TCU's Bad Season May Allow Horned Frogs Last Laugh When It Comes to SMU's Bowl Hopes

How much impact will loss of quarterback Preston Stone, rivals' ineptitude hurt Mustangs in eyes of College Foootball Playoff committee if Ponies take down Tulane for AAC title?

DALLAS – It doesn't take a lot of online research to realize TCU fans aren't the type to cheer on cross-Metroplex rival SMU, especially following the announcement the Mustangs will also be in a Power Four conference next year with the impending move to the ACC. 

It's the type of hatred that makes falling from a historic national championship game appearance to a disappointing 5-7 season under the guidance of former SMU head coach Sonny Dykes a little more palatable. That's because, with each loss, TCU has made it more difficult for the Mustangs to make their case for jumping an undefeated Liberty team should the Ponies claim their first conference championship in 40 years with a win in the AAC championship game over Tulane.

Had the Horned Frogs messed around and played a little defense Friday morning, they might have upset Oklahoma, which would have lent more credence to SMU's argument that taking a pair of quality Power Five losses early coupled with a long winning streak and a Top 25 win to cap a championship season trumps a weak undefeated Liberty resume.

The only problem is TCU is now a bad loss, which means there is a chance TCU beats the Mustangs a second time by being the anchor that keeps them from getting high enough in the College Football Playoff poll to secure the spot. Factor in how the committee will view SMU following the injury to quarterback Preston Stone against Navy Saturday with the gam well out of hand, and the weight of a loss to the Horned Frogs becomes even heavier. 

Never mind that most Mustangs fans know back-up Kevin Jennings is strong enough in filling in at quarterback to make SMU a viable threat to any current Power Five New Year's Six qualifier. It will be seen as a negative strike despite the defense being able to pick up the slack if there were a drop-off at all. 

In the end, TCU fans may get exactly what they need. At least one bright ray of solace in an otherwise miserable football season.

---

PONY EXPRESS:

SMU OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR CASEY WOODS COUNTING ON EXPERIENCE TO AVOID LETDOWN AGAINST PESKY NAVY DEFENSE

LANIER FINALLY GETTING FULL POTENTIAL OUT OF STAR GUARD AS PHELPS FINDS VOICE

SMU'S FURIOUS COMEBACK ANGERS WEST VIRGINIA FANS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

WHEN IT CAME DOWN TO CRUNCH TIME, LASHLEE TURNED TO STONE

---

Follow us on FACEBOOK
Follow us on TWITTER