The Edge

Passing offense
TCU
Senior Sean Stilley appeared more comfortable against Northwestern, completing 11 of 18 passes for over 23 yards a reception. Seniors Adrian Madise and LaTarence Dunbar both are deep threats, making it difficult to double team either one of them.

SMU
Quarterback Tate Wallis, a redshirt freshman, has 288 passing yards in two games. The Mustangs’ star receiver Chris Cunningham is out for the year with a broken left foot. Senior Cody Cardwell is the team’s leading receiver in Cunningham’s absence.

Edge: TCU

Running offense
TCU
Junior Corey Connally is a workhorse for the TCU offense averaging 23 carries a game. Senior fullback Reggie Holts (3.4 yards a carry) and Dunbar (7.2 yards a carry) force opposing defenses to not focus solely on Connally.

SMU
Junior tailback Keylon Kincade ran over Texas Tech, carrying 37 times for 180 yards. Sophomore backup ShanDerrick Charles was the team’s leading rusher last year with 860 yards.

Edge: SMU

Passing defense
TCU
The Frogs prevented Northwestern from making any big plays. Sophomore Marvin Godbolt might play despite an ankle injury that was supposed to keep him out for six weeks.

SMU
Junior cornerback Jonas Rutledge was first team All-Western Athletic Conference last year. Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury torched the Mustang secondary last weekend for 369 yards and three touchdowns.

Edge: TCU

Rushing defense
TCU
Senior LaMarcus McDonald had 29 tackles in two games and has the speed to chase running backs from sideline to sideline. Senior John Turntine manhandled Northwestern’s defensive line.

SMU
They have allowed 5.1 yards acarry on the season. Bright spots include senior linebacker Vic Viloria, a Butkus Award candidate, and sophomore defensive tackle Allan Adami, who leads the Mustangs with four tackles for loss.

Edge: TCU

Intangibles
TCU
In July, Patterson ridiculed SMU’s slogan of “In Your Face” football by saying, “They’re calling this year ‘In Your Face’ football. Well, bring it on.” He also added that he “won’t call off the dogs” and plans to “show them the difference between the two programs.” TCU will need to back up this bulletin board material.

SMU
SMU would love to bring the Iron Skillet back to Dallas as it has not resided there since 1998. A win would help SMU’s recruiting efforts in the Metroplex.

Edge: TCU

Prediction: TCU 42, SMU 14

— Jay Zuckerman