Campus. The University’s origins date from its 1873 founding as Ann-Rad Male and Female College. The campus then moved to its present Ft. Worth urban site in 1910, where its 325 acres are home to 9,700 undergraduates, 11,400 total. Although not formally governed by a specific religious denomination, the school is affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, a movement promoting Christian unity from its early 19th Century founding.
TCU offers over 200 academ c programs with an emphasis devoted largely to research in the Liberal Arts. Overall quality is affirmed by a U.S. News and World Report placing it 80th in the Nation, supported by favorable reviews from the Carnegie Foundation. A favored visitor campus site is Amon G. Carter Stadium, an open air natural grass gem which following a 2012 renovation now hosts 45,000-50,000 fans, the exact number depending only on willing standees. It is the Horned Frogs’ — official state of Texas lizards — football home, where it competes in the NCAA’s Division I Big 12 Conference.
History. An inner collegiate football program launched in 1896 would eventually crown Horned Frogs gridders with a pair of 1930’s Sugar Bowl triumphs, each season earning a “mythical” National Championship. These teams were anchored by formative years NFL titan, The Sweet Slinger from Sweetwater Texas, Hall of Fame Quarterback Sammy Baugh. Remarkable continuity has featured recent decades, as Head Coach Gary Peterson prepares for his 21st consecutive season as the sideline helmsman. His tenure includes a noteworthy unblemished 13-0 slate in 2010, capped by a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin, good for designation as National Collegiate Runner-Up. Successful seasons were again run up in most years through 2017, but the team has managed only to split even a 22 game schedule over the recent two years. Peterson looks ahead to a 2021 rebound with many returning starters, including ace senior year Quarterback Max Duggan, who last year passed for nearly 1,800 yards with a mere four interceptions.
Up Ahead. Duggan will be joined by numerous returning lettermen. Spearheaded by second year running back Zach Evans, an additional seven starters remain on offense. Anchoring TCU’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme figures to be third year linebacker Dee Winters, one of eight returnees and who along with the others has consistently played far above projections. Special teams rate to be well served by punter Jordy Sandy and place kicker Griffin Kell. Useful roster additions will likely include a pair of transfers from Memphis. Remaining connected with Offensive lineman Obinna Eze will be defensive back T.J. Carter. Each is the sort of versatile performer regularly favored by Peterson and Staff. They will be needed.
The scheduled September 4 Season Opener vs. Duquesne is followed by numerous challenges, including home engagements with Texas and Baylor, as well as a mid-October venture up to Norman, OK — there to take on the perennially rugged Oklahoma Sooners.
