The 2021 season for the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs football team was a significant period in the university’s athletic history. Under the guidance of head coach Gary Patterson, who was in his 21st season with the program, the team looked to make a mark in the competitive Big 12 Conference. This schedule included various match-ups against conference and non-conference opponents, each bringing unique challenges and opportunities for the team to demonstrate their skills and strategies on the gridiron.
The season commenced with a non-conference slate that allowed the Horned Frogs to build momentum and test their mettle against teams from outside the Big 12. These early games are crucial for setting the tone of the season, with the potential to refine plays and build team cohesion before diving into conference play. The first game saw TCU take on Duquesne on September 4, 2021, at Amon G. Carter Stadium. This opener provided an initial gauge of the team’s preparedness for the rigorous season ahead.
Following the game against Duquesne, TCU faced off against another non-conference opponent, California, on September 11, followed by a battle with Southern Methodist University (SMU) on September 25