USA TODAY
Michigan started playing football in 1879. TCU had its first game in 1896. It took the College Football Playoff to bring the two schools together for the first time.
It's not a surprise the Wolverines reached the semifinals. They faced Georgia in the Orange Bowl last season and were again projected to be among the contenders this season. With J.J. McCarthy assuming the quarterback position, they finished with their first unbeaten regular season since 1997.
TCU's appearance, however, is a surprise. The Horned Frogs didn't receive one vote in the USA TODAY Sports preseason poll and were picked to finish seventh in the Big 12.