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 — Cool Being Villains – Game 10 Penn State Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview Michigan’s game vs Penn State – SP+ analysis, commentary, and prediction. With QB JJ McCarthy, RB Blake Corum, OL Zak Zinter, EDGE Jaylen Harrell, and Coach Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines football with Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer0:00
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the upcoming game against Penn State.
  • Michigan vs. Penn State football game.1:33
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Penn State’s ranking in SP plus, with Derringer highlighting their strong defense (#4 in SP plus rankings) and offense (#21 in SP plus rankings), leading to a #5 overall ranking.
    • Michigan is favored to win by about 5.5 points on a neutral field, according to SP plus, despite Penn State’s one loss and high ranking.
    • Clint Derringer notes that Penn State’s defense has been tested against strong offenses, but Michigan’s offense is the best unit they’ve faced to date.
    • Phil Callihan wonders if Penn State will stack the box to stop the run, opening up opportunities for JJ McCarthy to shine.
  • JJ’s potential as a Heisman Trophy candidate.8:55
    • Jim Harbaugh praises JJ as a unique blend of competitiveness and empathy, a potential Heisman candidate.
  • Penn State vs. Michigan football game predictions.11:35
    • Clint Derringer predicts Michigan will win due to strong defense and QB JJ McCarthy’s ability to make plays in high-leverage situations.
  • Michigan football’s “villain” image and distractions.13:20
    • Phil Callihan and Zak Zinter discuss Michigan’s dominant performance on the field and their embracing of the “villain” role, with Zinter stating he’s fine with being the villain.
    • Jim Harbaugh refers to Michigan as a superhero, praising their ability to absorb and spit back attacks, while also addressing off-field distractions and allegations of espionage and vacuum gate.
    • Blake Corum and Phil Callihan discuss the impact of distractions on the Michigan football team, with Callihan highlighting the team’s ability to brush aside distractions and focus on their game.
    • Clint Derringer adds that the team has become better prepared to play road games in recent seasons, embracing the role of the villain and using the crowd’s energy to their advantage.
    • Phil Callihan discusses how the Michigan football team is using negative experiences as fuel for growth, rather than letting them break the team’s culture.
    • The team’s resilience is evident in how they’ve bounced back from losses and setbacks, with players using them as motivation for improvement.
  • Football team’s mindset and preparation for upcoming game.21:58
    • Clint Derringer and J.J. McCarthy discuss the team’s mindset in the face of distractions, with McCarthy emphasizing the importance of keeping the main thing the main thing and staying in the present moment.
    • McCarthy attributes the team’s success in this area to their ability to keep things simple and focus on what they can control, despite outside distractions and allegations.
    • Clint Derringer expects Michigan to win by double digits against Penn State, citing their advantage on both sides of the ball.
  • Michigan Football’s culture and goals.25:46
    • Players and coaches emphasize “the main thing” and “one track mind” to stay focused on winning.
    • Michigan football players and coaches have been committed to their goals for months, leading to their current success.
  • Personal growth and distractions in college football.29:38
    • Blake Corum reflects on his time at the University of Michigan, expressing gratitude for the growth he’s experienced and the relationships he’s built.
    • Corum advises his team to focus on their goals and block out distractions, citing his own ability to do so as a key to success.
  • Michigan football’s offensive performance and potential breakout game for Blake Corum.33:56
    • Clint Derringer highlights Blake Corum’s impact on Michigan’s offense through both words and actions.
    • Michigan’s offense may see a breakout game with JJ McCarthy as a run threat and Blake Corum having his best yardage game.
    • Jim Harbaugh emphasizes the importance of work ethic and finding clarity in personal and football-related stresses.

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Michigan Football Podcast — Michigan vs Everybody – Game 9 Michigan 41 Purdue 13

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 41-13 victory over Purdue. With QB J.J. McCarthy, WR Roman Wilson, LB Michael Barrett, RB Donovan Edwards, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ victory and areas for improvement.0:00
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss Michigan’s victory over Purdue.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance in a game against Purdue.3:19
    • Clint Derringer compares Michigan’s current offense to last year’s, noting that they have shown the ability to score in bunches but are struggling to maintain consistency.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan Wolverines’ offense, noting a shift from run to pass plays and an increase in passing yards per game.
    • Derringer suggests that while the run game has decreased in efficiency, the passing game has improved, leading to a higher success rate and more yards per play.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance.9:24
    • Michigan’s offense relies on JJ McCarthy.
    • Clint Derringer highlights the defense’s solid performance, with dominant interior defensive line.
    • Derringer notes the defense’s execution of a great plan, creating turnovers and disrupting the opponent’s offense, but also identifies areas for improvement against outside zone runs.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ inconsistent running game.16:27
    • Michigan’s rushing attack is slow and steady, with little explosiveness.
    • Clint Derringer notes that Michigan’s running game has not been as explosive as expected, despite having talented running backs and an improved offensive line.
    • Phil Callihan highlights the defensive performance.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s defense and quarterback JJ McCarthy.20:57
    • Michigan defense is dominant, with multiple players contributing, rather than relying on a few stars.
    • Defense dominates with physical linebackers and disruptive secondary.
    • Jim Harbaugh and Phil Callihan praise JJ McCarthy’s exceptional leadership and performance as Michigan Quarterback.
  • QB J.J. McCarthy’s performance and the team’s support for President Santa Ono.27:37
    • Clint Derringer highlights JJ’s ability to make plays despite pressure, but notes that the pocket collapsing in this game made it harder for him to escape and make big plays on the run.
    • Phil Callihan adds that JJ hit Donovan Edwards on a nice pass that could have been a touchdown, showcasing his accuracy despite an up-and-down performance.
    • Phil Callihan and J.J. McCarthy discuss Michigan Wolverines football team’s recent win and their appreciation for university president Santa Ono, who has shown support for the team despite the storm surrounding them.
    • Coach Jim Harbaugh addresses questions from the press conference, often answering different questions than the ones asked, and the room becomes humorous as people swarm around athletic director War Manuel and he repeatedly says “no comment.”
  • Michigan football team’s resilience in the face of off-field distractions.32:34
    • Jim Harbaugh and players downplay off-field drama, view it as just another distraction.
    • Media and fans try to seize on drama, but team doesn’t pay attention or care much.
    • Donovan Edwards emphasizes the importance of focusing on the team’s internal dynamics rather than external distractions.
    • Phil Callihan is impressed by Edwards’ ability to balance his happiness with a new puppy with his commitment to breaking down plays during a press conference.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance and their focus on the field.37:15
    • Clint Derringer expresses relief that Michigan’s defense has not improved despite losing their starting science dealer.
    • Phil Callihan and Michael Barrett agree that the team is using the media attention and public scrutiny as motivation, with Barrett saying it’s “us against the world every single day.”
    • Callihan believes that the team has been holding back and is ready to unleash their full potential against Penn State.
    • Jim Harbaugh emphasizes the talent and potential of Michigan football players.

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Michigan Football Podcast — One Track Mind – Game 9 Purdue Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs Purdue – SP+ analysis, commentary, and prediction. With QB JJ McCarthy, OL Trevor Keegan, WR Roman Wilson, TE AJ Barner, and Coach Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines football with Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer.0:00
    • Autograph app sponsors podcast, offers rewards for biggest Michigan fans.
  • Michigan football team’s strengths and weaknesses.1:39
    • Analysts expect a repeat of last season’s performance against Purdue, with Michigan facing similar challenges despite their undefeated record.
    • Disrupting Michigan’s rhythm with an unconventional bye week may help them more than hurt them in their upcoming game.
  • Michigan football’s resilience amid controversy.5:50
    • Michigan players express frustration with national attention, but show resilience in face of adversity.
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss how Michigan’s undefeated season and recent controversies will draw extra attention to their upcoming game, with many rooting for an upset and scrutinizing every play.
    • The hosts believe the team will feel pressure to prove their dominance despite the negative attention, and they will need to separate the controversy from their preparation and performance on the field.
    • Clint Derringer and J.J. McCarthy discuss the importance of staying focused and executing well, even when facing adversity.
    • Michigan’s SP plus rankings remain dominant, with a rating of 29.2 and a three-point advantage over Georgia.
  • College football rankings and team performance.13:13
    • Phil Callihan notes that Michigan’s ranking in the college football playoffs rankings raises pressure on Ohio State, despite the Wolverines’ convincing win.
    • J.J. McCarthy credits staying humble and hungry for his success, despite a rough start vs Bowling Green.
    • Clint Derringer discusses the college football playoff rankings, emphasizing the importance of wins and losses on the field and the mixed methodology used by the committee to rank teams.
    • The top five undefeated power five teams are Ohio State, Georgia, Michigan, Florida State, and Washington, with Ohio State having the strongest resume based on their opponents’ strength.
  • Michigan football’s chances in the playoffs despite off-field distractions.18:18
    • Clint Derringer highlights Florida State’s dominance and Washington’s win over Oregon as standout performances, while Phil Callihan notes Ohio State’s potential to sneak into the playoff despite a loss if Michigan is their only defeat.
    • Roman Wilson enthusiastically endorses JJ McCarthy as a Heisman candidate, citing his ability to throw and run the ball, leadership, and community involvement.
    • Phil Callihan: JJ McCarthy’s performance could be a game-changer for Michigan, erasing stigma and shifting attention to on-field success.
    • Trevor Keegan: Player perspective on negative attention towards Michigan is frustrating, as they’ve worked hard to change the program’s culture.
  • Michigan football’s upcoming game, including analysis of the team’s passing game and defense.23:41
    • Clint Derringer predicts Michigan will win by 4 scores, with a final score of 40-10.
    • Ryan Walters’ defense will be challenged by JJ McCarthy’s proficiency in the passing game.
  • Michigan football’s kicking game and punting performance.26:42
    • Phil Callihan hopes to see Michigan’s kicking unit attempt long field goals in a game to gain reps and peace of mind.
    • Clint Derringer discusses Michigan football’s punting strategy and performance.
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Michigan Football Podcast — Chilling in the Storm – Bye Week Drama

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s prospects heading into the season’s home stretch, J.J McCarthy’s Heisman prospects, and the hoopla over Michigan’s sign scouting. With QB J.J. McCarthy, WR Roman Wilson, RB Blake Corum, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines football.0:00
    • Tom Brady sponsors app to reward diehard Michigan fans.
  • Michigan football’s performance and off-field drama.1:27
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s on-field success despite off-field drama.
  • Michigan QB JJ McCarthy’s Heisman chances.3:02
    • Phil Callihan agrees that the current Wolverines team is better than expected, despite facing tough opponents like Purdue and Ohio State.
    • Clint Derringer notes that JJ McCarthy’s Heisman hype is unusual due to his limited playing time, with only four passes thrown in the fourth quarter of eight games.
    • Clint Derringer argues that JJ McCarthy’s Heisman case is based on his efficiency and leadership on a strong Michigan team, rather than just raw output.
    • Phil Callihan agrees with Clint, highlighting JJ’s great answer to the question about his Heisman chances.
  • Football player JJ McCarthy’s mindset and performance.8:16
    • J.J. McCarthy emphasizes team’s championship goals, daily improvement, and stacking wins.
    • J.J. McCarthy prioritizes humility and hunger, drawing inspiration from Kobe Bryant’s mentality.
  • JJ McCarthy’s Heisman candidacy and Michigan football.11:31
    • Quarterback J.J. McCarthy prioritizes injury prevention despite being a hard-hitting player.
    • Phil Callihan believes JJ McCarthy’s performance in a day game at home against Penn State could make him a Heisman contender.
    • Phil Callihan highlights JJ McCarthy’s leadership and all-around skills, with Roman Wilson praising his throwing and running abilities, as well as his community involvement.
    • The team’s supportive attitude towards JJ, including his humility and focus on the team’s success, is also noted, with Callihan suggesting that even if JJ doesn’t win the Heisman, he’ll be okay with it if Michigan wins.
  • Michigan Wolverines football program’s culture and leadership.17:42
    • Derringer: JJ’s ability to block out negativity and lead with positivity since 2020.
    • Distractions have been a persistent issue for the team, with the current one being the biggest.
    • Callihan and Derringer discuss allegations of sign stealing in college baseball, with Callihan sharing his surprise that the sign in question was still up after a staff member left the program.
  • College football program’s use of video to gain competitive advantage.23:54
    • Clint Derringer criticizes the NCAA for leaving too much wiggle room in the rules regarding sign stealing, allowing big programs to gain an unfair advantage.
    • Derringer believes the issue could have been solved 30 years ago if the NFL had implemented proper measures, such as microphones and speakers in helmets, to allow for direct communication between coaches and players on the sideline.
    • Clint Derringer expresses frustration with Michigan’s NCAA violations, hoping for investigation and potential sanctions.
    • Phil Callihan acknowledges that some coaches may cover their mouths when talking to avoid being recorded, but he doesn’t find it surprising or outrageous due to his background and expertise in the field.
  • College football program’s potential NCAA violation.31:06
    • Phil Callihan is unimpressed by the media frenzy over Michigan’s alleged rules violation, seeing it as equivalent to exceeding the speed limit by 5 mph.
    • Callihan believes the media’s outrage is misplaced, as Michigan fans and big donors are largely supportive of Jim Harbaugh and the program’s financial success.
    • Phil Callihan believes the NCAA is irrelevant and can’t take action against Michigan due to the potential backlash and legal implications.
    • Callihan compares the NCAA to an accountant who tells you what you want to hear but doesn’t add up, and the national media is stirring misinformation to remain relevant.
  • Michigan football’s NCAA investigation and potential PR strategy.37:23
    • Clint Derringer suspects a PR strategy against Michigan, timed to coincide with the team’s most challenging stretch of the season.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the legitimacy of allegations against Michigan football, with Callihan expressing skepticism and Derringer withholding judgment until more facts are revealed.
    • Phil Callihan questions the NCAA’s motives in investigating Jim Harbaugh’s alleged misconduct, citing inconsistent enforcement and prioritization of less important issues.
  • College football revenue sharing and alleged sign stealing.45:19
    • Jim Harbaugh advocates for revenue sharing with college student athletes.
    • Jim Harbaugh argues for revenue sharing in college sports, citing successful examples from other industries.
    • Jim Harbaugh addresses speculation about him being involved in a “hit job” on himself.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the Michigan Wolverines football team, with Clint expressing excitement to get back on the field and Phil pointing out the lack of resources dedicated to the team.
    • Jim Harbaugh compares the team to field corn, suggesting they have the potential to grow and produce energy with any available resources.