When the Michigan Wolverines and TCU Horned Frogs face off in the Fiesta Bowl as part of the 2022-23 College Football Playoff on Saturday evening, Michigan will be making its second consecutive appearance in the four-team tournament.
The undefeated Wolverines (13-0) are more confident than they were at this time last year because of that experience.
“I feel like last year was just kind of a benchmark that we can look at for the whole offseason, realize that you know we can get there,” quarterback J.J. McCarthy told reporters. “It’s been used throughout the whole offseason because it just fuels us even more. And we need to get past that point. And that it’s not just we’re not just happy to be here. We want to get past it.”
Yet, in a familiar situation, Michigan players and coaches know they will have their hands full with the unfamiliar challenges TCU presents.
The chief concern Michigan has is facing TCU’s unique 3-3-5 defense, which implements three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs and is designed to counter speed and minimize open space that may be beneficial to aggressive offenses.
“Yeah, their [3-3-5] structure is something that we haven’t really seen,” McCarthy said. “Ohio State played a little bit of it. But it’s something that’s brand new, so I’m really excited for the challenge.”
The scheme is a common one in the Big 12 Conference because of the design and skills of its offenses, but it is not common in the Big Ten Conference, where Michigan plays. The Big Ten is more known for its physical style of play rather than its speed.
Co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss agrees with the analyses many are making regarding each team’s strengths but also sees ways each side can use the unfamiliar territory to its advantage.
“I do think the contrasting styles and the lack of experience of going against that style on both sides of the ball is a real thing; that’s a real theme,” he told the Detroit Free Press.” We don’t really play against their style of defense; they don’t really play against our style of offense.”
Many offenses in the Big 12 are much more pass-oriented than Michigan’s. The Wolverines’ offense loves incorporating its running backs but may not have its ball carriers at full strength.
Blake Corum is out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury that required surgery, and Donovan Edwards has reportedly been practicing while wearing a cast.
Michigan is not just anticipating the challenges facing its offense. TCU (12-1) presents difficult matchups with its offense through a balanced passing and rushing attack, led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Max Duggan at quarterback, that could give the Wolverines’ defense a test.
“His ability to work off the scramble, he has that playmaking ability,” said defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. “So we have to combat that and work off that.”
Duggan and the passing game have become TCU’s offensive identity. After coming off the bench early in the season, the senior signal-caller had a spectacular season with 3,321 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just four interceptions through the air while adding another 404 yards and six touchdowns as a runner.
TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston is drawing first-round NFL buzz after putting up 903 yards with five touchdowns this season. His 6-foot-5 frame gives him a distinct advantage over smaller defensive backs.
Meanwhile, fellow receivers Derius Davis and Taye Barber have the speed that can torch Michigan’s defense if it is not careful.
“Good receiver group,” Michigan cornerback DJ Turner told 247 Sports. “Some of them got good size; there’s speed and a good quarterback. So we’ve got to be locked in. Just trust your technique.”
However, the TCU running game has been an equal part of the offense’s success this season and maybe just as physical as those in the Big Ten.
“I feel like TCU really wants to try to run the ball and try to test us with that,” said defensive lineman Mason Graham.
Running back Kendre Miller presents a considerable challenge for Michigan if the Horned Frogs want to test the Wolverine’s run defense. The junior is 18th in the nation in rushing yards with 1,342 and has scored 17 touchdowns this season.
Illinois’ Chase Brown is the only player Michigan has faced this season with more rushing yardage than Miller, and he ran for 140 yards and two touchdowns in a close game in Ann Arbor.
The Fiesta Bowl will be played at 3 p.m. CST on Saturday, December 31.
