GLENDALE, Ariz. — Attempt to write about TCU’s Fiesta Bowl game against Michigan, Take No. 8.4 billion.
There are words.
The problem is all 171,146 words in the English language are insufficient.
Maybe Greek will work.
TCU’s memorable 2022 year finished with the perfect game to encapsulate its entire season. The 2022 Fiesta Bowl left every player, coach and fan feeling as if they had lived multiple lifetimes.
The team that did not receive a single vote in college football’s preseason Top 25 poll will play for the national championship.
TCU is in the national title game in football.
Every single TCU fan, alum and administrator could be heard saying that all over the desert valley after No. 3 TCU, a 7.5 point underdog, defeated No. 2 Michigan, 51-45.
This was the blowout that refused to be a blowout.
TCU handed the ball back to Michigan with less than one minute remaining in the game, but its defense came up with a stop on fourth down to start a New Year’s party like TCU has never experienced.
If this wasn’t the most exciting game in college football playoff history, it’s in the top two or three.
There were so many moments, and so many plays, from this game that it will require a college course to adequately cover all of the angles.
Max Duggan’s 76-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston in the fourth quarter.
TCU’s starting running back Kendre Miller being knocked out of the game in the first half, and replaced by Emari Demercado. The backup running back ran for 141 yards on 15 carries.
TCU scored two defensive touchdowns.
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes learning from his mistake in the Big 12 title game and consistently going with quarterback sneaks when he needed just one yard.
TCU will advance to play for the national title against the winner of No. 1 Georgia’s game against No. 4 Ohio State in the Peach Bowl.
TCU last “played” for a national title in 1938, the year it won the championship by winning the Sugar Bowl.
The title game is Jan. 9 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
All of the TCU fans who spent thousands of dollars, drove countless hours, or had to navigate the hell that were the flight cancellations all over the United States will gladly take out multiple mortgages to see one more game in this season.
By the way: TCU, not Texas or Oklahoma, is the first team from the Big 12 to win a playoff game.
