Author: Phil Callihan

Editor-in-Chief, UMGoBlue.COM -- AKA BLUE LEADER -- 1993 University of Michigan Graduate -- GO BLUE!
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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Season Preview

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Get ready for an in-depth preview of Michigan’s 2024 football season with hosts @pcallihan and @Clint_Derringer as they break down the team’s transition into the new Big 10 format, navigating the shift from the 12-team college football playoff. From a predicted victory against Fresno State to the high-stakes clash with Ohio State, they delve into key matchups, including a close battle with Washington and a showdown with Texas. With a strong focus on Michigan’s defense and its potential to surpass last year’s performance, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what could be a defining season for the Wolverines.

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Podcast Summary

Themes

  • Continue building the defensive culture of being “positionless” and unpredictable.
  • Maintain the culture of hard practices where “games are easier than practice.”
  • Ensure everything remains “aligned and in the right place” for player success and development.

Outline

Season Preview and New Era

  • Phil Callihan introduces the podcast and the season preview, highlighting the new teams and challenges.
  • Clint Derringer discusses the end of an era and the start of a new era, transitioning from the 4-team playoff era to the 12-team format.
  • Phil reflects on the last time Michigan won the national championship in 1998 and the changes in the schedule, including the addition of Rutgers and Maryland.

First Game: Fresno State

  • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the first game against Fresno State, a night game at the Big House.
  • Clint predicts a celebratory atmosphere and a manageable game for Michigan, despite Fresno State being a formidable Group of Five team.
  • Clint mentions the potential distractions from the celebration and the team’s hunger to prove they are not a step back from the 2023 national championship team.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the defense’s readiness and the importance of starting the season strong.

Texas Game and Defense

  • Clint Derringer predicts a close game against Texas, citing Texas’s experienced quarterback and strong offensive line.
  • Phil emphasizes the importance of the defense scoring points to keep the game close.
  • TJ Guy from the defense expresses confidence in the team’s readiness and the potential for individual players to shine.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the challenges of the Texas game and the importance of the defense’s performance.

Arkansas State and USC

  • Clint Derringer predicts a bounce-back game for Michigan against Arkansas State, despite the team’s recent home loss to Texas.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Arkansas State game as a tune-up for the USC game.
  • Clint predicts a win for Michigan against USC, citing the home-field advantage and USC’s defensive struggles.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Michigan to score points against USC and the importance of the game in the Big 10 title race.

Minnesota and Washington Games

  • Clint Derringer predicts a win for Michigan against Minnesota, citing the team’s strength against the run and the home-field advantage.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the challenges of the Washington game, including the travel and the quality of the opponent.
  • Clint predicts a close game against Washington, with Michigan winning due to a few critical plays.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the bye week and the upcoming Illinois game as a potential trap game.

Illinois and Michigan State

  • Clint Derringer predicts a win for Michigan against Illinois, citing the team’s strength against the run and the home-field advantage.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Michigan to dominate the Illinois game after the bye week.
  • Clint predicts a win for Michigan against Michigan State, citing the team’s run game and the home-field advantage.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Michigan State game as a rivalry game and a potential tune-up for the Oregon game.

Oregon and Indiana

  • Clint Derringer predicts a win for Michigan against Oregon, citing the home-field advantage and the potential for the defense to outperform Oregon’s defense.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Oregon game as a pivot point in the season and a potential national title contender game.
  • Clint predicts a win for Michigan against Indiana, citing the talent and depth discrepancy between the teams.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Indiana to be a trap game and the importance of the Indiana game as a final home game of the season.

Northwestern and Ohio State

  • Clint Derringer predicts a win for Michigan against Northwestern, citing the team’s focus on senior day and the home-field advantage.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Michigan to dominate the Northwestern game after the bye week.
  • Clint predicts a loss for Michigan against Ohio State, citing the experience at quarterback and the potential for Ohio State to outperform Michigan’s offensive line.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Ohio State game as a rivalry game and the potential for Michigan to dominate the game if they perform well.

Big 10 Title and Playoff Implications

  • Clint Derringer discusses the potential for Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon to be the top four teams in the Big 10 and the implications for the Big 10 title game and the playoff.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Big 10 title game and the potential for Michigan to make it to the playoff.
  • Clint emphasizes the importance of the offensive line’s performance and the potential for Michigan to reach the benchmarks for success.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Michigan to dominate the Ohio State game and the importance of the game in the national title race.

Final Thoughts and Season Outlook

  • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the importance of the offensive line’s performance and the potential for Michigan to reach the benchmarks for success.
  • Phil emphasizes the importance of the defense’s performance and the potential for Michigan to dominate the Ohio State game.
  • Clint predicts a win for Michigan against Ohio State, citing the experience at quarterback and the potential for Ohio State to outperform Michigan’s offensive line.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Ohio State game as a rivalry game and the potential for Michigan to dominate the game if they perform well.
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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Fall Camp Begins

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer cover the recent NCAA sanctions against the University of Michigan’s football program (HA!) and the team’s preparation and expectations for the upcoming season. Topics include culture, leadership, and maintaining focus amidst challenges. The discussion also touches on potential changes in Michigan’s offensive strategy, the need for defensive excellence, and the overall progress of the team, highlighting the importance of building chemistry and setting high standards across the board.

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Podcast Summary

Michigan Wolverines football, including NCAA sanctions.

  • Clint Derringer and Jim Harbaugh discuss NCAA punishment and information leaking.
  • NCAA’s committee on infractions have no teeth.
  • Ohio State fans should enjoy the drama, as championship still in Ann Arbor.
  • NCAA responds to Netflix documentary with its own PR campaign.
  • Clint Derringer: NCAA’s punishment of Harbaugh & Michigan unlikely to affect current team.

Michigan football team’s mentality and depth despite changes in personnel.

  • Michigan football players and coaches remain focused on their season despite offseason distractions.
  • Michigan defense aims for complete domination on the field.

Michigan football team’s mindset and goals for the season, with a focus on leadership and personal growth.

  • Encouraged by offense’s success in practice, hungry defense with new staff.
  • Balance of consistency and new energy on both sides of ball, Michigan in good place.
  • Will Johnson discusses expectations for the team, personal goals, and the importance of being process-driven and prepared.
  • Tyler Morris, Colson Loveland, and other players talk about their roles as leaders, taking cues from older players, and helping younger teammates improve.

Michigan Wolverines football team culture and quarterback competition.

  • Quinton Johnson emphasizes the importance of culture and preparation at Michigan football camp.
  • Quinten Johnson emphasizes the importance of offense versus defense in training camp, with the offense winning on the first day of pads but the defense still looking strong.
  • Phil Callihan speculates on Jim Harbaugh’s coaching legacy at Michigan.

Michigan football team’s offensive line and running backs, with a focus on their progress and chemistry.

  • Offensive line is a question mark, but success against tough defensive fronts is encouraging.
  • If offensive line can dominate line of scrimmage, no ceiling on this team’s potential.
  • Kalel Mullings and Colston Loveland discussed the progress of the offensive line, highlighting their physicality and chemistry.
  • Phil Callihan emphasized the importance of consistency and unexpected surprises in evaluating the team’s performance.

Offensive playbook expansion and quarterback competition in Michigan football camp.

  • Tyler Morris: Excited about offensive coordinator’s playbook expansion, more throwing opportunities.
  • Callihan suggests Michigan may adopt more aggressive passing game.

Michigan football team’s defense, led by new coach Wink Martindale, with a focus on the team’s goals and expectations.

  • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the potential of Michigan’s wide receivers making big plays in key moments.
  • Wink Martindale emphasizes the importance of teamwork and having a chip on his shoulder at Schembechler Hall.
  • Wink Martindale emphasizes pressure and setting the bar high for the defense, drawing comparisons to Don Brown.
  • Players describe Martindale’s coaching style as more detailed and specific, with an emphasis on production across the board.

Michigan Wolverines football team’s preparation and expectations for the upcoming season.

  • Callihan and Derringer agree on program’s trajectory but predict patience in early season mistakes.
  • Phil Callihan finds humor in Michigan fans’ reactions to transfer portal, NIL.
  • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the upcoming football season, with Derringer expressing excitement and optimism about the team’s potential.
  • Derringer emphasizes the importance of staying focused and motivated during practice, especially during the longer days of the fourth to sixth week of practice.
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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — NCAA Wake-Up Call, Sherrone Raids Ohio State AGAIN

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss the NCAA getting on board (FORCED) to allow schools to compensate players, and Sherrone Moore raiding talent from Ohio State with audio from Head Coach Sherrone Moore and Running Back Coach Tony Alford.

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Podcast Summary

Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer on the NCAA’s (forced) decision to pay athletes, the potential benefits and challenges of direct payment, and the need for fair compensation. They also discussed the need for reform in college football, particularly in the areas of competitive balance and player welfare. Ohio State’s recruiting difficulties and Ryan Day’s paranoia were also discussed, with Derringer highlighting Ohio State’s overspending in the transfer portal and Callihan praising Michigan’s leadership and its impact on the team’s success.

NCAA paying athletes $2.7B in damages, implementing revenue sharing plan.

  • NCAA to pay athletes retroactively.
  • NCAA agrees to pay $2.7 billion in damages, share revenue with athletes.
  • NCAA faces legal oversight as athletes seek compensation for name, image, and likeness.

College athletes’ direct payment from schools, with potential legal implications.

  • NCAA would manage roster size, not scholarships, under direct payment framework.
  • Clint Derringer acknowledges positive step forward but highlights remaining challenges and unknowns.
  • NCAA faces antitrust lawsuits as revenue grows.

College football revenue distribution and potential changes to the sport.

  • Phil Callihan: NCAA revenue distribution unfair, needs change.
  • Lawsuit includes mechanism in agreement may help schools rein in third-party deals
  • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the potential changes in college football, including a possible leveling of the playing field among power conferences.
  • They also discuss the need for conferences to fill out full schedules and ensure competitive balance, with TV executives holding significant power in these discussions.

College sports revenue and player compensation.

  • Boosters with deep pockets may control athlete marketing opportunities.
  • Phil Callihan points out that college football players are finally gaining control over postseason and revenue distribution.

College football, Michigan’s success, and recruiting strategies.

  • Clint Derringer: Expanded playoff means more wear and tear on athletes, more revenue for schools.
  • Running Back Coach Tony Alford discuss Michigan football’s recruiting and coaching strategies.
  • Alford praises Michigan’s culture of toughness and desire to learn, while Callihan notes the significance of reaching into rival Ohio State for recruiting talent.

Ohio State football coach Ryan Day’s paranoia regarding staff members leaving for Michigan.

  • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Ohio State’s recruiting struggles after losing to Michigan three years in a row.
  • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss Ryan Day’s paranoia at Ohio State, including staff members leaving for Michigan.

Michigan Wolverines football team’s offseason changes and goals.

  • Sharon Moore is repositioning the program with confidence, embracing the rivalry with Ohio State.
  • Michigan football’s stability under Sharon Moore during offseason turnover critical for success.
  • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss upcoming football season with a challenging schedule.
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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — The Players Change But the Goals Remain the Same

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss the Michigan Spring Game with audio from Donovan Edwards, Alex Orji, Semaj Morgan, and Head Coach Sherrone Moore.

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Podcast Summary

The Michigan Wolverines are in the midst of a quarterback competition, with Phil Callihan expressing uncertainty about the starting quarterback. Clint Derringer highlights Alex Orji’s improving performance and the importance of offseason work. Donovan Edwards emphasizes the value of a quarterback who can run and throw, while Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Coach Sherrone Moore’s ability to navigate off-field issues and maintain team focus. The team is focused on fine-tuning their game to achieve success, with a player-led approach and a culture of resilience.

Michigan Wolverines football team’s quarterback competition

  • Coaches emphasize same goals and process, but with different people.
  • Clint Derringer: Solid performance from quarterbacks in spring game, with Alex Orji standing out for his athleticism.
  • Alex Orji: Hungry for more reps, wants to stay on top of college Football, and be selfless in pursuit of excellence.
  • Alex Orji and Davis Warren are leading the competition for the Quarterback position, with Orji excelling in the run game and Warren showing promise as a passer.
  • The eventual starter will be the one who can best read defenses and deliver the ball accurately from within the pocket without making big turnovers.

QB Alex Orji’s performance in the spring game

  • Phil Callihan: Alex Orji’s athleticism and potential make him a unique QB option.
  • Alex Orji: Campbell’s coaching helps him feel comfortable, learn from others in QB room.
  • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss Alex Orji’s performance in the spring game, with Callihan expressing uncertainty about the starting Quarterback position and Derringer highlighting Orji’s accuracy and potential as a passer.
  • Derringer analyzes Orji’s throws, noting his improvement after a slow start and his ability to make accurate passes on outbreak routes, with a focus on building chemistry with the receivers and tight ends.

Michigan football’s running back depth and offensive line performance in spring game

  • Donovan Edwards is presumptive starter at Running Back, but others impress in spring game.
  • Offensive line was a positive surprise, holding up well against Michigan’s front seven.

Michigan football’s defense and offense, with a focus on the competition for playing time and the potential impact of new players

  • Coaches mentioned depth and talent on both offense and defense, with a notable increase in aggression on defense.
  • Clint Derringer highlights promising young players in the secondary.
  • Derringer notes the flexibility of the defense with these new players, and how it will be beneficial for the team.

Michigan football’s depth and new players, including injuries and transfers

  • Injury to Rod Moore impacts Michigan’s defensive backfield, but Quinton Johnson’s return provides hope.
  • Clint Derringer highlights the depth of Michigan’s defensive line, particularly in the fourth quarter of games, where they were able to keep their big guys fresh and unblockable.
  • DJ Waller has entered the transfer portal, which could impact Michigan’s lineup on defense, especially at linebacker.

Michigan Wolverines football team’s quarterback position and receiver room, with potential for transfer portal movement

  • Michigan retains core players but uncertain at QB position.
  • Michigan football finds leadership-oriented transfers in the portal.
  • Clint Derringer discusses Michigan football’s receiver position, highlighting the need for more depth and potential for Semaj Morgan to contribute in both run and pass games.

Michigan football team’s coaching changes, player departures, and upcoming schedule

  • The potential of a player on offense and special teams.
  • Sherrone’s dealing with significant roster turnover, coaching staff changes, and player suspensions.

Michigan Wolverines football team’s leadership, culture, and off-field issues.

  • Clint Derringer praises Sherrone Moore’s ability to steer the ship through chaos and make quick decisions.
  • Phil Callihan discusses Michigan football’s resilience in the face of distractions, including the NCAA’s allowance of coaches to communicate with players via radio helmets.
  • Callihan questions whether new coach Sharon can continue the culture of resilience built by Jim Harbaugh, with a rebooted coaching staff and players.
  • Sherrone Moore emphasizes the importance of player leadership and culture in the team’s success.
  • Donovan Edwards highlights the democratic nature of the program, with multiple leaders in each position group working towards a common goal of winning football games.