The pandemic has not stopped Tarleton State's move to Division I, only delayed it a little bit.
The Texans will compete as an FCS independent this spring, and on Friday set an 8-game schedule that will begin Feb. 13.
As one would expect of an first-year FCS independent playing a spring schedule, the slate is something of a hodgepodge.
Todd Whitten's team will play three Division II opponents, two established FCS opponents, two games against a fellow transitional program, and the program's first-ever game against an FBS foe -- Feb. 20 at New Mexico State.
The Texans will play a home-and-home with Dixie State, also a WAC member that figures to join Tarleton in the revival of WAC football.
Tarleton will take two weeks off after its return trip to Dixie State before closing the season April 3 at Alabama State.
Tarleton State Spring 2021 Schedule
vs. McNeese -- Feb. 13
at New Mexico State -- Feb. 20
vs. Dixie State -- Feb. 27
vs. Mississippi College -- March 6
vs. Midwestern State -- March 20
vs. Northeastern Oklahoma -- March 27
at Dixie State -- March 13
at Alabama State -- April 3
"We're very excited about the new schedule we were able to put together over the last few months," said Whitten. "After having to start over on the schedule, our administration worked very hard in putting together a quality schedule at the FCS level and we're excited to get back to playing on Saturday nights."
Tarleton State enters FCS having won 23 of its final 25 games as a Division II member, including two straight Lone Star Conference championships.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.