As far as Cinderella stories go, this one might top the cake. A team full of underdogs and written offs are set to look the reigning national champion Georgia Bulldogs in the eyes. In the world of College Football, underdogs are as sparse as they come. The power and talent disparity of certain schools stretches far and wide, and every year there seems to be an outcast in the College Football Playoffs.
Whether it be Cincinnati last year or Notre Dame the year prior, a relatively smaller school always seems to be overmatched. Not TCU. The Horned Frogs have made their statement that they want to be here, in the big dance. They’re not overmatched or overpowered, instead, they’re looking to take down the football superpower that has been the Georgia Bulldogs.
Coming off an impressive Fiesta Bowl showing against the Michigan Wolverines, the Horned Frogs looked the No. 2 team in the eyes and didn’t blink. The first play of the game gave a false sense of hope to the doubters who said TCU shouldn’t have been here, but after that, Texas Christian didn’t look back.
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Not quivering on the massive stage was TCU’s Max Duggan. A feel-good story by himself, the quarterback hasn’t had the easiest path to the championship. Losing the preseason quarterback battle to SMU transfer Chandler Morris, Duggan decided to stand behind his teammate instead of packing his bag and leaving. Fortune favors loyalty in #15’s book, as Duggan was once again thrust into game action early in the season and hasn’t looked back, leading the Horned Frogs on a super run that has yet to expire.
Keys to the Game
Defense, Defense, Defense: TCU’s defense is anchored by superstar corner Trevius Hodges-Tomlinson, a stout cornerback who has 3 interceptions on the season. Stetson Bennett hasn’t been pressured much this season, a luxury TCU has to exploit. Even if TCU manages to get in Bennett’s face, his 53.8% completion rating is still an impressive figure.
Get the Ball in Quentin Johnston’s Hands: If Max Duggan is the spark, Johnston is the dynamite. This 6’4″ big bodied receiver has more than enough firepower to get past Georgia’s pass defense. The receiver caught 6 passes for 163 yards versus a stout Michigan secondary, and he’ll have plenty more opportunities to get after it on Monday night.
Running Never Failed Anyone: In today’s college football world, it seems as though teams have shunned the idea of the ol’ smashmouth concept. While we don’t expect TCU to go triple option, it’s imperative that the ground game gets established early. Running back Emari Demarcado posted 150 yards versus a very physical line in Michigan, expect that to continue with a commitment to running the ball early.
