Pete Thamel: TCU pessimistic regarding star running back Kendre Miller, 'heavy diet' of Emari Demercado expected

Kendre Miller is fighting to play in the national title game, but the TCU star may have to miss the showdown with Georgia for his own good.

According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, there’s a growing sense of “pessimism” as it pertains to the star running back for the Horned Frogs.

“There’s a prevailing sense of pessimism from TCU that star tailback Kendre Miller is going to have a significant impact on tonight’s game,” stated Thamel. “Officially, Kendre Miller is going to be a game-time decision. He plans to warm up. He plans to give to a go with that sprained right MCL. Just two days ago, Miller told me that that right knee was just 50%. Look for a heavy diet of Emari Demercado tonight.

“If Miller can play, it’s unlikely he’s going to be able to show the full burst that allowed him to average 6.2 yards per carry this year.”

Many believe TCU already have their work cutout for them against Georgia, and Kendre Miller missing the game will only help that groupthink grow.

Kickoff between TCU and Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship game is scheduled for this coming Monday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET live from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. ESPN will carry the national broadcast.

Time will tell if Kendre Miller is available, but the Horned Frogs will fight until the last whistle regardless.

Sonny Dykes updates health of Kendre Miller, breaks down what’s factoring into decision

Alas, Kendre Miller is still questionable for the national championship game against Georgia, as TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said Sunday afternoon. Miller injured his knee against Michigan during the Horned Frogs’ 51-45 win over the Wolverines in the Fiesta Bowl. 

“We’ll have a run-through today, our typical Friday run-through the day before the game – a full-speed run-through – so we’ll get a good sense of what they can and can’t do today and then make a decision going into tomorrow,” Dykes said during the pre-national championship press conference. 

Miller is an integral part of the TCU offense, leading the team with 1,399 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. That’s why Dykes said the team doesn’t want to rush him back onto the field even though he’s been getting some work in.

Dykes knows the timetable he has to make a decision on Miller’s availability, though, and he expects one to come after practice Sunday. The placement of the injury is what throwing everything into question. 

“Running backs are different. When you’re a running back and you’re talking about a thigh bruise, a sprained shoulder, a contusion someplace, those are things running backs can typically play through,” Dykes said. “When you’re talking about a knee and a sprained knee and the things that come along with that, you’ve got to be very, very careful.

“Kendre is going to want to play. It’s a big stage, he’s a tough kid, but he’s a young man and our job is to take care of him and make sure we don’t just see Monday night, that we see the big picture as far as taking care of Kendre’s health and doing the right thing for him.”

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.