TCU opens 2013 Big 12 play at Texas Tech, hosts Texas on Oct. 26

TCU will open Big 12 play in 2013 at Texas Tech and have key tests Oct. 5 against Oklahoma in Norman and at home Oct. 26 against Texas.

That, along with the rest of the Horned Frogs' schedule, was announced Tuesday by the Big 12.

A few thoughts:

1. For the most part, TCU avoided any terribly tough stretches of games. Starting with the road trip Oct. 19 to Oklahoma State (for the second straight year, a product of inheriting Texas A&M's schedule) through a road trip to Kansas State on Nov. 16, the schedule definitely tightens up. That said, the Frogs will have Texas and West Virginia at home, and Iowa State and Kansas State might be a bit down next season, especially the Wildcats who will be without Collin Klein.

2. The first three weeks of the season will be about as good of a Litmus test you'll find for the Frogs. They have a huge, big-atmosphere game to open the year against LSU at Cowboys Stadium, then what should be an easy test against FCS Southeast Louisiana before a tough road test at Texas Tech. It's way too early to set any expectations, but if you're a TCU, taking at least two out of those first three would be a success.

3. TCU has somewhat been a victim of the bye week this year, as several teams have been off before facing the Frogs. There won't be as much of that in 2013. Only Oklahoma State and Texas have byes before playing TCU.

Here's the full docket of games for TCU next season:

Aug. 31: LSU (Cowboys Stadium)

Sept. 7: Vs. Southeast Louisiana

Sept. 14: At Texas Tech

Sept. 28: Vs. SMU

Oct. 5: At Oklahoma

Oct. 12: Vs. Kansas

Oct. 19: At Oklahoma State

Oct. 26: Vs. Texas

Nov. 2: Vs. West Virginia

Nov. 9: At Iowa State

Nov. 16: At Kansas State

Nov. 30: Vs. Baylor