Predictions for College Football Playoff and New Years Six bowl games

Fiesta Bowl: No. 2 Michigan (-7.5) vs No. 3 TCU (Dec. 31, 4 PM EST, ESPN)

The College Football Playoff is just one day away and we’ll get started with Michigan and TCU. The Horned Frogs are coming off a loss against Kansas State in the Big 12 championship game, but remember Georiga was in the same situation a year ago.

Max Duggan was runner-up for the Heisman after throwing 30 touchdown passes this season but he’s dangerous as a runner and folks don’t talk about Kendre Miller who rushed for over 1,400 yards or Quentin Johnston, a 6-foot-4 freak about to be drafted as a first-round wide receiver.

Michigan football’s offensive line was voted as the best in college football, plus their young quarterback J.J. McCarthy is playing his best ball. TCU allows 4.1 yards per rush and ranks 56th in scoring defense. The Horned Frogs also rank in the 70s in terms of sacks per game allowed.

Mike Morris is returning from injury (Michigan’s top pass rusher) and the defense will shine, along with the running game and McCarthy. At least enough to win what should be a fun dual.

The two quarterbacks have thrown a combined seven interceptions over the course of the season. Duggan threw a costly one in the Big 12 title game and I think Michigan football will get one Saturday (due to pressure), which will be the difference in the game.

Still, I’m predicting a one-possession game and if that’s accurate, it could mean TCU covering the spread which is lingering at 7.5 points. I’m feeling the under though as a good bet. Not only does Michigan have a stellar defense, it sometimes shortens the game by controlling the clock.

Michigan 31, TCU 24