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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Michelle R. Martinelli

Michigan ran a failed Philly Special against TCU, and fans had so many jokes about the trick play

No. 2 Michigan and the Wolverines offense made a very questionable play call early in the College Football Playoff semifinal game against No. 3 TCU in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday.

They attempted the famous Philly Special trick play, and it ended about as poorly as possible.

Coming out of a timeout on 4th-and-goal with two yards to go in a then-scoreless first quarter, the Wolverines tried to get tricky to get in the end zone. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy took the snap and quickly handed the ball off to wide receiver Ronnie Bell, who then tossed it to tight end Colston Loveland.

Loveland was supposed to then get the pass off back to McCarthy, but the quarterback was well-covered, leaving Loveland scrambling to try and get back to the linen of scrimmage, if not the end zone.

Unfortunately for the Wolverines, TCU defensive lineman Dylan Horton tackled Loveland at the TCU 10-yard line.

And just like that, Michigan’s first drive of the playoff game ended with a turnover on downs.

College football fans on Twitter could not believe Michigan not only attempted the play but also failed, and they had so many jokes, including a few jabs at Matt Patricia and some calls to retire the Philly Special.

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