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

1. TCU outran the Pony Express

In a game that many predicted would be an offensive shootout, the biggest surprise of the night may have been just how efficient TCU’s running game was throughout the game.

TCU’s air-raid offense is typically known for its inflated passing numbers, with a plethora of receivers getting catches and passing yardage often exceeding 400 in any given game. Even though Horned Frogs’s receiving corps did record 17 receptions for 365 yards and four touchdowns the team’s running game was largely responsible for sealing the Horn Frog’s victory.

TCU’s running back stable, lead by Kyle Hicks, Kenedy Snell and Darius Anderson combined for 257 yards on 49 carries and three touchdowns while consistently moving the ball under offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie. This commitment to running the ball allowed TCU to set the pace of the game and keep the ball out of SMU quarterback Ben Hick’s hands.

Throughout the game it wasn’t uncommon to see the play clock in single digits before quarterback Kenny Hill snapped the ball. That strategy that not only insured optimal preparedness on any given play, but also helped to shorten the game.

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While fielding an impressive, spread offense can be deadly, TCU’s newfound commitment to running the ball could help to make the team’s Week 4 game against Oklahoma State more interesting.