TCU Football: Can Horned Frogs bounce back from 2019 regression?

How will TCU football fare in 2020?

The Big 12 built in more space for its teams to play out the 2020 campaign, hoping that flexibility will allow the conference to effectively mitigate the impacts of the ongoing pandemic. After losing the season opener against Cal when the Pac-12 went to conference-only schedules and subsequently canceled their season, TCU was also sent looking for a new home opener after Prairie View A&M was shuttered for the fall along with every other SWAC team.

Tennessee Tech looked to be the first opponent, but it was swapped out with SMU. A bye week follows before conference play commences with a home date against Iowa State. TCU benefits this year from landing five conference home games, and it will be interesting to see how many people are allowed in attendance after the MLS resumed its regular season on Aug. 12 with a home game between FC Dallas and Nashville SC that included fans in the stands.

TCU only has two road games outside of the Lone Star State this season, with November trips scheduled to West Virginia and Kansas to face the Mountaineers and Jayhawks respectively. That could prove especially beneficial for a team hoping to return to prominence and throw its weight around in the Big 12.

What’s next for TCU?

The home opener against SMU  should present a decent challenge for the Horned Frogs. Shane Buechele is familiar with the Big 12 as a former Texas starter, so expect him to put up a fight, but the Horned Frogs will get the big win here.

Max Duggan and his teammates on offense should have little trouble breaking down SMU’s defense. As far as warmup games go, this is the closest thing on TCU’s schedule to a sure victory.

Prediction: 5-5 (4-5 Big 12)

While the Horned Frogs will win in the season opener, getting through Big 12 play is another question. TCU projects just under .500 within the conference, even as they enjoy five home Big 12 games this season. Opening against Iowa State at the end of September offers the chance to avenge last year’s 49-24 loss in Ames last season right out of the gate, which will go a long way toward setting the mood for 2020 in Fort Worth.

That game will likely determine whether TCU gets above .500 this year. The Cyclones will probably prevail, as will both Oklahoma schools at Amon G. Carter Stadium. On the road, TCU will likely lose both games in state against Texas and Baylor while taking down Kansas and West Virginia out of state. All told, TCU is likely a year off from really competing for bigger prizes than bowl eligibility in the Big 12 race.