TCU vs SMU (Week 4): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

The battle for the Iron Skillet is set to kick off in Week 4, as the TCU Horned Frogs travel to take on the SMU Mustangs in a highly anticipated Texas rivalry. This year’s matchup features two teams trying to establish consistency in their season, with TCU aiming to bounce back after a tough loss, and SMU trying to regain their offensive edge after a rocky start. Let’s dive into everything you need to know for this game, including where to watch, the betting odds, injury updates, and a detailed breakdown of each team.

TV Channel & Kickoff Time for TCU vs SMU

The TCU vs SMU game is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday and will be broadcast live on ESPNU. This long-standing rivalry will play out in front of a national audience as both teams compete for the coveted Iron Skillet.

For those wondering, “What channel is TCU vs SMU on?” or “When is the TCU vs SMU kickoff time?”, make sure to tune in to ESPNU at noon Eastern to catch all the action live.

Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline Explained

Here’s a breakdown of the betting lines for TCU vs SMU:

• Spread: TCU is a 2.5-point road favorite. For TCU to cover, they must win by 3 points or more. If SMU can win outright or lose by fewer than 3 points, bets on SMU will cash.
• Total (Over/Under): The total for this game is set at 58 points. Bettors can wager on whether the combined score of both teams will exceed 58 points or fall short of it. With both teams showing offensive potential but also inconsistencies, this total is right in line with expectations for a competitive, high-scoring rivalry game.
• Moneyline: TCU is favored with a moneyline of -115, meaning bettors must wager $115 to win $100. SMU, as the underdog, has a moneyline of +125, so a $100 bet on the Mustangs would return $125 if they win.

Implied Score Prediction

Based on the betting odds, the implied score for this game is TCU 30, SMU 28. This suggests a close, hard-fought battle between two teams with similar capabilities but different paths so far this season.

Injury Report for TCU vs SMU

Both teams enter this rivalry game relatively healthy, though SMU made a notable change at quarterback. Kevin Jennings has replaced Preston Stone as the starter, a move that reflects SMU’s search for more consistency on offense. Jennings, known for his mobility, is expected to add a dynamic element, especially behind an offensive line that has struggled in pass protection.

For TCU, they are looking to shore up their defense after a rough outing against UCF last week. Head coach Sonny Dykes will hope to see improvement from his defensive front, particularly in stopping the run, as SMU will likely test them in this area.

Game Analysis: Offense vs Defense

This game presents an intriguing contrast in offensive and defensive capabilities. TCU’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance, ranking 2nd in special teams efficiency and boasting a strong passing attack led by quarterback Chandler Morris. Their offensive line has been effective in pass protection, giving Morris time to spread the ball around to a talented receiving corps.

SMU’s offense, meanwhile, has been underwhelming. They rank 83rd in yards per play and have struggled to generate big plays, despite being expected to feature an explosive offense. The Mustangs have failed to produce a single play of 50+ yards in three games against Nevada, Houston Christian, and BYU. Their switch to Kevin Jennings at quarterback signals a potential shift toward a more mobile, playmaking style, but whether it’s enough to change their fortunes remains to be seen.

Defensively, SMU has been relatively strong against the pass, ranking 10th in pass play success rate allowed. However, their offense has been inefficient, managing only a 101st ranking in early-down EPA (Expected Points Added). TCU’s defense, particularly in stopping the run, has been shaky, but SMU ranks 86th in rushing efficiency, so the Mustangs may struggle to take full advantage.

Betting Prediction for TCU vs SMU

In a game as close as this, small details make a big difference. TCU, despite their inconsistency, has the advantage in talent and has played a tougher schedule. They’ll need to clean up their defensive issues, especially against the run, but SMU’s lack of an effective ground game may help mitigate this weakness.

SMU, on the other hand, is trying to find its identity on offense. While the switch to Jennings at quarterback might provide a spark, TCU’s offense is likely to be the more consistent and efficient unit. With both teams prone to mistakes, special teams play could also be a key factor, and TCU holds a significant advantage here, ranking 2nd in special teams efficiency.

Given these factors, TCU is the pick to cover the 2.5-point spread, especially with SMU’s offensive struggles and the Mustangs’ inability to generate explosive plays.

Prediction: TCU 31, SMU 27

Final Thoughts and How to Watch

This year’s Iron Skillet matchup promises to be an exciting Texas rivalry game. TCU comes into this game as the favorite but will need to play cleaner football to secure a win against a determined SMU team. Tune in to ESPNU at 12:00 p.m. Eastern to see which team takes home the Iron Skillet.

---

Quick Recap:

• Game: TCU vs SMU
• Kickoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: ESPNU
• Betting Odds: TCU -2.5, Over/Under 58
• Moneyline: TCU -115, SMU +125
• Prediction: TCU 31, SMU 27

Make sure to subscribe to the Winning Cures Everything podcast: www.winningcureseverything.com/listen
Subscribe to Winning Cures Everything on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WinningCuresEverything
Check out the BetUS College Football Show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@FootballPicksandPredictions
For bonus content, stats, picks & more, become a member at BettingCFB: www.BettingCFB.com
Check the latest College Football Odds: www.winningcureseverything.com/odds

Blog generated by AI