Michigan or TCU? Fiesta Bowl should be an interesting clash of styles.
Michigan is going to try and hammer away at a TCU defense that hasn’t matched up against this sort of physical opponent. But the same might be true in reverse: Michigan hasn’t met a team with the Horned Frogs’ offense and never-say-die mindset.
The Wolverines have the edge in talent and experience but TCU has repeatedly bucked expectations in winning close game after close game to reach the playoff. All the Frogs may need is one lucky break. Unfortunately, Michigan hasn’t given opponents any extra rope all season. Michigan is a proverbial sledgehammer than continues to pound on opponents until they wilt in the second half. This was the case against Ohio State and Penn State – their two biggest wins of the season. TCU presents similar problems as the Buckeyes did because the Horned Frogs can move the ball through the air and have the receivers to make plays against the defensive backs of the Wolverines. But like Ohio State faltering late, look for Michigan to give up some points early before locking down TCU and eventually cruising to an easy victory.There’s one statistical area in which TCU stands out from the other three playoff teams – and not in a good way. Both Georgia and Michigan feature top-five defenses, and Ohio State ranks in the top 15 in yards and points allowed. The Horned Frogs are 74th in the Bowl Subdivision in yards allowed and 56th in scoring defense. TCU has a healthy turnover margin that has helped overcome some of the defensive leaks, but Michigan isn’t likely to make the kinds of mistakes that have helped the Horned Frogs win close game after close game this season.It’s just difficult to see where TCU finds any advantages in this game. Max Duggan is such a tough competitor, but this is a big level up from any game the Horned Frogs have played this year. Sure, sometimes Michigan can get gummed up in the passing game. But unless JJ McCarthy is a turnover machine in this game, Michigan should be able to impose its will physically on both lines of scrimmage.
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