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A way-too-early look at TCU’s 2021 football schedule, including the return of the Iron Skillet

TCU will not have any breaks after the start of conference play.

Here is a way-too-early look at TCU’s 2021 football schedule, including the biggest nonconference game, a game the Frogs shouldn’t win (but might), and a game they should win (but might not):

2021 schedule

Sept. 4-- vs. Duquesne

Sept. 11 -- vs. California

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Sept. 25-- vs. SMU

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Oct. 2-- vs. Texas

Oct. 9 -- at Texas Tech

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Oct. 16 -- at Oklahoma

Oct. 23-- vs. West Virginia

Oct. 30 -- at Kansas State

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Nov. 6 -- vs. Baylor

Nov. 13 -- at Oklahoma State

Nov. 20-- vs. Kansas

Nov. 27 -- at Iowa State

Biggest nonconference game: vs. SMU, Sept. 25

Out of the Frogs’ three nonconference games, the one against the rival SMU Mustangs will have the biggest fallout for TCU. The series between these two schools is split pretty even, with the Frogs holding a slight edge over the Mustangs 47-40-7. However, the Mustangs took the last game in 2019. Last season’s matchup was called off due to COVID-19 issues.

This will be TCU’s last game before the start of Big 12 play, so a win would provide more confidence and momentum heading into their conference opener against Texas.

Game TCU shouldn’t win, but might: vs West Virginia, Oct. 23

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West Virginia has recently been a tough opponent for the Frogs as the Mountaineers have won the last three meetings. WVU holds the all time series, 6-4, as well.

With Jarret Doege and Leddie Brown still leading the high-flying offense in 2021, the Mountaineers will again be a tough opponent for TCU.

The reason TCU may pull out a win over West Virginia is the fact that they still have Gary Patterson, and the defensive-minded coach is sure to cook up a plan to stop WVU’s dynamic duo on offense to try and end the Frogs’ losing streak.

Game TCU should win, but might not: at Oklahoma State, Nov. 13

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The Frogs and Cowboys currently split the all-time series, 13-13, and TCU won the last contest in 2020 over a ranked Oklahoma State team. TCU has proven that it can handle Spencer Sanders and his offense and without Chuba Hubbard in the backfield, the defensive plan may even be easier to execute.

However, TCU struggles in Stillwater, winning just 4 of the 12 games there. This game will also be at the end of a nine-game stretch with no off weeks, and TCU may see some depletion of the depth chart starting to shine through. Can the Frogs measure up to the task in Oklahoma, or will the Cowboys be too much for the Frogs? Only time will tell.

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