Getty Image
The TCU Horned Frogs are going to play for a college football national championship for the first time since 1938.
The Horned Frogs pulled off a thrilling 51-45 upset victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the semifinals to reach the national title game.
Michigan entered the game as 7.5-point favorites. But it was TCU that raced out to a 21-3 lead and then hung over for dear life as momentum shift after momentum shift made for an absolutely wild second half.
Ultimately, the Wolverines got the ball back with just about a minute remaining with a chance to drive for the game-tying or potential game-winning touchdown. That drive flamed out quickly and ended with a botched snap on fourth down that led to running back Donovan Edwards being the ball by an offensive lineman before throwing a pass.
The play appeared to give the ball back to the Horned Frogs and end the game. But it wasn’t that simple. Before TCU could take a knee, the officials called for a stoppage. They then opted to review a potential targeting call on the Horned Frogs that would give the ball back to Michigan with 25 seconds remaining.
At first, it seemed silly. But upon review, it did look like TCU corner Kee’Yon Steward led with the crown of his helmet, which would be targeting.
https://twitter.com/MrMatthewCFB/status/1609355176237752321?s=20&t=Qpe4Wx27029QniF0t8HMfg
The officials deemed it was not targeting, and fans couldn’t believe it.
if its the middle of the 3rd qtr thats easy targeting. nasty work by the refs.
— Tony X (@soIoucity) January 1, 2023
as a neutral party, I would like to hear the explanation for howww that isn’t targeting?
— Megan Schuster (@megschuster) January 1, 2023
“That’s bullshit. That’s targeting” –@TaylorLewan77 what a way to end the call for the boy 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/1dlz5BqiSM
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) January 1, 2023
It’s definitely targeting. I say call it IF it gives Michigan a free first and bails them. Don’t call it if it only gets bro suspended for the first half of the championship https://t.co/ltqbe6VcuG
— Slade (@Corey_Deshawn) January 1, 2023
Refs Take Touchdown Off The Board For Michigan
But that’s not all. Wolverines fans are also livid after an apparent touchdown pass to Roman Wilson was taken off the board after officials deemed he was short of the goal line upon review.
VIDEO: Roman Wilson caught a touchdown pass.
Officials overturned it. pic.twitter.com/nzCpkMXd0D
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 31, 2022
Michigan fumbled on the ensuing play, and now fans believe that the two calls cost the Wolverines the game.
Hahahahaha the refs screwed Michigan twice on replays.
— Cullen M. 🐻💙💛 (@Cu11enM) January 1, 2023
Wow…Refs screwed Michigan multiple times.
— Kaitlin Free (@kaitlinefree) January 1, 2023
I didn’t care who wins in Michigan vs TCU but I have to say that Michigan just got totally screwed. That was 100% a TD on that long pass from every angle they showed. I have no idea why refs marked it at half yard line. But then Michigan screwed up and fumbled!
— Jim Maisano (@JimMaisano) December 31, 2022
Ok the refs screwed Michigan more than they screwed themselves lol
— sad sports fan (@Ty_miami_) January 1, 2023
When in doubt, blame the refs.