BYU , TCU likely to play in 2011

By Kevin Kelley -

Several sources have reported that the BYU Cougars and the TCU Horned Frogs will likely play a non-conference football game in 2011.

The Star-Telegram says that, despite speculation, the game will not be played on Thanksgiving weekend at Cowboys Stadium. Rather, it will probably be played sometime in October or on Friday, November 4.

If the game is in fact scheduled for November 4, BYU’s game with Louisiana Tech on November 5 would have to be moved. The Cougars, who finalized their schedule last month, have byes on October 29 and November 26.

2011 will be the first season for BYU as an Independent. The Cougars already have 12 games on their schedule, but are allowed to play a 13th due to the Hawaii Exemption. The rule allows teams playing at Hawaii to schedule a 13th regular-season game, which helps offset travel costs.

TCU, playing their final season in the Mountain West before moving to the Big East in 2012, has games scheduled at Baylor on September 3 and at home against SMU on October 1.

If they close the deal with BYU, the Horned Frogs would need two more non-conference games to complete their schedule. Since there are only eight teams in the Mountain West in 2011, they will have seven conference and 5 non-conference games.

Football Schedules: