The toad to LA

Relive TCU football's journey through the College Football Playoff

By Tristen Smith

Fans cheer on the Frogs as they take the field in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

Fans cheer on the Frogs as they take the field in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

It began with the clinch.

TCU football celebrates their College Football Playoff berth, being selected as the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. (Charles Baggarly and Micah Pearce / TCU 360)

TCU football celebrates their College Football Playoff berth, being selected as the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. (Charles Baggarly and Micah Pearce / TCU 360)

Earning a New Year's Eve matchup in the Valley of the Sun.

The exterior of State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, shortly before the Frogs played the Michigan Wolverines in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

The exterior of State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, shortly before the Frogs played the Michigan Wolverines in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes leads the team out of the tunnel before the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, 2022. Dykes led the Frogs to the College Football Playoffs in his first season as head coach. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer) 

TCU tight end Jared Wiley (left) and offensive lineman Andrew Coker (center) take the field before the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer) 

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes leads the team out of the tunnel before the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, 2022. Dykes led the Frogs to the College Football Playoffs in his first season as head coach. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer) 

TCU tight end Jared Wiley (left) and offensive lineman Andrew Coker (center) take the field before the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer) 

The Frogs were underdogs heading into the game.

TCU football takes the field to face Michigan in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. (Charles Baggarly / TCU 360)

TCU football takes the field to face Michigan in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. (Charles Baggarly / TCU 360)

TCU cornerback Josh Newton celebrates a third down stop by the TCU defense versus Michigan in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

TCU defensive lineman Dylan Horton sacks Michigan tight end Colston Loveland on 4th down, forcing a turnover on downs in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

TCU defensive lineman Terrell Cooper (left) and cornerback Josh Newton (center) head to the sidelines after a pick six by Bud Clark gave the Frogs their first score in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

TCU offensive lineman Wes Harris throws his fist in the air celebrating a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Max Duggan in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Taye Barber shushes the crowd after scoring a touchdown in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU running back Kendre Miller evades a tackle by Michigan defensive back DJ Turner in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU cornerback Josh Newton celebrates a third down stop by the TCU defense versus Michigan in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

TCU defensive lineman Dylan Horton sacks Michigan tight end Colston Loveland on 4th down, forcing a turnover on downs in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

TCU defensive lineman Terrell Cooper (left) and cornerback Josh Newton (center) head to the sidelines after a pick six by Bud Clark gave the Frogs their first score in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

TCU offensive lineman Wes Harris throws his fist in the air celebrating a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Max Duggan in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Taye Barber shushes the crowd after scoring a touchdown in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU running back Kendre Miller evades a tackle by Michigan defensive back DJ Turner in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

But they were underestimated.

The TCU defense set the tempo early with a fourth down stop and pick six.

The offense responded with two touchdowns to give TCU a multi-score lead at halftime.

TCU linebacker Dee Winters intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the third quarter of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters returns an intercepted pass to the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters stares down a Michigan fan in the stands after returning an interception for a touchdown in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters is escorted to the sideline by defensive lineman Dylan Horton and linebacker Jamoi Hodge after returning an interception for a touchdown in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters intercepts a pass from Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the third quarter of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters returns an intercepted pass to the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters stares down a Michigan fan in the stands after returning an interception for a touchdown in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters is escorted to the sideline by defensive lineman Dylan Horton and linebacker Jamoi Hodge after returning an interception for a touchdown in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

A pick six from Dee Winters started off what became the highest-scoring quarter in CFP history.

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston caught a pass from quarterback Max Duggan on 3rd down. He made the Michigan defender miss a tackle and ran 76 yards for a touchdown. Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston caught a pass from quarterback Max Duggan on 3rd down. He made the Michigan defender miss a tackle and ran 76 yards for a touchdown. Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Quentin Johnston's 76-yard touchdown -- his longest since 2020 -- put TCU up by 10 in the 4th quarter.

TCU defensive lineman Dylan Horton attempts to block a pass from Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, forcing an incompletion, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters pressures Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who narrowly escaped a safety, in the end zone, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU defensive lineman Dylan Horton attempts to block a pass from Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, forcing an incompletion, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters pressures Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who narrowly escaped a safety, in the end zone, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Defense wins championships. In this case, it helped send the Frogs to one.

The Horned Frogs thrived in the desert.

A view from the field as TCU football celebrated their first-ever Fiesta Bowl and College Football Playoff win in program history. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

A view from the field as TCU football celebrated their first-ever Fiesta Bowl and College Football Playoff win in program history. (Tristen Smith / Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston smiles as he hoists the offensive player of the game trophy after defeating Michigan in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters being interviewed after being named defensive player of the game in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes holds up the Fiesta Bowl trophy after beating No. 2 Michigan in the College Football Playoffs. Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston smiles as he hoists the offensive player of the game trophy after defeating Michigan in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU linebacker Dee Winters being interviewed after being named defensive player of the game in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes holds up the Fiesta Bowl trophy after beating No. 2 Michigan in the College Football Playoffs. Dec. 31, 2022. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

For the first time in 85 years, the 'Fiesta Frogs' had a shot to win a national championship.

Onward to LA

TCU football arrives in Los Angeles ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship (Tristen Smith and Charles Baggarly / TCU 360)

TCU football arrives in Los Angeles ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship (Tristen Smith and Charles Baggarly / TCU 360)

A digital advertisement promoting TCU football is displayed on S. Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Purple banners heralding TCU are draped down S. Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

A TCU fan throws the "Frogs up" as she walks across the street on the way to a pep rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

A digital advertisement promoting TCU football is displayed on S. Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Purple banners heralding TCU are draped down S. Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

A TCU fan throws the "Frogs up" as she walks across the street on the way to a pep rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

There was a presence of TCU purple in downtown LA.

The TCU Showgirls salute the crowd of fans after performing at a pep rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The TCU cheerleaders lead chants during a pep rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU fans "throw the Frog up" as they sing the alma mater during a pep rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The TCU Showgirls salute the crowd of fans after performing at a pep rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The TCU cheerleaders lead chants during a pep rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU fans "throw the Frog up" as they sing the alma mater during a pep rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

School spirit showcased in the LA Convention Center.

SuperFrog waves a Horned Frog flag in front of a crowd of thousands during the Riff Ram Rally on the Santa Monica Pier, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU fans "throw the Frog up" and sing the alma mater at the end of the Riff Ram Rally on the Santa Monica Pier, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Thousands of TCU fans flocked to the Santa Monica Pier to attend the Riff Ram Rally ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

A TCU fan "throws the Frog up" during the Riff Ram Rally at the Santa Monica Pier, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

SuperFrog waves a Horned Frog flag in front of a crowd of thousands during the Riff Ram Rally on the Santa Monica Pier, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU fans "throw the Frog up" and sing the alma mater at the end of the Riff Ram Rally on the Santa Monica Pier, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Thousands of TCU fans flocked to the Santa Monica Pier to attend the Riff Ram Rally ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

A TCU fan "throws the Frog up" during the Riff Ram Rally at the Santa Monica Pier, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

A sea of purple on the Santa Monica Pier.

TCU quarterback Max Duggan throws a pass to wide receiver Chase Jackson during team practice ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 7, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU running back Emari Demercado talks with wide receiver Blair Conwright during team practice ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 7, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes surveys the field during team practice ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 7, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU quarterback Max Duggan throws a pass to wide receiver Chase Jackson during team practice ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 7, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU running back Emari Demercado talks with wide receiver Blair Conwright during team practice ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 7, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes surveys the field during team practice ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 7, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Practice.

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes sits across the stage from Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart, separated by the national championship trophy, during a news conference, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes smiles as he answers questions from members of the media during a head coaches news conference ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes and Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart stand side-by-side next to the national championship trophy following a news conference, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes sits across the stage from Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart, separated by the national championship trophy, during a news conference, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes smiles as he answers questions from members of the media during a head coaches news conference ahead of the national championship game, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU football head coach Sonny Dykes and Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart stand side-by-side next to the national championship trophy following a news conference, Jan. 8, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Preparation.

For the biggest game of the season.

The national championship trophy sitting behind the TCU end zone before the game, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The national championship trophy sitting behind the TCU end zone before the game, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Views from the field before TCU played Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Los Angeles, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith and Charles Baggarly/TCU 360)

Views from the field before TCU played Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship in Los Angeles, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith and Charles Baggarly/TCU 360)

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston leads the team onto the field in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU safety Namdi Obiazor gives kicker Luke Laminack a high-five as he runs onto the field in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Taye Barber kneels down on the field before kickoff in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston leads the team onto the field in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU safety Namdi Obiazor gives kicker Luke Laminack a high-five as he runs onto the field in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Taye Barber kneels down on the field before kickoff in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The Frogs ran out onto college football's biggest stage.

The TCU defense lines up against the Georgia offense in the first drive of the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU quarterback Max Duggan hands the ball off to running back Emari Demercado in the national championship. Demercado finished with 59 rushing yards in the game, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU quarterback Max Duggan runs 2 yards into the end zone, giving the Frogs their first and only touchdown of the game, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU quarterback Max Duggan celebrates in the end zone after scoring a rushing touchdown in the first quarter of the national championship. Duggan's touchdown ended up being the lone TCU score in the game, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard intercepts a pass from TCU quarterback Max Duggan in the second quarter of the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Derius Davis returns a Georgia kickoff in the national championship. Davis registered 101 receiving yards in the game- his highest total in a single game this season, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Georgia defensive lineman Zion Logue tackles TCU quarterback Max Duggan on the run. Duggan finished the game with -38 yards on the ground in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The TCU defense struggled to put pressure on Georgia- they registered zero sacks and two tackles for loss in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Georgia wide receiver Adonai Mitchell catches a 22-yard pass over TCU cornerback Josh Newton in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Bulldogs up 38-7 over the Frogs in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The TCU defense lines up against the Georgia offense in the first drive of the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU quarterback Max Duggan hands the ball off to running back Emari Demercado in the national championship. Demercado finished with 59 rushing yards in the game, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU quarterback Max Duggan runs 2 yards into the end zone, giving the Frogs their first and only touchdown of the game, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU quarterback Max Duggan celebrates in the end zone after scoring a rushing touchdown in the first quarter of the national championship. Duggan's touchdown ended up being the lone TCU score in the game, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard intercepts a pass from TCU quarterback Max Duggan in the second quarter of the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU wide receiver Derius Davis returns a Georgia kickoff in the national championship. Davis registered 101 receiving yards in the game- his highest total in a single game this season, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Georgia defensive lineman Zion Logue tackles TCU quarterback Max Duggan on the run. Duggan finished the game with -38 yards on the ground in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The TCU defense struggled to put pressure on Georgia- they registered zero sacks and two tackles for loss in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Georgia wide receiver Adonai Mitchell catches a 22-yard pass over TCU cornerback Josh Newton in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Bulldogs up 38-7 over the Frogs in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The TCU defense was pressured by Georgia early on- giving up a touchdown in their first drive.

Max Duggan and the offense mounted one touchdown drive in the first quarter.

But, it was the last time they would score that night.

The Frogs offensive line gave up five sacks- tied for the most in one game this season.

And the defense gave up a season-high 65 points.

Confetti rains down on the field after Georgia defeated TCU in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Confetti rains down on the field after Georgia defeated TCU in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU defensive lineman George Ellis III watches the Georgia-colored confetti fall after the Frogs lost to the Bulldogs 65-7 in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU safety Mark Perry is embraced following a 65-7 loss to Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The Hypnotoad became a famous theme throughout TCU’s playoff run. A Hypnotoad poster was left covered in Georgia confetti after TCU lost the national championship 65-7, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU defensive lineman George Ellis III watches the Georgia-colored confetti fall after the Frogs lost to the Bulldogs 65-7 in the national championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU safety Mark Perry is embraced following a 65-7 loss to Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The Hypnotoad became a famous theme throughout TCU’s playoff run. A Hypnotoad poster was left covered in Georgia confetti after TCU lost the national championship 65-7, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

One of the most historic seasons in TCU football history ended in defeat.

The TCU Showgirls and twirlers "throw the Frog up" while the band plays the alma mater at the end of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Fans standing while the TCU alma mater plays at the end of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU long snapper Joe Laterza "throws the frog up" to the crowd as he exits the field after the College Football Playoff National Championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

The TCU Showgirls and twirlers "throw the Frog up" while the band plays the alma mater at the end of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

Fans standing while the TCU alma mater plays at the end of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

TCU long snapper Joe Laterza "throws the frog up" to the crowd as he exits the field after the College Football Playoff National Championship, Jan. 9, 2023. (Tristen Smith/Staff Photographer)

But, even the hardest loss of the season didn't stop the Horned Frogs from staying till the very end.

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