Hilltop Revival: How SMU transformed Shane Buechele and vice versa

SMU quarterback Shane Buechele was chosen as the Coverboy of Dave Campbell's Texas Football Magazine because of the way he's helped change the trajectory of the Mustangs football program. They're off to a hot start in 2020.

SMU had already clinched its best start to a season in 30 years by the time the Mustangs pulled into Fort Worth for their clash with TCU on Sept. 21, 2019. The 40-mile trip west to Cowtown always means a little extra, though. 

The Mustangs and Horned Frogs are technically bitter historic rivals that play for the Iron Skillet every year. Though, the rivalry has been decidedly lopsided in TCU’s favor under Gary Patterson, with the Frogs having won 16 of 18 heading into 2019. Since joining the Big 12 in 2012, TCU was a cool 7-0 with wins by an average of four touchdowns.

“That’s the game we need to come out and need to prove to ourselves that we can compete with the big dogs,” SMU wide receiver Reggie Roberson said. “I never really got recruited by TCU either. I always had that chip on my shoulder against TCU.” 

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