DECEMBER 31ST, 2022

FIESTA BOWL SEMIFINALS

#3 TCU VS. #2 MICHIGAN – 1PM PT/4PM ET [ESPN]

Michigan and TCU had a storied season that could be one for the books in 2022. Michigan ran through their schedule while encountering a few obstacles. Meanwhile, Sonny Dykes returns to TCU with plenty of benefit from the roster and familiarity of the program and tradition, which translated into an undefeated regular season. Despite a Big 12 title loss, they proved themselves as the Big 12 representative in the College Football Playoff.

TCU PREVIEW

If anyone expected TCU to be a playoff team in Sonny Dykes’ first season, no one would believe it, not even Dykes himself. But they worked hard, won their games, put the nail in the coffin on Dykes’ former team, SMU, and convinced the committee just enough to be in the playoffs. Max Duggan got his redemption after not being healthy in 2021 and losing his starting job early in 2022 to SMU Chandler Morris, who followed Dykes to TCU. After Morris got injured in the first game, Duggan returned and never looked back. He carried the team along with some help from running back Kendre Miller and receiver Quentin Johnston and company. TCU’s defense made an impact to help keep this team alive for winning situations, including holding Texas to 10 points and under 200 yards.

MICHIGAN PREVIEW

Jim Harbaugh ignored the noise and went back to what made his team successful, SMASHMOUTH FOOTBALL! What’s even better is that he finally has a QUARTERBACK to back up Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and the rest. J.J. McCarthy became the guy to not only manage the offense, but also lead them to another Big Ten East title, their second straight win over Ohio State, their second straight Big Ten championship, and return to the College Football Playoff. Let’s not forget that Michigan’s defense played a big role in their success despite having some new players in the starting role. Even special teams played a big part in their wins, including a big one against Illinois thanks to kicker Jake Moody.

MATCHUP

There should be plenty of physicality at the line of scrimmage, some finesse leading to big plays, and crucial situations that could make or break a team’s winning opportunity. TCU’s not afraid to challenge Michigan while Michigan tests TCU’s endurance and physicality for four quarters. The Wolverines shouldn’t sleep on TCU because they fight for 60 minutes of the game. They must be ready to run with the Horned Frogs or drag them out to the very end. It’ll come down to one possession, but Michigan will find a way to contain TCU just enough to eke out a win.

MY PICK: MICHIGAN

PEACH BOWL SEMIFINALS

#4 OHIO STATE VS. #1 GEORGIA – 5PM PT/8PM ET [ESPN]

Ohio State had a challenging 2022 with their offense and defense searching for consistency. They won 11 straight before running into a Michigan buzzsaw again. Fortunately, chaos reigned and Utah in championship week gave Ohio State a second chance. Meanwhile, Georgia played like Georgia and won like one. They had a few hiccups but got the job done and avoided a couple of upsets. They came out looking like one of the best teams in the country, and Stetson Bennett proved once again that he can get the job done at his position with a much-improved offense and some new faces on defense.

OHIO STATE PREVIEW

Ohio State was challenged all season. Their offense was inconsistent against Notre Dame, but their defense (under new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles) made an example of the Irish just enough to give this offense time to figure things out. After that win, the offense went ham for most of the season, even without Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This defense looked different and a little better to where they were impactful and forcing turnovers. That led to major defensive improvements (19.3 points allowed per game) after playing underwhelmed for two seasons (24.3 points allowed per game). Unfortunately, they came up short of an undefeated season and a Big Ten title appearance, but chaos and fortune favored the Buckeyes and now return for their fifth CFP appearance.

GEORGIA PREVIEW

The Dawgs started 2022 like they did in 2021, playing like the best team in the SEC and the nation. They were mostly unstoppable, but they did run into a couple of speed bumps against Missouri and Kentucky, and potentially could’ve got into a shootout with Kent State (yes, them). Otherwise, they dominated their schedule and the SEC again. New starters on defense never slowed down the Bulldogs, but their offense is better than last season’s team. Stetson Bennett continues to prove doubters about his ability as a quarterback while being blessed with an abundance of options at the running back and receiver position. They have enough resources to potentially return to the National Championship.

MATCHUP

They met only once back in 1993 in the Citrus Bowl, which Georgia won by seven points. Georgia is favored and could tilt more towards them. Don’t underestimate the Buckeyes though. They are good offensively and are more improved defensively. Despite Jaxon Smith-Njigba forgoing this game and TreVeyon Henderson not available for the CFP, they have weapons that CJ Stroud will work with. Their defense will be key to what the result will be at the end of the game. The Dawgs have an array of weapons on offense while still being nasty on defense. It could be surprisingly close going through three quarters, but the fourth quarter will be the deciding factor for both teams. I want to pick Georgia, but I will go for Ohio State just for my parent. They could surprise the nation like the 2014 Buckeyes.

MY PICK: OHIO STATE