The College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl has broken out into a modern epic, and though the final result may be more in line with the 13 previous semifinals out of 16 that have been decided by double digits, it will not come without excitement. As we head to the fourth quarter, No. 3 TCU still leads No. 2 Michigan, but now by a 41-30 margin following a wild 44-point third frame.
There was plenty that went well for Michigan in its efforts to cut into its 15-point halftime deficit. The Wolverines intercepted Max Duggan for the second time and finally found the end zone early in the quarter only to added two more touchdowns in the same fame. But at every turn has been a response from TCU, including the back-to-back haymakers of a quick touchdown drive following Michigan’s first score midway through the third quarter and then a second pick six of J.J. McCarthy on the ensuing possession. McCarthy offered his own response with a long touchdown run, but even that was answered with another quick score from TCU.
After just 27 combined points in the first half, the third quarter alone provided 44 points with Michigan outscoring TCU 24-20 and cutting its deficit to 11 points. If the Horned Frogs can hold on, it will be the biggest upset in CFP; if the Wolverines find a way to win, it will be the biggest comeback in CFP history. Either way, it’s going to be an eventful fourth quarter.
Keep it locked to CBS Sports for live updates, analysis and highlights from the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl.