Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer the National Championship game versus Washington with special guest Andrew Percival @PDawg206 also RB Blake Corum, QB J.J. McCarthy, and Jim Harbaugh.
Percival highlights Michigan’s exceptional performance in advanced metrics, ranking them #1 in the country per their model.
The model favors Michigan over Alabama, despite Michigan not playing a non-conference P5 opponent, as the Big Ten is ranked #4 in the country.
Washington Huskies’ football team’s journey and performance.9:27
Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan Wolverines’ three-year journey, including their dramatic victory over Alabama and the team’s resilience despite setbacks.
Andrew Lange characterizes the team’s ride this season as “so much fun,” highlighting their strong start, mid-season ups and downs, and notable wins.
Percival highlights Washington’s close games against Oregon and Utah, describing them as “torturous nerve-racking” experiences.
Percival recounts Washington’s dramatic victory over Washington State, including a fourth-down conversion and a 25-yard touchdown reception.
Percival highlights Washington’s exceptional performance in close games, including a 3-point win over Oregon and a 4-point win over Texas as an underdog.
Phil Callihan expresses disappointment that Michigan and Washington won’t face off in the Rose Bowl, but is content with the win over Alabama.
Michigan football’s defense and their matchup against Washington’s Heisman-contending quarterback, Michael Penix.17:36
Michigan’s defense has remained consistent under different coordinators, with a focus on parallel strategies and successful game planning.
Clint Derringer sees Michael Penix as a transformed quarterback who went from good to great after developing his pocket passing skills, and now has the potential to lead Washington to victory against Michigan.
Phil Callihan agrees, noting that Penix’s game has evolved significantly since his Indiana days, and he now has the Heisman Trophy credentials to back it up.
Penix has an “electric arm” with accuracy and power, demonstrated by his deep balls and ability to throw at a lower trajectory.
Penix’s progressions are quick, and he can throw with both power and accuracy, often completing passes beyond 25-30 yards downfield.
Michigan football quarterbacks and their strategies.26:22
Phil Callihan notes that Mike Sain is the X factor in the Michigan defense, with his sneaky speed and intelligent playmaking ability.
Clint Derringer compares JJ McCarthy to Penix, highlighting the difference in aggression and experience between the two quarterbacks.
Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan’s offensive strategy, highlighting their NFL-style run game and passing game built for big plays.
Jim Harbaugh is prepared to dust off 2021 game film against Washington, showing he’s comfortable handing off 20-30 times in a half if it’s working.
Michigan football’s run-heavy strategy vs. Washington.31:33
Jim Harbaugh highlights the importance of running the ball, citing George Patton’s success on the ground.
Clint Derringer believes Michigan will focus on running between the tackles to shorten the game and limit possessions, potentially limiting Washington’s offensive opportunities.
Clint Derringer agrees with Percival that Michigan’s commitment to running the ball will be tested by Washington’s ability to get up early and make the game shorter.
Derringer believes that while shortening the game favors the underdog, Michigan’s defense must continue to make plays to slow down Washington’s explosive offense.
Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan’s offensive strategy, highlighting their reliance on the run game to create explosive plays and wear down defenses.
Derringer notes that while Blake Corum hasn’t had as many long runs as in previous seasons, he’s still finding ways to break tackles and score touchdowns, often from 8-15 yards out.
Michigan Wolverines football strategy and analysis.39:36
Phil Callihan observes that JJ McCarthy’s shaky starts are a pattern, and Washington could try to exploit this by encouraging him to throw underneath and potentially get an interception.
Jim Harbaugh emphasizes the importance of running the ball effectively against Michigan’s defense, even if it means sacrificing some passing yards.
Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the impact of rule changes on college football, specifically the reduction of plays and possessions per game due to the clock no longer stopping on first downs.
Clint Derringer and Andrew discuss the importance of special teams and the potential for opponents to send everyone on every kick to try to make something happen.
Percival is in disbelief that Michigan and Washington are in the college Football semi-finals, despite being an underdog in each game.
Percival is excited about the potential for an upset, citing the small point spread and history of underdog teams winning national championships.
Percival believes Michigan is overrated and predicts a Washington victory with a score of 31-28.
Percival acknowledges the challenges of playoff expansion and its impact on teams like Washington and Michigan.
Michigan football’s chances against Ohio State with analysis and predictions.51:03
Clint Derringer highlights the significance of the expansion model and its impact on the game, particularly the excitement of seeing southern powers play in northern games.
Derringer analyzes the similarities between Michigan’s recent games against Ohio State and the upcoming game, with a focus on the offensive line’s improved performance.
Clint Derringer expects Michigan to win the game by a score of 31-24, with their defense being the key to their success.
Andrew Percival is on Twitter at @PDAWG206, where he shares his research and insights on Michigan football.
Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 27-20 Overtime victory over Alabama in the Rose Bowl to secure a National Championship berth. With QB JJ McCarthy, RB Blake Corum, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.
Clint Derringer reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of Michigan’s game against Alabama, from elation to infuriation.
Michigan football’s special teams performance in a game against Alabama.4:02
Michigan’s special teams struggles cost them the game against Alabama.
Phil Callihan is thinking about a play during the game and wonders if anyone else noticed it.
Clint Derringer shares his frustration with a specific aspect of the game, including the hidden yardage gaps and the impact it had on the outcome of the game.
Michigan football’s special teams struggles in a game against Alabama.9:01
Alabama’s special teams mistakes led to two touchdowns for Michigan.
Clint Derringer praises Jesse Minter’s game plan and players’ execution in Michigan’s win over Alabama.
Michigan’s special teams struggles nearly cost them the game.
Michigan weathered a disastrous special teams performance to win the game, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
Michigan offense executes a perfect game plan, targeting Alabama linebackers with their fastest player, Roman Wilson.
Clint Derringer highlights Blake Corum’s impressive performance in Michigan’s win, including his record-breaking touchdown run in overtime.
Michigan football’s performance in the Rose Bowl.22:06
Blake Corum reflects on his journey of self-discovery and growth, from surgery to Rose Bowl, and is excited for the next month’s challenges.
Phil Callihan compares Corum’s current performance to a pitcher adjusting their style, highlighting a possible decrease in explosive speed.
Michigan’s offensive line and defense showcase their talent and resilience in big moments.
Phil Callihan highlights Michigan’s resilience in overcoming special teams mistakes and offensive struggles to win the game.
Callihan notes that despite the issues, Michigan’s offense and defense both had good games, and the team’s ability to overcome challenges is a positive takeaway.
Michigan Wolverines’ football game performance.29:08
Michigan’s offense has consistently shown mental toughness and resilience in big moments.
Phil Callihan highlights the Michigan defense’s performance, particularly in the final play of the game, where they stopped the opposing team from scoring.
Clint Derringer agrees, emphasizing the no-star, no-name defense’s ability to come through in crucial moments.
Clint Derringer highlights Josiah Stewart’s crucial block on a Quarterback run, despite being the lightest of four edge players.
Junior Coulson leads the team in tackles despite injuries, including a stinger, and makes a big play on the final defensive stand.
Clint Derringer praises Michigan’s defense for their performance against Georgia, calling it the “finest stamp of approval” they’ve seen this season.
Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Michigan’s preparation for the title game against Washington, with Derringer expressing optimism that they will play their best after a more natural game week.
