varsity Red & Blue

I believe the strongest options will be built around PERUNA. Best wishes to SMU as they put together the absolute best game day atmosphere on the planet!

Do I Dare Believe?

Pardon my departure from my political musings for something serious.

The SMU Mustangs are 3-2 and 2-0 in conference play for the first time in a gazillion years. And if they had not had a complete meltdown in the final quarter against Washington State, they would be 4-1. There is a gentleman's agreement to place SMU in the Aloha Bowl (or whatever its called) for a June Jones homecoming if SMU is bowl eligible and not CUSA champion. Do I dare book my flight?

Next week they play a formidable Navy team that destroyed us in the rain in Annapolis last year. I believe our defense is a heck of a lot better this year, especially the speed at LB, but are they up to stopping the option for 4 quarters? I will be there to witness it firsthand, so I know they will NOT disappoint me.

Its been far too long of a bowl drought. SMU needs a bowl game. Dang it, I need a bowl game. They haven't been to a bowl game since I was in school and that was a looooong time ago!

Go Mustangs!!!