The historic football rivalry between Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University will conclude this Saturday, September 20, at 11 a.m. at TCU.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the SMU–TCU series, known as the “Battle for the Iron Skillet,” began in 1915. It became one of Texas’ longest-running college football traditions. This weekend’s matchup will be the final contest, closing a rivalry that shaped sports in Dallas–Fort Worth.
Dallas Sports Network, a content partner of The Dallas Express, highlighted the rivalry’s end in a recent segment of its SMU Mustang show. Host Chris Yates reflected on the tradition with a panel featuring sports radio personality Mark Elfenbein, play-by-play announcer Rich Phillips, and media personality Jamie Kelton.
Yates noted that TCU ended the series to open more scheduling opportunities. Officials wanted additional home games for fans and more revenue. “Really? This century-old rivalry began in 1915,” the host said during the discussion.
The broadcast revisited the 1935 matchup, which was billed as the “Game of the Century.” That year, undefeated SMU and TCU met in a high-stakes contest featuring legendary quarterback Sammy Baugh. SMU won 20-14, clinching the Southwest Conference title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. The Mustangs then shut out Stanford 7-0 and claimed the national championship.
Dallas Sports Network also spotlighted the Iron Skillet trophy’s origins. According to legend, SMU fans in the 1940s fried frog legs before a game to mock TCU’s Horned Frog mascot. The skillet became the rivalry’s trophy and remains one of the most iconic in college football.
The SMU–TCU rivalry will end this weekend, but the Iron Skillet remains a lasting symbol of Texas football history.