Big 12 Football: Why Most Everyone Should Be Thrilled for TCU Welcome Party

It’s time to roll out the red carpet, Horned Frog fans. July 1 is almost here, which means TCU is about to embark on a new chapter.

Beginning this Saturday, June 30 at 11:45pm, TCU will hold a countdown to midnight, when the Horned Frogs become official members of the Big 12 Conference.

This celebration into the Big 12 better be a good one for TCU, as the Big East has filed a lawsuit against the university for $5 million. Leaving the Mountain West, TCU originally intended to become a member of the Big East, only to change their minds for the Big 12. TCU should not feel alone though, as the Big East sued fellow Big 12 rookie West Virginia for $20 million.

Come July 1, TCU can leave all of the drama behind them. The Mountain West will be a thing of the past and the Big East will be nothing but a distant memory. The Horned Frogs will officially be members of the Big 12 with a brand new schedule to match.

Unfortunately for TCU, they play five away games in the nine-game Big 12 conference schedule. That’s a tough break for the Frogs, but the team should handle it just fine. They’ll have the opportunity to shine against Texas at Darrell K. Royal Stadium and at home against Oklahoma. I’d say it’s a little much to assume TCU has a shot at the Big 12 title, but you honestly never know with this conference.

This should be exciting for more than just TCU though. Fans everywhere should be anxious to see what the Horned Frogs can do when matched up against the big boys of the BCS that they have so longed to face. Head coach Gary Patterson has been building a strong team, but how will they match up now they they've departed the Mountain West? That is where the excitement lies.

All of college football nation will have the pleasure of watching TCU take on the likes of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas this year. Just like watching Nebraska and Colorado in their new respective conferences last year, TCU will have all eyes on them. That is a celebration, folks. Win or lose, it's always fascinating to see how teams do in new situations.

So roll out that red carpet, Sunday is a celebration in Fort Worth. Another Texas team joins the Big 12.

Everyone can celebrate!

Except for the Big East, that is.