Tuesday notebook: A buzz at The Hilltop?

With a 3-0 record, SMU is beginning to see the fruits of its labor pay off in fan appreciation. There's a buzz around campus as the Mustangs continue to play well.

The team is off to its best start in 35 years. Dykes currently is in his second full season with the team, and he understands what it takes to win over the crowds not only on campus but also surrounding Dallas.

"Building a fan base takes some time. It's not one of those things that happens overnight," Dykes said. You don't pop out a new uniform and all of a sudden, 10,000 fans show up. It's something that's a slow process. You do it year after year.

You're successful, you're entertaining, people like the brand of football you play, they buy a ticket, they come to the game, and they keep coming back. That's what we want to do. We want to continue improving our program."

Dykes then said: "Dallas will follow a winner. They always have, and they always will. We just have to give them a consistent product to like and to follow and to appreciate."

Who to thank for the vote?

TCU is ranked No. 25 in the latest AP Poll. The Horned Frogs are ranked just outside of the latest Coaches Poll. SMU didn't get a vote in the AP poll, but it found itself with one vote in the Coaches Poll after this past week.

It all leads to the question: Which FBS head coach gave SMU the lone nod?

"I'm guessing somebody we played," Dykes said. "Somebody mentioned it to me. I don't know if [TCU coach] Gary [Patterson] votes in the poll or not. A little showmanship, maybe."

A victory over TCU could give SMU plenty of votes for the upcoming polls. But that win has to come first.

Kicking game must improve

In the win over Texas State, SMU had a PAT blocked in the second quarter and a missed PAT in the fourth quarter. Dykes spoke about the kicking game Monday and said he's looking more at overall operations and less at one thing here or there.

"The kicking deal still hasn't been good for us. It's been one thing after another," he said. "I do think we're headed to a good spot. It's interesting; we get low in our guards, and people are jumping over us. We've got to figure out a way to combat that."

For the season, the trio of Kevin Robledo, Luke Hogan and Russell Roberts have made 12 of 16 extra points. Robledo (3 of 5 PAT) has made 3 of 4 field goals, and Roberts (4 of 4 PAT) missed his only field goal try. Hogan had a PAT blocked against Texas State, and he missed one in the second half.

Quick hits

Dykes said cornerback Chevin Calloway is expected to practice in full contact Tuesday. The Arkansas transfer has six tackles this season. "He's been a little banged up, but we expect him to get back and get going," Dykes said. ... Linebacker Harrison Loveless had an MRI on his injured knee this weekend. Dykes said Loveless' will continue to be evaluated. ... Wide receiver Keke Burns was injured in the season opener against Arkansas State. Dykes said Burns is progressing but is "probably one more week" from full contact. ... Kicker Kevin Robledo has been dealing with a groin injury but is expected to participate in Tuesday workouts. ... Punter Jamie Sackville, a starter the past three seasons, may redshirt after undergoing offseason surgery.

SMU (3-0) vs. TCU (2-0)

2:30 p.m. Saturday, Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth