Staff Predictions: Michigan football vs. TCU, Fiesta Bowl

For the first time in history (we think), Michigan will face an opponent with a frog as a mascot.

No, we haven’t done the research here. But there aren’t any “Kansas Tech Kermits” that we know of, for example.

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But these amphibians deserve some respect, and a lot of them are demanding it on social media. We’re starting to hear more and more of the “they haven’t seen speed like OUR speed” talk like we do … well, every time Michigan plays a team from the south. You’d think TCU was the 7.5-point favorite, in fact, if you listen to their podcasts, etc., this week.

Their players and coaches, though — much different story. They were nothing but respectful of Michigan on both sides of the ball the last few days, understanding that this team plays as one.

“Oh, they are very good,” receiver Taye Barber said of the corners. “They are always going to be in the right spots. They are good, fast, big, and they start for a reason. They’ve got a top-10 defense for a reason, so it will be tough.”

But there’s a lot of elite talent on this TCU team, too, starting with quarterback Max Duggan. “Warrior” was the word his teammates used to describe him. He’s a throwback to the player who leaves it all out there for his team — we think about Tom Brady vomiting behind the bench in the Orange Bowl a few decades ago, and then coming back to lead a touchdown drive — compared to some of those California kids who need a parka on the sidelines in 55-degree weather and more NIL money to compete in his bowl game.

Make no mistake — this has the potential to be an outstanding game, and this is a worthy opponent.

Congratulations to Clayton Sayfie, the Big Ten Championship game winner. This week’s champion gets the right (with his teammates) to cover the National Championship game in Inglewood, Calif., Jan. 9.

The picks:

CHRIS BALAS: These Horned Frogs aren’t the pushover some Michigan fans think they are. They’ve got talent, they play well together, and they’re well coached.

This one goes down to the wire in a higher-scoring affair. Michigan 34, TCU 30

JOHN BORTON: The Wolverines are headed for a big rematch (from last year) and no frog (Horned or otherwise) will stand in the way. Michigan 41, TCU 24

CLAYTON SAYFIE: Getting off to a fast start and limiting TCU’s big plays will be key for Michigan, which hopes to stick to the same script as it has followed all season long. Wear ‘em down as the game goes on, pound the rock and play sound defense.

The Maize and Blue should control the line of scrimmage and have more overall talent, but the Horned Frogs have some X-factors in quarterback Max Duggan, running back Kendre Miller, wideout Quentin Johnston and others. That could make for an exciting matchup.

The same script will work for the Wolverines in this one. Michigan will be set for a Monday night appearance. Michigan 34, TCU 24

ANTHONY BROOME: Michigan continues its Happy Mission on Saturday afternoon against a TCU Horned Frogs squad that may not know exactly what it is in for. There is a lot of confidence coming from the other side, and there should be. They have weathered every storm this year, sans the most recent in the Big-12 title game against Kansas State. The Horned Frogs’ 3-3-5 look defensively might be a code that needs to be cracked early on, but this game comes down to if Michigan can control both fronts and impose its will. Last year felt like a bonus after beating OSU and winning the Big Ten. This team wants more, and needs more, to solidify its legacy as one of the best Wolverine teams of all time.

I expect the recipe to look like it has all year. The first half will be a fight before Michigan figures itself out. The Wolverines will be playing on Jan. 9 in Inglewood, California. Michigan 41, TCU 26

DOUG SKENE: TCU is tested and has grit at key positions. I don’t think this is going to be easy, but Michigan finds a way. Michigan 38, TCU 27