By Michael Moore
At 4:00 pm EST, The Fiesta Bowl will kick off live from Glendale, AZ, between #2 Michigan Wolverines (13-0) and #3 TCU (12-1) for a chance to compete for a College National Championship.
Michigan has been a force all season, rallying behind a dominant run game, championship-level defense, and physicality up-front. After Heisman Trophy hopeful Blake Corum went down with a knee injury against Illinois, fellow running back Donovan Edwards has stepped up and shown out, rushing for 216 yards against Ohio State and 185 yards in the Big Ten Championship game against Purdue, all while wearing a cast on his injured right hand.
Michigan has some extra motivation as life-long fan Demetrius “Meechie” Walker passed away after a two-year battle with bone cancer. Michigan made Meechie an honorary member of the program. Fellow teammates such as QB JJ Mccarthy stated that Meechie would be looking down, pushing them to victory, and the entire has bought in and believes that this is their year. With only two more games to win to secure a 12th National Championship.
Heisman finalist QB Max Duggan will lead TCU Horn Frogs. Duggan’s best game this year could have come during their lone loss in the Big 12 Championship game against Kansas State. The numbers that he puts up might not be jaw-dropping, but the toughness, heart, and at times willing his team to victory separates him from the pack.
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes has been hearing how there are not a physical enough team to play Big Ten opponents, let alone Michigan, who prides their offense and defense on physical play up-front. Many think the TCU defensive line is the most vital part of the team, and TCU has made it known they are up for the physical challenge the Wolverines bring.
TCU has several coming-from-behind victories this season, but they are playing the best second-half team in the country. I’m sure the Horn Frogs will be trying to start strong and fast to prevent fighting an uphill battle after halftime. The Horn Frogs have hung their hats on resilience and toughness and will need all of that in Glendale today to claim a spot in the National Championship game.
My prediction: Michigan 42, TCU 24
Update: TCU won 51 – 45 Michigan
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