TCU stays in ‘fight for credibility,’ Dykes says

12:56 PM ET Paolo UggettiESPN SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.– TCU coach Sonny Dykes says his program

has actually always been in a”

fight for credibility” and noted the extra challenges the Horned Frogs have actually gone through this season to reach the College Football Playoff.”No one expected us being here,”Dykes stated Thursday during media day for the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl

.”I think there’s been a lot of things that have actually occurred this year beyond individuals’s expectations. “Despite going unbeaten till the Huge 12 championship game, the Horned Frogs have actually leaned into an underdog mindset while reaching the CFP for the first time. They will face No. 2 Michigan on Saturday with the Wolverines, the winningest program in college football history, favored by more than a goal.2 Related” It’s simple to slip in that role [versus Michigan], “linebacker Johnny Hodges said.

” We’ve been in

that function all season. “The doubts began with TCU voted to end up seventh in the Huge 12 preseason poll ahead of what was supposed to be a restoring season for the

program in Dykes’very first year. However through a cultural overhaul and increase of skill from the transfer portal, the Horned Frogs have assembled an improbable run that has them two games from a nationwide title. “Whenever we get on a big phase like this, it’s a chance for us to produce a larger brand and produce more trustworthiness, “Dykes stated.” We understand that’s made, certainly not

provided. We don’t desire it to be offered, but everything starts there where, you know, we head out and play well and individuals respect us and we do it regularly. “Dykes pointed to TCU’s course to reach the Big 12 a years back, stating the school was an” also-ran “in the old Southwest Conference that needed to “fight and pull themselves by bootstraps.”That battle Dykes referenced surpasses this weekend’s match. Dykes said the Horned Frogs were challenged this season by needing to play 11 weeks in a row and, unlike in the SEC, needing to face nine conference challengers, not 8.”You’re not going to catch The Castle in Week 10,”Dykes stated. “We captured Texas.”Dykes credited the SEC for having fantastic teams however said the scheduling advantage was an underdiscussed aspect regarding why some conferences have had more teams

make it to the College Football Playoff than others.Despite the fact that the importance of this game for TCU may exceed the outcome, players and coaches seemed to have embraced a relaxed mindset in the face of a challenger that hasn’t lost and has dominated almost every game. In some ways, it has actually seemed like this entire season has actually been

found money. And yet, a win– or possibly two– would continue the style of this campaign: going beyond expectations.”Guy, nobody believed we ‘d win 5 games, much less 12,”senior guard Wes Harris said.”Everybody’s stating we’ll get burnt out, yada yada. Different game, same story. I seem like there ain’t no pressure on us. We’re not even supposed to be here. We’re supposed to be [ranked] like 150th, guy.

So we got nothing to lose.”