Michigan Football Opponent Q and A: Interview with TCU Expert

What’s the level of confidence among TCU fans heading into the semifinal?

Jamie: I’d say TCU fans are a good mix of “happy to be here” and “we can beat Michigan.” TCU has won in a variety of different ways, overcome adversity all season, and shown they are capable of making big plays in clutch moments. Does that experience help them in the Fiesta Bowl? Who knows.

Personally, I think the Frogs can present some issues for Michigan, but Michigan also presents significant challenges for TCU.

I’ll be interested to see how TCU holds up against Michigan’s level of physicality. TCU’s offensive line struggled against Texas and Kansas State, but managed to do just enough to allow Duggan to do his thing. Will that be the case against Michigan’s front?

What are three things the Horned Frogs need to do to advance to the national championship?

Jamie: If TCU can get the quick game going, I think they’ll be in the fight. Screens, RPOs, mesh, things they’ve leaned on all year to keep defenses off-balance. TCU has incredible team speed, and they should be able to use that to their advantage on offense.

Defensively, the Frogs have to hold up against the run. An odd stack front isn’t always conducive to stopping the run, but the Frogs have been OK against it most of the season. The high point of the year was pretty clearly holding Bijan Robinson to just 29 rushing yards in TCU’s win over Texas.

Combine that with the Frogs holding up in coverage, especially against Michigan’s tight ends, and the Frogs could pull off the upset. I’m also very excited for the Ronnie Bell vs. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson matchup on the outside.

Give us a score and game prediction!

Jamie: As a TCU graduate, my hope is that TCU can pull off the win. Looking at things on film and knowing what I know about TCU, I think the Frogs will keep it close and cover, but ultimately fall short.

Michigan 27, TCU 24

Special thanks to Jamie Plunkett for taking the time out of his schedule to sit down with us and answer these questions. For all things Fiesta Bowl from the TCU point of view, head over to FrogsToday.com and check out his, and the rest of the team’s work.