In the biggest upset since the advent of the College Football Playoff, third-seeded TCU rode its underdog status to a 51-45 win over undefeated and No. 2 Michigan in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday.
With 13:22 remaining in the game, TCU led Michigan 41-38. After the game seemingly reached its conclusion in the late stages of the third quarter following another JJ McCarthy pick six, Michigan had engineered a stunning reversal in momentum, scoring 16 points in just 50 seconds thanks to a turnover. They trimmed the TCU lead from 19 to 3 in the blink of an eye and now its defense was hungry. They stuffed the run on first down and Mike Morris batted down a slant thrown by Max Duggan on second down. It was now 3rd & 8, a chance to get off the field, and a window for the offense to keep the train of momentum going. Rod Moore raced down to the line of scrimmage moments before the ball was snapped, tipping an all out blitz. Michigan went Cover 0 and TCU had the perfect playcall, something Michigan fans remember all too well: a crossing route. A small pick was set by slot receiver Taye Barber on Will Johnson, switching DJ Turner onto star WR Quentin Johnston. Max Duggan felt pressure,