"JJ is a rich man's Brock Purdy" - TCU's Purple Theory podcast
Had some time on the road today and was desperate for Fiesta Bowl content. I came across the Purple Theory podcast from TCU and gave their Michigan Defense (link) and Michigan Offense (link) previews a listen. Overall a decent analysis but I thought their comparisons the best part:
- They called JJ "a rich man's Brock Purdy" with much better weapons. They even went as far as to call JJ a "system quarterback."
- They compared their team to Purdue, "except better at everything"
- They compared Michigan to Texas, "except better"
Michigan Offense
- Started with a long monologue on how we've played nobody with a strong defense, and those we have (Illinois) we put up very few points. They think all of our offensive stats are inflated
- They're worried about Donovan Edwards' explosiveness and our offensive line's dominance (noted our limited sacks allowed and penalties taken there)
- They're not as worried about JJ, thinking they can put pressure on him and he'll crumble
- They called our offense the exact inverse of theirs - Michigan plays "bully ball," stays ahead of the sticks and wears you down. TCU ekes out first downs and waits to make the big play.
Michigan Defense
- Started again with a long monologue on how we've played nobody with a strong offense and, more so, nobody with a balanced offensive attack
- They're terrified about our defensive line, mentioned our edge depth and Mazi Smith's strength as a major risk to punish their O-line (apparently Texas Tech had some success here?)
- They do not see any holes in our defense - called Rod Moore a "ball hawk," called out Junior Colson and Michael Barrett's strengths
- In their eyes, their biggest chance is activating Max Duggan's legs and the air raid offense
- Also called out our ability to limit the big play, shutting things down and limiting to field goals inside our own 40
Overall, they compared this to their Texas game - focus on making no mistakes, hang around in the game, and win the game with an explosive play or two. These podcasts made me feel more confident, especially hearing how narrow they felt their opportunity is.
For anyone looking to listen, the Michigan portion of each podcast starts around the 20 minute mark.
December 23rd, 2022 at 8:26 AM ^
Yes, solid points. AF is good. Baylor didn't care. However, AF shut down the Baylor offense by holding onto the ball by running the ball. Baylor did not gift them the game.
December 22nd, 2022 at 10:22 PM ^
This is really good and interesting content. Brilliant idea to check out a TCU podcast.
December 22nd, 2022 at 10:23 PM ^
That’s just like their opinion man
December 22nd, 2022 at 10:24 PM ^
I'd rather be us than them going into this game.
End discussion.
December 22nd, 2022 at 10:52 PM ^
Worked with an attorney from TCU, talked so much shit when Michigan is as down.
honestly, they are new money..,Michigan is going to roll them
December 22nd, 2022 at 10:56 PM ^
Cool. Let them throw shade and downplay us like every other team did this year. It doesn't seem to be ending well for the opposition thus far.
Also, if they are keen on statistics and want to apply the transitive property we just witnessed Baylor lose by 15 to Air Force while they barely beat Baylor by 1 point on a last second FG.
December 22nd, 2022 at 11:12 PM ^
TCU DL stats at Football Outsiders are very "meh." The only team that's going to stop our offense (Illinois feasted w/no Corum or Edwards and a 25 mph wind) is one that can stop the run without having to bring extra bodies into the box; i.e., Georgia. The TCU pass rush is weak: #87 on standard downs sack rate. So, if they stack the box, JJ will carve them alive in the play-action game. We will score 7+ times. How many of those will be TDs compared to FGs? And if we score 35+, will they?
December 23rd, 2022 at 7:16 AM ^
I think TCU will score a couple quick fast and in a hurry. The board, self included will lose their shit, but Minter will adjust and take away what they’re good at. In the end I look for Duggan to take a pretty severe beating and will basically try and win the game himself out of necessity. Of course this could be all wrong and leave me staring at the wall for 24 hrs. TCU will be unlike anyone we’ve faced this year. Big receivers, team speed with a big RB and a qb who isn’t afraid to get lit up. I think Barrett and Morris will have big games, also look for Okie to break out here. McGregor has also began playing here of late up to his potential. Gonna be fun and ass clinching at the same time.
December 23rd, 2022 at 5:57 AM ^
Sounds objectively fair. I mean it’s a TCU podcast so what are they supposed to say? I disagree about not playing a balanced offense, OSU would beat TCU somewhere in the neighborhood of 56 to 49. Especially given OSUs big 12 defense.
December 23rd, 2022 at 6:01 AM ^
Solid post.
December 23rd, 2022 at 7:46 AM ^
I think their analysis of the defensive side is fair enough though Id argue Penn State is fairly balanced and is probably pretty comparable to TCU
Offensive analysis is mistaken though because they don’t realize Harbaugh runs the absolute most generic offense possible unless he cant get away with it. Only useful data points are PSU and OSU, maybe Purdue too. Thatll be the offense TCU sees
December 23rd, 2022 at 10:54 AM ^
One more week of pontification and then we find out when they kickoff
December 23rd, 2022 at 8:35 AM ^
I get one has to create content, talking points, etc to get views but the game will come down to TCU being able to correctly scout Michigan and its tendencies and to stop both the run and passing attack of Michigan. Ditto for Michigan. But the one thing TCU can't claim is having the 3rd best total D in college football as Michigan does. TCU can only claim to have the 74th best. That's not a good stat going into the matchup.
December 23rd, 2022 at 9:03 AM ^
Their talent & scheme assessments are quite strong.
The schedule comments are probably the weakest analysis on their part. TCU played 9 games that finished 10 pts or closer, with 8 wins and a loss. UM throttled everyone but Illinois and Maryland. Does anyone think KSU + Texas + Kansas are better than OSU + PSU + Purdue?
Harbaugh should be 100% capable of creating a plan that takes advantage of TCU’s scheme. If UM can eliminate or minimize the deep balls and then hammer Duggan when he scrambles, it becomes a low probability path for TCU to win.
December 23rd, 2022 at 11:15 AM ^
I think UM fans are learning that a lot of other schools don't have what I'd call a "well-informed" fanbase when it comes to the Wolverines. Probably true of most fanbases; I've seen a handful of TCU games but I'm not expert. So what tends to happen is you get this half-baked analysis, and it works until the exact moment the teams actually play and then everyone realizes we don't know much.
Yeah, I could see this fo the way of Texas with the caveat UM is much better offensively and UM's defense has better corners that Texas.
December 23rd, 2022 at 11:43 AM ^
They also gave a shout out to Space Coyote near the end. It's good to see that people that do great work get recognized.
December 23rd, 2022 at 12:43 PM ^
I suppose anything can happen after a month-long layoff from regular season play, and that goes for either team. However, if things hold true to form I don't see this one playing out much differently than most of our other games.
Their defense isn't likely to stop our run game, and if they can't, they're going to be in for a long afternoon.
December 23rd, 2022 at 2:53 PM ^
We haven’t played any teams with good offenses or defenses? You serious, Clark?
I have zero respect for any team in the Big 12. I hope I still feel that way in 8 days.