An underrated matchup to watch in Fiesta Bowl between Michigan, TCU

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Michigan Wolverines football and TCU will do battle Saturday afternoon at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, with a trip to the national title game on the line. There are plenty of star players like TCU quarterback Max Duggan, wideout Quentin Johnston, Michigan signal-caller J.J. McCarthy, running back Donovan Edwards and others set to take the field. However, there’s a matchup that isn’t getting as much publicity, yet will be crucial in helping determine the outcome.

TCU has a duo of stellar slot receivers in 5-foot-10, 175-pound Darius Davis and 5-foot-10, 190-pound Taye Barber. Davis (35 catches) and Barber (34) have combined for 69 catches this season. The former has racked up 418 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while the latter is second on the team with 593 yards and 4 scores.

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There’s been a lot of talk about the Horned Frogs’ two big, playmaking receivers on the outside in Savion Williams and Johnson — and rightfully so — but these Davis and Barber are two of the more productive players on the offense. And that position has been a key for the team all season long.

Speaking with Barber Wednesday, he knows it’ll be a challenge going against Michigan’s defense, which ranks tied for fifth nationally with 5.8 yards per pass allowed and is known for disguising a multitude of coverages.

“A lot of single high, they’re gonna run man, cover 3, cover 5,” Barber said of what stands out about the Maize and Blue. “It’s really kinda the same thing. Quarters, cover 6. They just do their job really well, play tough, always gonna be in the right spot. It’s gonna be a good game.”

He’s been watching Michigan’s safeties and nickel backs in particular. He and Davis will be matched up primarily with U-M senior nickel Mike Sainristil, a converted safety that has been one of the most valuable players on the Wolverines’ defense this season.

“He’s everywhere on film,” Barber raved.

Sainristil is fourth on the Michigan defense with 51 total tackles. He’s made 5.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, showing his knack for playing against the run and collapsing quickly on short passes. He’s added 2 sacks, 7 pass breakups and 2 quarterback hurries.

According to PFF, Sainristil has allowed 40 receptions for 427 yards and 1 touchdown, with that score coming against Ohio State. That 10.7 yards-per-catch average ranks third among Michigan’s defensive backs, behind two starting cornerbacks in DJ Turner and Gemon Green. Against the Buckeyes, he made one of the most important plays of the game, breaking up a pass intended for and in the hands of OSU tight end Cade Stover on third down, forcing a field goal attempt.

“He’s very violent, physical, fast, gonna fly to the ball,” Barber continued. “He’s a good cover guy. It’s going to be good.”

Michigan will blitz Sainristil at times, even when he lines up over the slot receiver. The many different things the Wolverines do makes life difficult for opposing offenses, but Barber said the most impressive aspect of the unit is how sound it is.

“Sometimes [Michigan disguises what it’s doing], but nine times out of 10, they’re just gonna be in the right spot and do their job,” Barber said. ‘There’s rarely a time where I see them mess up in coverage. They’re just gonna do their job really well.”

Here’s more of what Barber said ahead of Michigan vs. TCU.

On Max Duggan’s running ability

“It helps us a lot. Him and Kendre [Miller] and Emari [Demercado] and whoever really runs the ball, they do a very good job. Everybody knows that’s what the game of football is — running the ball. You’ve got to have a run game, so without that, it makes things very hard. Having their running ability makes things very easy.”

On how TCU’s balanced offense sets it apart

“That’s football. You gotta have some type of run game, or things will get out of hand.”

On his confidence level in the TCU defense

“Very high. They can get the job done, do whatever they put their mind to. There are a lot of doubters out there. I know they can prove them wrong.”

On what he’s heard from the ‘doubters’

“Just a lot of different things. I don’t really listen to them, because I know it’s just not true, so we’re gonna prove them wrong.”

On one word to describe Max Duggan

“Gritty. Very gritty. He’s gonna get the job done. He’s very tough. It doesn’t matter what the score is, what things are looking like. He’s just going to do his job to the best of his ability and try to play for everybody around him and get the job done.”