3-3-5: Atypical defense takes TCU to national title game
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) is pressured by TCU linebacker Johnny Hodges (57) during the second half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Rick Scuteri]
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU has gotten to the national championship game with an unorthodox 3-3-5 defense. The scheme with three linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs allows the Horned Frogs to play fast and free. Johnny Hodges, the linebacker and leading tackler with 81, says it may look hard to understand from the outside, but is pretty easy for players. With their improved and different-looking defense, the 13-1 Frogs get a chance Monday night to win its first national championship since 1938. The Frogs take on defending champ Georgia in suburban Los Angeles.
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Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson (14) is tackled by TCU safety Millard Bradford (28) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ross D. Franklin
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) is hit by TCU linebacker Dee Winters (13) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football semifinal playoff game, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Rick Scuteri