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Don’t believe it? Check out TCU’s Hypnotoad

Fred Jeter | 1/5/2023, 6 p.m.
Do you believe underdog Texas Christian University can win the College Football Playoff against powerhouse Georgia? If not, doubters might …

Do you believe underdog Texas Christian University can win the College Football Playoff against powerhouse Georgia?

If not, doubters might listen to the Hypnotoad.

Through its against-all-odds run to the CFP championship game, TCU’s Horned Frogs, with their giddy fan base, have come up with a mascot of sorts, the Hypnotoad.

According to its creator, cartoonist Matt Groening (of “The Simpsons” fame), “a Hypnotoad has the power to make you believe what it wants you to believe through hypnosis.”

So far, it’s worked, somehow, some way.

The original Hypnotoad appeared in the sci-fi cartoon “Futurama” that started in 1999.

Horned Frogs’ Hypnotoad differs in that it is mostly TCU purple in color. Drawings are popping up all over Fort Worth and at game locations.

A rags to riches tale, TCU was just 5-7 a year ago and failed to qualify for any bowl. The program started this season completely unranked.

Meanwhile, Georgia won it all last year and has been a clear No. 1 this entire season.

Bulldogs are a prohibitive 13-point favorite to repeat as champs this go-round. Could be a blowout.

Still, the Hypnotoad might convince you otherwise.

Georgia Bulldogs

Record: 14-0

How they got here: Won Southeastern Conference and defeated Ohio State, 42-21, in CFP semifinals

Coach: Kirby Smart

Star quarterback: Stetson Bennett (28-1 record over past two seasons)

National championships: 1942, 1980, 2021

Heisman Trophy winners: Frank Sinkwich, 1942, and Herschell Walker, 1982

Texas Christian Horned Frogs

Record: 13-1

How they got here: Finished second in Big 12 and defeated Michigan, 51-45, in CFP semifinals

Coach: Sonny Dykes

Star quarterback: Max Duggan (Heisman finalist; Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award)

National championships: 1935, 1938

Heisman Trophy winners: Davey O’Brien, 1938