TCU used to being cast as the underdog

Big right guard Wes Harris and his TCU teammates are hearing again just how big and physical their next opponent is and how much of an underdog they are against Georgia in the national championship game.

They heard a lot of the same things going into their College Football Playoff semifinal against Big Ten champion Michigan, which is sitting at home while the Horned Frogs (13-1) get ready to play the defending national champions Monday night.

“It just kind of lights a fire underneath you,” Harris said Tuesday. “Definitely gave us a little bit of extra juice. We were tired of hearing about it … and were able to make a statement to show we were a physical football team, too.”

Immediately after their 51-45 win in the Fiesta

Bowl on New Year’s Eve, first-year Frogs coach Sonny Dykes said he felt they were definitely the most physical team on the field. TCU had four sacks and outrushed Michigan 263 yards to 186, even after the Wolverines had a 54-yard run on the game’s very first snap.

“We knew we were a physical team, and we got to show that during the game, and we’ve got to keep the same mind-set,” said defensive end Dylan Horton, who had all four of those sacks.

The Horned Frogs are listed as 13 underdogs against Georgia (14-0) in the championship game in California, according to Fanduel Sportsbook. They were 7 underdogs against Michigan.

Linebacker Dee Winters said the predictions were simply fuel for the team.

“Obviously being the underdog is something we’re not unfamiliar with,” added standout receiver Quentin Johnston. “So going to try to just keep moving like we did the rest of the season. And keep our heads to the ground and keep playing football.”