Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: 2. Michigan Wolverines vs. 3. TCU Horned Frogs
The 13-0, Big Ten conference champion, 2nd ranked Michigan Wolverines will face the 12-1 3rd ranked TCU Horned Frogs, in the CFP Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. During the preseason, the expectations were high for the Wolverines, but TCU was not expected to be in the CFP, as they were unranked before the season. Both Michigan and TCU have some very impressive wins, throughout the season. The Michigan Wolverines beat another team in the CFP, as Michigan beat Ohio State, by 22 points, and they beat Penn State by 24 points. On the other hand, TCU beat Texas by 7 points and beat Kansas State by 10 points. Michigan is coming off of a huge win against Purdue in the Big Ten Championship Game, by 21 points. However, TCU is coming off their only loss in the Big 12 Championship Game to Kansas State. The Michigan offense is highly focused on playing bully ball, as their offensive line won the Joe Moore Award, which is awarded to the best offensive line in the country, led by Olusegun Oluwatimi who won both the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the best center in the country, and he won the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior line in the country. The Michigan run game has been incredible this season, as they have an incredible one-two punch with Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, but Blake Corum is injured and out for the season, a lot of the offensive load will go on the back of Donovan Edwards. TCU is going to have to make Michigan throw the ball, as TCU does a better job defending the pass than the run, as the TCU secondary forces a lot of turnovers, as Bud Clark has 4 interceptions, and Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson and Josh Newton both have 3 interceptions. Tre'vius Hodges-Tomlinson, who had 3 interceptions this season, won the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the best defensive back in the country. The TCU offense is very well rounded as they have a great passing game, led by the Davey O’Brien Award winner, which is given to the best quarterback in the country, and the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting, in Max Duggan. TCU also has one of the best receivers in the country, Quentin Johnston, as he is great at making contested catches. The TCU run game could also hold its own, as TCU running back Kendre Miller is one of the better running backs in the country. However, the Michigan defense is one of the best in the country in terms of both running and passing, but especially in terms of stopping the run. For Michigan to win against TCU, they need to focus on stopping Max Duggan. While on the other hand, in order for TCU to beat Michigan, TCU needs to stop the physical style of football Michigan has on offense.
Prediction: Michigan wins 31-27