TCU Football: Horned Frogs Fall to SMU, What Does It Mean?

After getting upset by the Baylor Bears to start off the season, the TCU Horned Frogs appeared to be rebounding, albeit to underwhelming competition.

On Saturday, however, the Horned Frogs crashed back down to earth as none other than the SMU Mustangs defeated them, 40-33, in overtime.

The Horned Frogs were known for their defense last season, but it's been a completely different story in 2011. Headed into their matchup with the Mustangs, they were allowing 250 passing yards per game despite facing ho-hom offenses outside of Baylor. They were also allowing 4.0 yards per carry.

What Happened?

TCU's defense got torched, that's what happened. The Horned Frogs allowed 349 passing yards and 121 rushing yards on Saturday, allowing SMU quarterback J.J. McDermott and SMU running back Zach Line succeed at will. So much was centered around if TCU quarterback Casey Pachall could replaced Andy Dalton this season. Who knew Pachall would excel, only to be disappointed by his defense?

Who's the Goat?

You could make an argument for TCU's defense or its coaching staff here. Either would suffice. There is no way TCU should be playing this poorly on defense. Not to mention SMU's top receiver, Cole Beasley, was held out of the game with a knee injury. TCU should be ashamed. 

How Far Will They Fall?

It would be shocking if TCU didn't fall out of the Top 25 of the AP poll after this loss. Ranked No. 20 coming into the matchup with SMU, the Horned Frogs certainly can't be impressing voters right about now. They can forget about a BCS bid. It's sad that this team has fallen so far after two years of excellence.

Who Benefits the Most?

SMU is going to earn some respect with this win. SMU's offense has proven to be explosive, averaging 31 points per game coming into Saturday's matchup. The Mustangs weren't given many props so far because they got blown out by their only ranked opponent, Texas A&M, but this changes everything. They will likely garner some votes as a bubble Top-25 team.

Conference or National Implications

Nationally, the Horned Frogs have fallen off the radar, not good news for a program that shocked the nation the last two seasons. In the Mountain West Conference, they now open the door for Boise State and San Diego State.

You have to feel for Boise State, though. The Broncos could legitimately go undefeated this season and miss out on the BCS Championship Game. The only ranked team they figured to face down the line was TCU, and the Horned Frogs just screwed that up.

Next Game

TCU will face San Diego State next on Oct. 8 at Qualcomm Stadium. I don't expect them to lose that game, given the Aztecs lost 28-7 to Brady Hoke's new team Michigan, but at this point anything's possible. The bad news for TCU: San Diego State is averaging 30.3 points per game this season.

Can TCU Rebound in the Polls?

TCU, like Boise State, is at a disadvantage because of its unimpressive schedule. The Horned Frogs face only one ranked team, Boise State, the rest of the season. A win there could get them in the Top 25, but there's no chance for a BCS bowl anymore.