Sonny Dykes and the TCU Horned Frogs (2-1) went into the locker room at halftime with a 41-21 deficit versus the SMU Mustangs (2-1), struggling to start the Iron Skillet matchup.
The Mustangs opened the game by scoring 17 unanswered points, scoring a field goal and returning a forced fumble and a punt return for touchdowns. TCU scored 14 points to respond, forcing a fumble of their own to score a touchdown.
But TCU suffered a key loss when head coach Sonny Dykes was ejected in the third quarter, just seconds into the second half. His TCU squad was trailing SMU 41-21 at the time of his ejection.
The TCU head coach was ejected following back-to-back unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for arguing with the referees, clearly heated during the engagement.
Dykes was escorted off the field by two security guards upon being ejected. Offensive coordinator Kendal Briles has taken over in Sonny Dykes' absence, looking to bring his team back.
Sonny Dykes' Horned Frogs trailing big in second half
With their head coach Sonny Dykes ejected, TCU trails SMU 66-42 in the fourth quarter at the time of writing. The Horned Frogs have been called for 12 penalties for 105 yards. SMU has been called for seven penalties for 64 yards.
Despite the massive deficit, TCU is outgaining SMU offensively, notching 371 total yards through three quarters to SMU's 305. The Mustangs have had numerous contributors on both sides of the ball to get their big second-half lead.
Defensively, SMU has forced five turnovers, including three fumbles versus the Horned Frogs. Junior safety Ahmad Moses grabbed two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown in the first half. TCU has also struggled immensely on the ground, recording just 35 rushing yards.
The Mustangs have also had their way on the ground, tallying over 200 rushing yards with two touchdowns.
Without their head coach at the helm, things are looking worse and worse for the Horned Frogs as they look set to go 2-2 on the season.
Up next for TCU is another road game against Kansas. As for SMU, it will take on struggling Florida State at home.
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