SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry

Last Modified Nov 28, 2024 05:23 GMT
SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry
SMU vs. TCU 2024

The SMU vs. TCU football rivalry, known as the 'Battle for the Iron Skillet', is one of the most storied rivalries in college football. This annual matchup pits the Southern Methodist Mustangs against the Texas Horned Frogs, two programs with deep roots in Texas football history. Originating in 1915, the rivalry gained significance when the 'Iron Skillet' trophy was introduced in the late 1940s, symbolizing bragging rights and regional supremacy.

Played just 40 miles apart in Texas, the rivalry has seen numerous memorable games and close contests over the years. The Iron Skillet trophy, awarded to the winner, adds an extra layer of excitement and bragging rights to this fierce competition.

SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry History

The SMU vs. TCU football rivalry, known as the 'Battle for the Iron Skillet', dates back to 1915. The rivalry began when the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs and the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs first met on the football field. Over the years, the two teams have faced off in almost every season, with only a few exceptions.

The tradition of the Iron Skillet trophy started in 1946 when an SMU fan was frying frog legs before the game, and a TCU fan challenged that the winner should take the skillet. Further, SMU won the game and the frog leg and skillet went to them. Another version suggests that the trophy was proposed by SMU's Student Council and accepted by TCU.

The rivalry has seen many memorable moments, including SMU's undefeated season in 1982 and TCU's dominant victory in 2014. The series is closely contested, with TCU leading the all-time record. The proximity of the two universities, around 40 miles apart, adds to the intensity and excitement of the rivalry.

SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry Head-to-Head Stats

The SMU vs. TCU football rivalry has seen Texas Christian University (TCU) hold a significant edge in the overall series. As of 2024, TCU leads the head-to-head record with 53 wins, compared to SMU’s 42 victories, and there have been 7 ties. The rivalry’s balance has shifted at various points in history, with TCU dominating in recent years.

Here's the head-to-head stats for the SMU vs. TCU football rivalry:

StatisticSMU MustangsTCU Horned Frogs
Total Wins4353
Ties77
Largest Victory66–42 (2024)62–7 (200)
Longest Win Streak15 (1972-1986)7 (2012-2018)

SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry Winner Year By Year

The SMU vs. TCU football rivalry has been fiercely contested since their first meeting in 1915 and TCU defeated the SMU with a 43-0 score. The winner takes home the coveted 'Iron Skillet' trophy.

Here's the year-by-year list for the SMU vs. TCU football rivalry, listing the winning team and score:

YearWinning TeamScore
1915TCU Horned Frogs43–0
1916TCU Horned Frogs48–3
1917TCU Horned Frogs21–0
1918SMU Mustangs1–0
1921TCU Horned Frogs13–6
1922Tie0–0
1923SMU Mustangs40–0
1924SMU Mustangs6–0
1926SMU Mustangs14–13
1927SMU Mustangs28–6
1928TCU Horned Frogs15–6
1929Tie7–7
1930TCU Horned Frogs13–0
1931Tie0–0
1932TCU Horned Frogs8–0
1933TCU Horned Frogs26–6
1934SMU Mustangs19–0
1935SMU Mustangs20–14
1936Tie0–0
1937TCU Horned Frogs3–0
1938TCU Horned Frogs20–7
1939SMU Mustangs14–7
1940SMU Mustangs16–0
1941TCU Horned Frogs15–13
1942TCU Horned Frogs14–6
1943SMU Mustangs20–0
1944SMU Mustangs9–6
1945SMU Mustangs34–0
1946SMU Mustangs30–13
1947Tie19–19
1948Tie7–7
1949TCU Horned Frogs26–13
1950TCU Horned Frogs27–13
1951TCU Horned Frogs13–2
1952TCU Horned Frogs14–7
1953TCU Horned Frogs13–0
1954SMU Mustangs21–6
1955TCU Horned Frogs20–13
1956TCU Horned Frogs21–6
1957TCU Horned Frogs21–0
1958SMU Mustangs20–13
1959TCU Horned Frogs19–0
1960TCU Horned Frogs13–0
1961Tie28–28
1962TCU Horned Frogs14–9
1963TCU Horned Frogs22–15
1964TCU Horned Frogs17–6
1965TCU Horned Frogs10–7
1966SMU Mustangs21–0
1967SMU Mustangs28–14
1968SMU Mustangs21–14
1969SMU Mustangs19–17
1970TCU Horned Frogs26–17
1971TCU Horned Frogs18–16
1972SMU Mustangs35–22
1973SMU Mustangs21–19
1974SMU Mustangs33–13
1975SMU Mustangs28–13
1976SMU Mustangs34–14
1977SMU Mustangs45–21
1978SMU Mustangs45–14
1979SMU Mustangs27–7
1980SMU Mustangs17–14
1981SMU Mustangs20–9
1982SMU Mustangs16–13
1983SMU Mustangs21–17
1984SMU Mustangs26–17
1985SMU Mustangs56–21
1986SMU Mustangs31–21
1989TCU Horned Frogs28–10
1990TCU Horned Frogs42–21
1991TCU Horned Frogs18–10
1992SMU Mustangs27–17
1993SMU Mustangs21–15
1994TCU Horned Frogs35–14
1995TCU Horned Frogs19–16
1996SMU Mustangs27–24
1997TCU Horned Frogs21–18
1998SMU Mustangs10–6
1999TCU Horned Frogs21–0
2000TCU Horned Frogs62–7
2001TCU Horned Frogs38–10
2002TCU Horned Frogs17–6
2003TCU Horned Frogs20–13
2004TCU Horned Frogs44–0
2005SMU Mustangs21–10
2007TCU Horned Frogs21–7
2008TCU Horned Frogs48–7
2009TCU Horned Frogs39–14
2010TCU Horned Frogs41–24
2011SMU Mustangs40–33 (OT)
2012TCU Horned Frogs24–16
2013TCU Horned Frogs48–17
2014TCU Horned Frogs56–0
2015TCU Horned Frogs56–37
2016TCU Horned Frogs33–3
2017TCU Horned Frogs56–36
2018TCU Horned Frogs42–12
2019SMU Mustangs41–38
2021SMU Mustangs42–34
2022TCU Horned Frogs42–34
2023TCU Horned Frogs34–17
2024SMU Mustangs66–42

FAQs on SMU vs TCU Football Rivalry

A. It is known as the "Battle for the Iron Skillet."

A. The rivalry began on October 9, 1915, at TCU campus when both the teams first played and TCU won the game with 43-0 score.

A. The Iron Skillet trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual SMU vs. TCU football game.

A. SMU and TCU have played 103 games in this rivalry as of 2024.

A. TCU leads the all-time series with 53 wins, compared to SMU's 43 wins, and there have been 7 ties.

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