College Football Playoff
The Fiesta Bowl
(3) TCU Horned Frogs at (2) Michigan Wolverines
TCU: The last time I saw them play, it was Saturday, December 3rd, 2021, for the Big-12 Championship and they were facing the Kansas State Wildcats in a rematch. Let’s just admit it, it’s tough beating a team twice in the same season. I’ve said that anytime I’ve analyzed anything in the NFL and the same can be applied to college football. Kansas State was also the only team to have seen this group twice this season and that means something. It might be small and minuscule to some, but that can truly make a difference. They did end up losing that game against the Wildcats but give Max Duggan all the credit in the world because he bought them back into the game and they would’ve lost by more than the three points they did if it hadn’t been for his efforts. After that game, I made the argument for the Horned Frogs because so many people were quick to put the Alabama Crimson Tide back into the equation. I had to shut that down quickly. One, TCU played in their conference title game, Alabama didn’t and two, TCU has one loss, Alabama has two losses, and you all tell me a time when the committee has ever put a two-loss team into the College Football Playoff? I’ve enjoyed watching this team this year. The offense can beat you in so many ways with different weapons and the defense has been physical and can wear opponents down for the most part. When I watch Duggan play, I’m often reminded of Johnny Manziel with his ability to scramble with the football in his hands and extend the play. They wouldn’t be here without the efforts of number 15. On Saturday, they will look to punch a ticket to Cali for the title game.
Michigan: After finally getting over the hump in 2021 by beating the Ohio State Buckeyes and winning the Big Ten East, then the conference title, many NFL teams were reaching out to Jim Harbaugh about their empty Head Coaching vacancies. Instead, he signs an extension to remain in Ann Arbor. Everyone will admit to you that they had a “soft schedule” early in the season and that might be true and all, but I would always respond to that by saying at least they handled their business and won those games because if this is four or five years ago, they would’ve lost one of those contests. This is a different ball club with a tougher mindset nowadays. It seems like forever since that Quarterback storyline with Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy. J.J. since has taken over the job and hasn’t looked back. I’m still impressed by what he did against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus back in November. This is a gritty Michigan football team that prides themselves on running that football and they had one of the best in the nation in Blake Corum. Unfortunately, he got hurt and Donovan Edwards stepped in as the next man up and that’s what this game is all about, answering the call when you’re needed. Their defense is still one of the best in the country. It may not have the pass rushers it did a year ago, but they are much more stout up the middle. They kick off another playoff on Saturday.
TCU X-Factor: Taye Barber– Remember what I said about TCU having so many weapons? Well, here is one of them. Taye is the yin to Quentin Johnston’s yang and the second receiving option for Duggan down the field. He provides Max with another big-play threat outside of Quentin. Taye isn’t necessarily a volume receiver, but if he can get loose at any moment in the game, he will make the Wolverines pay.
Michigan X-Factor: Ronnie Bell– It’s been great to see him healthy and back on the field. His 2021 season was cut short due to a knee injury. This year, he leads the Wolverines in receptions and receiving yards. Ronnie is a playmaker, especially in space. Just get him the football and move out of the way because he’ll handle the rest. I’ve always admired how he goes up for the football. At six feet tall, he plays as if he is a possession receiver. TCU can’t allow him to have too much space because he’ll hurt them if they do.
Final Thoughts: It’s College Football Playoff time! TCU will become the first Texas school to play in the CFP and Michigan is back looking for redemption. They were the two seed last season and fell short to the eventual champion Georgia Bulldogs. TCU will have a chance in this game if they can keep this a close contest throughout. A fast start will be beneficial for the Frogs because they’ve shown themselves to get behind at times and crawl themselves back into a game. They will have to match Michigan score for score to keep up. For the Wolverines, continue to showcase what got you here in the first place. They are an explosive play waiting to happen. They have been getting the best from J.J. McCarthy with a play-action passing game. Also, keeping the lid on Duggan is also key as he can extend plays with his off-schedule prowess. The key matchup to watch here is Quentin Johnston against Michigan Cornerbacks, D.J. Turner and Will Johnson. When Quentin is healthy, he’s a handful and dominant receivers have shown us they can have a day against the Michigan pass defense.
Prediction: Michigan 34, TCU 24
