TCU Football: 3 things we learned vs SMU in week 3

2. TCU’s fourth-ranked defense shutdown Courtland Sutton

Going into Week 3 many TCU fans and pundits alike wondered how the Frog’s defense would contain SMU’s super star wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Sutton, a 6-foot-4 senior and surefire first round pick in the NFL draft, lead the nation in touchdown receptions over the first two games. He entered the game with 185 receiving yards on 10 catches with five touchdowns.

His wide frame, impressive length and impeccable catch radius has made Cortland Sutton one of the biggest receiving threats in the entire nation. However, for much of TCU’s week 3 game against the Mustangs, Sutton was a non-factor. Sutton didn’t record a single receiving yard in the first half of the game, and ended the game with only one reception for an amazing zero yards.

Whether lined up in the slot, or on the outside, Sutton was seemingly locked in double coverage by the Horned Frogs secondary on every play in what could only be described as a declaration that Sutton alone would not defeat the Horned Frogs.

The TCU defense did give up 17 catches for 335 yards and two touchdowns, the most of any game this year. That including a seven catches, 116 yard performance by junior receiver Trey Quinn.