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Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a stupefying loss to TCU

By Nick Popio

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 31: Linebacker Dee Winters #13 of the TCU Horned Frogs returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff Semifinal Fiesta Bowl football game against the Michigan Wolverines 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: Linebacker Dee Winters #13 of the TCU Horned Frogs returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff Semifinal Fiesta Bowl football game against the Michigan Wolverines at State Farm Stadium on December 31, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The TCU Horned Frogs won 51-45. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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TCU outlasted Michigan football in a typical Big 12 shootout that not many expected coming in the 2022 Fiesta bowl.

Donovan Edwards to the opening snap and ripped off a 54-yard chunk play to get Michigan football off on the right foot. However, the Wolverines could not capitalize as they turned it over on fourth down to stop the drive on a trick play that was doomed from the snap. TCU’s defense set the tone from that point on in Glendale.

The Horned Frogs went three and out on the ensuing possession. Michigan football got the ball back and J.J. McCarthy did something, unlike his character. He threw a pick-six to Bud Clark. It certainly caught them off guard as they punted on the next series. TCU answered with a 12-play drive that was capped off by a Max Duggan sneak for six.

Michigan only responded with a field goal and then both teams traded turnovers and punts before TCU took a commanding lead at 21-3 in the second quarter. The best second-half school in the country was in trouble with a heavy underdog, even after Jake Moody bombed a career-high 59-yarder as the clock hit zero for halftime.

Michigan football pulled within five about midway thru the third as McCarthy hooked up with Ronnie Bell from 34 yards out. TCU answered with another score followed by its second pick-six of the evening.

Michigan didn’t quit as the Wolverines got it down to three again, but they couldn’t stop TCU’s offense. Duggan made plays for his receivers and backs and they bailed him out. Michigan’s defense managed to get one final stop when all else failed, but couldn’t take advantage of it offensively, effectively ending their season one win shy of a national championship.

Here are the three takeaways.

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