Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a stupefying loss to TCU

By Nick Popio | Jan 1, 2023

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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Syndication Arizona Republic /

1. Michigan football got blindsided by TCU

After the first play from scrimmage, the flow of the contest was on TCU’S side. The Horned Frogs jumped out to a 14-0 lead and had Michigan on the brink.

Nobody saw it coming. TCU’s defense was getting the breaks on defense that Michigan got all year, while their offense was capping it off with touchdowns for their efforts.

TCU’s defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie outcoached Jesse Minter. His unit was underestimated by how fast they were in areas and how sound they were in certain coverages as well.

McCarthy was still able to sling it when he needed to, but the Horned Frogs’ defenders made him scramble a lot and work for his completions.

People who never watched TCU were really confident Michigan would roll TCU.
— Will Cain (@willcain) December 31, 2022

Max Duggan didn’t have his most impressive effort, but he made some throws reminiscent of what McCarthy did to Ohio State in Columbus.

Kendre Miller left with an injury, while his replacement was more than effective. Emari Demercardo had a career performance and Quentin Johnston went off for 163 yards on six catches.

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