Sept. 30, 2011

DALLAS (SMU) - Riding a three-game win streak and following its first shutout since 1998, SMU travels across the Metroplex to take on long-time rival TCU in the State Farm DFW Duel Battle For The Iron Skillet on Saturday, Oct. 1.

SMU enters the game playing well. In the two contests, Zach Line has rushed for eight TDs and the SMU passing attack has thrown for 773 yards. The Mustang defense is also riding high, as SMU has allowed just 265 total yards and seven points in the last two games, the least for SMU opponents since 1983. SMU has not allowed an offensive TD in nine quarters - over 126 minutes of play - and ranks ninth in the nation in total defense.

SMU and TCU have a long-standing rivalry, having played nearly every season since 1915. When the two teams face off, they battle it out for the Iron Skillet. But why an iron skillet? According to a Nov. 30, 1946, article in The Dallas Morning News, the "Battle for the Iron Skillet" was started to prevent "mutilation of school property" by rowdy fans. The previous year, more than $1,000 in damage had been done to both campuses. Minutes from fall 1946 student council meetings provide more clues. On Oct. 1, the agenda included: "Further set up idea of Little Brown Jug Trophy," referring to the Michigan-Minnesota football rivalry, and on Nov. 19, a student reported that he had purchased the trophy - "an aluminum skillet." A motion was made that SMU and TCU would share the expense of the trophy. The tradition eventually died, though, and the skillet was lost. In 1993, however, the tradition was revived as the president of the SMU student body painted the face of the TCU student body president red and blue following the Mustangs' 21-15 victory in Fort Worth.

Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on the CBS Sports Network and will be broadcast on KTCK 1310 AM.