TCU shocks Michigan, turns into first Large 12 group to make CFP title recreation

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Within the largest upset because the faculty soccer playoffs started, No. 3-seeded TCU positioned underdog standing after beating undefeated No. 2 Michigan 51-45 in Saturday’s Fiesta Bowl. launched into. The win continued TCU’s storybook season, making the Frogs the primary Large 12 group to succeed in the title recreation in the course of the CFP period.

A semifinal matchup highlighted by a 44-point third quarter between the 2 groups noticed TCU lose an early 18-point lead, a pair of choose sixes, two fumbles and practically 76 yards earlier than and after. It was an occasion. A landing cross, he scored eight in nearly eight minutes, a file 59-yard discipline aim, and the best whole scored in Fiesta Bowl historical past.

There have been early indicators of an explosive recreation. Injured Blake He began instead of Colm Donovan His Edwards stole a 54-yard run on the primary play of the sport, however the Reds scored a 4th-down strive close to his zone. was stopped, the Wolverines walked away with zero his factors.

On Michigan’s subsequent offensive drive, quarterback JJ McCarthy threw a Telegraph cross to the skin, which was picked up by sophomore security Bud Clarke and returned for a landing. It was the Frogs’ third choose 6 of the season they usually took a 7–0 lead.

The Frogs’ protection dominated the primary half as Michigan entered the TCU purple zone 3 times and scored simply 9 factors on three discipline objectives thanks to 2 large stops and a fumble on the 1-yard line by Edwards. was. .

In the meantime, the TCU assault took benefit of the tempo and pace of the air raids to maneuver ahead. A 12-play, 76-yard drive culminated in quarterback Max Duggan dashing into the endzone from the 1-yard line to make the Frogs 14–0 within the first quarter. Below coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan allowed him over 14 factors within the first quarter, and he solely received as soon as in opposition to Colorado in 2016, based on ESPN Stats & Data analysis.

On the opposite aspect of the ball, Heisman runner-up Duggan was going all out whereas Michigan could not capitalize. Duggan wasn’t notably correct within the first half aerial battle, however danced on his toes to the primary down and continued to push TCU downfield because the Wolverines struggled to ease his mobility.

No play confirmed that downside greater than when Duggan got here out of the pocket with 4:56 left within the second quarter to keep away from a Michigan blitz and discover Tay Barber for six yards and one other 6 factors. The landing he culminated in a 10-play, 83-yard drive that gave the Frogs a commanding 21-6 halftime lead that he had and pushed the Wolverines to their largest deficit of the season.

Each groups got here out of the tunnel after halftime like they had been shot out of the cannon, combining a 44-point third quarter for a flea-flickering landing from McCarthy, a recreation from Michigan quarterback ‘s second choose 6, one other Duggan and three landing drives in underneath three minutes.

McCarthy and Michigan, who had two of these drives, weren’t aside. However simply as Wolverine was about to battle again, TCU continued to reply. did. The Frogs scored him 41 factors in his three quarters. Over your complete season, the utmost factors Michigan gave up in a complete recreation was 27, and again in final season, the utmost factors the Wolverines surrendered in a recreation was 37.

After Michigan lower TCU’s result in three factors early within the fourth quarter, Duggan responded by throwing the sport, as he has achieved all season. Whereas dealing with an electrifying defender in his face and a protracted third down, Duggan discovered Quentin Johnston’s cross in stride. Johnston sped to the sidelines and till the top his zone he took 76 yards to place the Frogs again to his 10.

One other methodical Michigan landing drive by McCarthy once more lower the lead, this time at 6 factors with 3:18 remaining, setting the stage for TCU and Duggan. Frogs wanted his two downs within the first to get the ball and finish the sport. They may solely get one among his, and the Wolverines did a miracle by shifting 75 yards in his 52 seconds.

With 25 seconds 4 and 10 with 35 seconds remaining, Michigan fumbled and recovered the ball, however it didn’t go previous the first-down marker. His TCU assistant within the field upstairs his coach yelled, “Go Nutty!” All Duggan needed to do was kneel down. The upset of the season, and the upset of the period, is totally over.