In November 2021, Sonny Dykes left one side of the Battle for the Iron Skillet (SMU) for the other (TCU). Three years later, the tension has reached an all-time high.
Why Was Sonny Dykes Ejected From Clash With SMU?
The Mustangs rode three non-offensive touchdowns to set a record for the most points scored in the first half of the Texas rivalry, taking a commanding 41-21 lead. The deficit likely already had Dykes’ blood boiling, but after a holding call brought back a kickoff return for a touchdown to begin the third quarter, his frustrations were directed at the refs.
He received two unsportsmanlike conduct flags in quick succession, resulting in an ejection just a minute and 14 seconds into the quarter. As Dykes walked off the field, he fist-pumped the Mustangs’ crowd.
Sonny Dykes with an all-time heel turn!
Picks up two unsportsmanlike conducts in a row chirping the officials, gets ejected and then fist pumps his former school’s crowd.
The Iron Skillet is sizzling! pic.twitter.com/kG8VVAMQui
— Carter Yates (@Carter_Yates16) September 21, 2024
TCU entered the Week 4 rivalry clash with a 2-0 lead under Dykes, who was 3-0 in the Iron Skillet with SMU.
Dykes’ decision to leave the Mustangs for the Horned Frogs was met with heavy backlash from fans in University Park, but quieted the noise by immediately leading TCU to a National Championship appearance.
Then, after his second win over SMU in 2023, Dykes downplayed its significance when asked how it could affect recruiting in the state.
“We haven’t recruited much against SMU in the past,” Dykes said. “My guess is we will more in the future, but it hasn’t been something that we’ve done that much in the past.”
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After a brief pause, Dykes took a shot at his former employer, “Probably just look at the history, you know what I’m saying? There’s a difference.”
Dykes’ 2024 ejection only adds to the rivalry’s intensity, fueling the fire for future matchups as both programs vie for supremacy in Texas football.
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