SMU looking for BCS conference invitation

SMU wants what TCU has, and we're not talking about an iron skillet. Oh, that piece of cookware will be prominent when the Mustangs and Horned Frogs renew their Battle for the Iron Skillet on Saturday at Amon Carter Stadium. But what SMU really wants is national recognition and an invitation to a BCS automatic qualifier conference. TCU earned both of those last season with a Rose Bowl win and an invite to the Big East. SMU supporters have started a campaign with its own website: www.smu2bcs.com. The group has raised awareness through conventional and social media, and even pulled off some guerilla marketing with banners in the background of ESPN's College Game Day set. But no marketing blitz can match what upsetting a ranked opponent would do for SMU. A win over the 20th-ranked Horned Frogs would echo beyond the D-FW borders. "We want it. Every team wants that," SMU running back Zach Line said. "You only get the opportunity to play ranked teams every so often, so we've got to take advantage of golden opportunities." SMU blew its first chance at a signature win when it lost a nationally-televised season opener against Texas A&M, 46-14, on Labor Day Weekend. No other opponent on SMU's remaining schedule is ranked in the Top 25, although Houston is getting close. So with SMU openly campaigning for BCS status, the TCU game represents more than just a chance to knock off a crosstown rival. "Outside looking in, it does, but for us it's just the next game," SMU coach June Jones said. "You play it as hard as you can play it, and hopefully we'll compete and show that we can compete at that level." SMU's players say the SMU2BCS marketing campaign doesn't add any more pressure for them to perform on Saturdays. "Not at all," safety Chris Banjo said. "Coach Jones does a good job of not letting our heads get into the media. He teaches us to not get ahead of ourselves, just prepare for TCU and not allow any distractions." SMU has responded well since the A&M loss by reeling off three wins in row. The defense has not allowed a touchdown in nine quarters. SMU shut out Memphis last week in a 42-0 win. The prior week, SMU beat Northwestern State, 42-7, and gave up its only points on a fumble return. "They've been awesome," Line said of the defense. "It's great because it gives us good field position. The worst feeling on offense, for me, is to get the ball inside the 20. That's just a long field. " The field hasn't been too long for Line, who has rushed for 463 yards and 11 touchdowns. Line scored eight of his touchdowns in the last two games while quarterback J.J. McDermott, who became the starter in Week 2, passed for 357 yards and three touchdowns last week. TCU also got off to a rocky start with a 50-48 loss at Baylor in the opener. Since then the Frogs have also won three in a row while new quarterback Casey Pachall has tossed 10 touchdowns. Although TCU graduated about half it starters from last year's Rose Bowl team, SMU isn't expecting any drop-off from last year. Jones said TCU has the best defense the Mustangs will face all season. "They don't look any different to me than they looked 10 years ago," Jones said. "They just keep putting people in and keep doing what they do, and that's why they're good. They don't change, they make people adjust to them." Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @keith_whitmire