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3 takeaways from TCU’s Fiesta Bowl win over Michigan

By Michael Thompson

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 31: Dee Winters #13 of the TCU Horned Frogs returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 31: Dee Winters #13 of the TCU Horned Frogs returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 31: Running back Tavierre Dunlap #22 of the Michigan Wolverines watches the TCU Horned Frogs confetti fall after the College Football Playoff Semifinal Fiesta Bowl football game at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The TCU Horned Frogs won 51-45. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 31: Running back Tavierre Dunlap #22 of the Michigan Wolverines watches the TCU Horned Frogs confetti fall after the College Football Playoff Semifinal Fiesta Bowl football game at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The TCU Horned Frogs won 51-45. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Another year, another bowl disappointment from Harbaugh

This was supposed to be Michigan’s time. After having not won a New Year’s Six bowl or playoff game since Brady Hoke was the coach, this was the year.

The Wolverines went undefeated, embarrassed their arch-rival Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, and were given the apparently favorable matchup in the playoffs. Once again, a special Michigan season comes crashing down and questions abound.

The Wolverines came out looking sharp, immediately finding themselves around the goal line, but their attempt at the Philly Special was horrendous. It’s a play that has been used so many times that teams are prepared for it now. It was the first sign that Harbaugh and Michigan were not going to be able to play their style.

Critical mistakes, such as a fumble at the one-inch line after an apparent touchdown, and not one but two pick-six plays by a ferocious TCU defense saw the Wolverines down three scores for much of the game.

Give the Wolverines credit, instead of packing it in, they fought back and nearly pulled off the greatest comeback of the playoff era. While the running game still was effective, the game was put on JJ McCarthy’s shoulders.

McCarthy was forced into his first real shootout, and showed his future NFL potential, bringing his team back. Nearly 400 total yards and 3 touchdowns, with wide receivers Ronnie Bell and Roman Wilson each scoring and having 100 receiving yards. The Wolverines did get the ball back with 52 seconds left and a chance to win the game, but a penalty and an early snap doomed Michigan.

In the end, Michigan’s defense just couldn’t stop TCU the whole afternoon. Nearly five hundred total yards, including nearly 300 yards rushing doomed one of the best defenses in all of college football. As stunning as it was to see Michigan light it up in the passing game, it was easily stunning to watch their defense give up half a hundred in such a big moment.

It’s a shocking loss to many, and it leaves Michigan fans wondering, if not now, when? Michigan will be returning McCarthy and most of their defense but will have to rebuild their offensive line with the departures of guard Zak Zinter and center Olegusen Olawatami. You’d have to expect Michigan will be a top 5 ranked team in the preseason next year, but that’s not one of the two biggest questions.

Michigan is now 0-4 in NY6 and playoff games under Jim Harbaugh, so what needs to change to get over the hump, and secondly, will Harbaugh be around next season? You have to expect NFL teams, especially the Indianapolis Colts, will be very interested in his services.

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