TCU got absolutely exploited on the defensive side of the ball by an SMU team that is known for making opponents pay through the air. But the most disappointing part of Saturday’s “effort” wasn’t the wide open receivers running down the field, but the complete and total inability to tackle against a bevy of Pony running backs that had nearly 200 yards in the first half — including over 100 by Ulysses Bentley.
TJ Carter was moved to cornerback before the game, and while he was solid in coverage, it led to communications throughout the afternoon. The Mustangs picked up yardage in chunks both on the ground and through the air, averaging over eight yards per play through the first 30 minutes, and took advantage of a holding penalty to open the second half that had the Frogs starting inside their own redzone and ultimately fumbling at the three to set the Ponies up for a score.