Michigan football draws TCU in Fiesta Bowl semifinal
With how things played out before a Michigan Big Ten title game tilt with Purdue, the Wolverines were assured of the No. 2 seed win or lose against the Boilermakers. What was in doubt — the opponent in the No. 2 vs. No. 3 contest for the Dec. 31 Fiesta Bowl.
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And now we know. Rather than follow up a Nov. 26 win over the Buckeyes, a game in which U-M handled them 45-23 in Columbus, Michigan will face No. 3 TCU in Glendale, Arizona. This will be the first meeting between the two programs.
The Wolverines are in the playoff for the second straight year after consecutive Big Ten championships and wins over Ohio State. Sophomore running back Donovan Edwards ran for 185 yards in a 44-23 win over Purdue a week after rushing for 216 yards against OSU.
Some Wolverines interviewed after the game insisted they didn’t care who the opponent was.
“That’s for the committee to decide,” center Olu Oluwatimi said. “Wherever they put us and whoever they put against us, at the end of the day, they’ve got to deal with Michigan football and the brand of football that we play, and we’ve got to deal with them.
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“It’s going to be fun whoever we get.”
Sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy, though, said he wanted the Buckyes again.
“Please. Please,” McCarthy said. “Bring it on. That would be truly a blessing if we get a shot to play those boys again.”
If they do, it will be in the finals. TCU (12-1) remained No. 3 despite an overtime loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 championship game. The Horned Frogs feature quarterback Max Duggan, a true dual threat who nearly led a comeback against the Wildcats.
Ohio State picked up the No. 4 seed and will play No. 1 Georgia on New Year’s Eve.
Watch for more on the playoff, including player reaction, in the hours to come …
