Nobody gave TCU a shot versus Michigan last week except for me here on “Crain and Company” and probably three other people and two aliens. And even though they were in the College Football Playoff there was still a cloud of doubt about whether or not they really deserved to be there.
They disproved that in a hurry against the Wolverines, and, after catching a few breaks, they now find themselves going against a Georgia roster that is more loaded than an NRA convention.
The Bulldogs are the better team and Vegas agrees as the line opened at 13.5.
TCU was able to sneak up on Michigan, which is evident considering Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy said they were going to turn the game into a smash fest if TCU ran their normal defensive structure.
Will they be able to do the same against Georgia?
In most circumstances, I would say yes, but there is one big problem this time.
Georgia not only played some close games during the regular season — including against Kent State — but they are coming off a sub-par performance in the semifinal. They have a quarterback who went from rags to riches and is the ultimate underdog. They are impossible to sneak up on.
I believe the game will play out as follows:
TCU will come out hot early, I wouldn’t be surprised if they are leading or tied after the first quarter, but then the switch will flip for Georgia.
The Dawgs won’t make the crucial mistakes in crucial situations like the Wolverines did. This offensive line won’t be confused by the 3-3-5 look, and the defense will shut down the run, making the Horned Frogs one-dimensional.
TCU Offensive Coordinator Garrett Riley will try to supplement the lack of run game with quarterback-designed runs for Max Duggan, true 11 on 11 ball, and a few of them will pop, but it won’t give them the push they need to keep Georgia off balance defensively.
Eventually, the dam will break on the TCU defense like it did against Michigan and this game will be over with 10 minutes to go in the fourth.
TCU has had a hell of a story in 2022, but it stops Monday night.
Jake Crain is co-host of “Crain & Company.” the Daily Wire’s sports show hosted by former athletes and coaches Jake Crain, Blain Crain, and David Cone. Follow him on Twitter: @JakeCrain_
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.