Johnny Hodges and his TCU teammates are gearing up for the program’s first-ever trip to the College Football Playoff. While some teams might simply be happy to get a chance in the Playoff, Hodges is adamant the Horned Frogs are intent on proving some doubters wrong.

During Tuesday’s press conference, Hodges admitted the team knows TCU will be an underdog in the Fiesta Bowl against Michigan. However, Hodges knows he and his teammates are shooting for a ring and a national title.

“I like ‘scrappy underdog,’” Hodges said per MLive.com. “We’re not just happy to be here though. We want to win a game, get a ring, shock the world — that sort of thing.

“We’re here to work. We’re not here to just be here. If we were at, I don’t know, the Alamo Bowl or something, we’d just be here. But not many people get a shot to come to a game like this.”

Hodges also admitted he’s “ready to go now,” a feeling he does not normally get until a day or two before kickoff. It’s that feeling that reminds him of the magnitude of what’s ahead.

Hodges is TCU’s leading tackler this season with 76 tackles, including 7.5 TFL and 2 sacks. He’ll have to be at the top of his game to lead the Horned Frog defense against Michigan’s strong offensive approach.