TCU's Chandler Morris Made More Plays for Difference

SMU quarterback Preston Stone's mistakes too costly in big loss to Horned Frogs

In the end, SMU's 34-17 loss to TCU on Saturday at Amon Carter Stadium in Fort Worth came down to the quarterbacks. The Horned Frogs got them at the right time from Chandler Morris. Preston Stone's learning process got a dose of reality for the Mustangs.

Oh, the Ponies' offense did okay if you look at the numbers. They matched TCU for the game, but some fourth-down attempts for a first down that backfired and two costly interceptions in the fourth quarter killed any chance for needed momentum.

Morris completed 71% of his passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions. It made a big difference, especially on the two drives after the defense picked off Stone's passes. That ate up 6:41 of the final period alone and reduced the Mustangs to a mad scramble late to even make the score respectable.

By sheer numbers, the Ponies kept up with the Horned Frogs, who played for a national championship in January. You can't always just look at the stats. They don't always tell the complete story.

Some simple mistakes cost SMU at critical times. Stone's miscues can be corrected because most were likely caused by bad reads. He probably won't see a defense with the same type of athletes the rest of the year.

(Jerome Miron / USA TODAY Sports)

The loss dropped the Mustangs to 2-2 on the season and both losses came to Big 12 teams (Oklahoma was a couple of weeks ago). Charlotte is next week at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Youth Day.

Ponies coach Rhett Lashlee probably got enough coaching points out of this one to be in the film room with Stone correcting the mistakes Sunday. Nothing was that bad. There are eight games left and those will matter more for SMU in the AAC race.