AAC Football: Most Important Non-Conference Games in 2017

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Nov 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; SMU Mustangs wide receiver Xavier Castille (2) dives past Navy Midshipmen cornerback Jarid Ryan (9) for the 6-yard touchdown catch during the second quarter at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

There were bright spots amid another losing season at SMU last year. The Mustangs managed to topple Houston at a time when the Cougars were on the cusp of the top 10.

SMU took Tulsa to overtime before losing by a field goal, and they kept the gap within a touchdown against South Florida. They also lost by 27 to Baylor and 30 to TCU, and ended the year by giving up 75 points to Navy. But the experience could pay dividends in 2017 for Chad Morris and the Mustangs.

AAC contention is probably still a year or two away, but there is one game that should be circled on SMU’s calendar. The fortunes of SMU and rival TCU have diverged in recent years, but both were outcasts from the old Southwest Conference.

This year, the Horned Frogs host the 98th edition of this rivalry game. Beating a nemesis is always a big deal, and the Mustangs could set a tone for 2017 by bringing home the Iron Skillet.

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