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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — The Big One that Matters More – Game 12 Ohio State Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs Ohio State – SP+ analysis, commentary, and prediction. With RB Blake Corum, QB J.J. McCarthy, OL Trevor Keegan, OL Zak Zinter, LB Michael Barrett, DL Kris Jenkins, and Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes game.0:00
    • Michigan Wolverines prepare for season-defining game against Ohio State Buckeyes.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan are excited for the Michigan-Ohio State game, with both teams undefeated and a lot on the line.
    • The game is special for both teams, with Michigan having won the last two and Ohio State struggling in recent years.
    • Zak Zinter and Mike Sainristil reflect on their team’s 2021 loss to Ohio State and their determination to prove themselves in 2022.
    • Clint Derringer predicts a more balanced offensive game plan for Michigan in 2023, building on the success of 2021 while avoiding the long runs of 2022.
  • Ohio State Buckeyes’ impressive season and upcoming matchup with Michigan Wolverines.7:53
    • Michigan is favored in the upcoming game against Ohio State by 6.1 points, with a 64% win probability.
    • Michigan’s defense is strong, but they’ll need to contain Ohio State’s superstar offense.
  • Michigan-Ohio State rivalry and allegations of program misconduct.12:13
    • Michigan and Ohio State’s obsession with each other’s distractions is mutual, despite Jim Harbaugh’s absence.
    • Clint Derringer suggests that Ohio State is involved in leaking information to the media to create a PR firestorm, despite being right in the middle of it themselves.
    • Ryan Day’s job security is at risk if he loses to Michigan for the third time in three years, with a significant portion of the Buckeyes fan base ready to move on from him.
  • Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and coach Ryan Day’s pressure.17:08
    • Michigan players tend to perform better under pressure than Ohio State players.
    • Phil Callihan observes that Ohio State coach Ryan Day is under pressure to perform against Michigan, particularly after his team’s close win over Notre Dame.
    • Callihan notes that Day’s emotional response to the win was unexpected, given his reputation as a great coach, and suggests that he should act more confident and composed in big moments.
    • Phil Callihan expresses frustration with Ryan Day’s perceived whining and lack of accountability as Michigan’s coach.
    • Callihan predicts that Day will face pressure from the media and fans if Michigan wins on Saturday.
  • Ohio State-Michigan football game with analysis of players and strategies.24:19
    • Clint Derringer believes Michigan’s defense will be able to contain Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. but may struggle with stopping Blake Corum.
    • Derringer thinks JJ McCarthy is more likely to make positive plays than Kyle McCord, and Donovan Edwards provides a versatile weapon for Michigan’s offense.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s strong performances against common opponents, while Phil Callihan and Kris Jenkins discuss the potential impact of the home crowd on the game.
  • Michigan football team’s chances against Ohio State.29:38
    • Blake Corum is excited to play in his last game at the Big House, where he’ll be facing Michigan’s rival team, with his brothers and best coaches.
    • Phil Callihan is concerned about the team’s ability to beat their opponent three times in a row, despite their preparation and the JJ factor.
    • Phil Callihan believes Michigan has the advantage heading into the game due to their starting 11 on each side of the ball.
    • Ohio State fan questions program’s elite status after close calls and inconsistent play.
  • Ohio State-Michigan football game with analysis of key players and matchups.36:13
    • Clint Derringer believes Ohio State is lethal when they get out in front of their opponents, but their confidence can waver when the game is close.
    • Ryan Day is focusing on highlighting to his team that they are capable of winning tough games, despite recent struggles in close contests.
    • Michigan’s interior defensive line is expected to cause problems for Ohio State’s offensive line, particularly in the third and fourth quarters.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Marvin Harrison Jr. as the key matchup for Michigan’s defense.
  • Michigan Wolverines football game against Ohio State Buckeyes.43:34
    • Phil Callihan expresses concerns about Michigan’s special teams and the impact on the game.
    • Michigan will win by 6 points, with their defense sealing the victory.
    • Sharon Moore’s coaching abilities are being considered for Coach of the Year, given his success as offensive line coach and play caller for Michigan.
  • Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and upcoming game.49:29
    • Trevor Keegan: Respect between Ohio State and Michigan creates high stakes and excitement for the rivalry game.
  • Preparation for a championship football game.50:30
    • Michigan Wolverines focus on preparation for championship game.
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By the Numbers: Game 12 vs. Ohio State

LAST WEEK RECAP

Michigan was able to survive and advance in the annual pre-OSU trap game.  The Wolverines held on to beat the Maryland Terrapins 31-24 after shifting into cruise control far too early.

NEXT UP: vs. Ohio State: SP+ 3rd, 27.8

PREGAME SP+: Michigan by 6.1, Michigan Win Probability 64%

Michigan stayed firm atop the SP+ rankings where they’ve been going back to Week 5.  But, the Wolverines regressed back to the pack during the Jim Harbaugh suspension.  Ohio State remains 3rd overall as well.  Surprisingly, the 1st ranked defense leads the Buckeyes SP+ rating strength, not the 19th ranked offense.

Michigan Offense (6th) vs. Ohio State Defense (1st) 

This matchup embodies the strength-on-strength clash in this rivalry game.  Ohio State clamped down on big plays in 2023 after explosives proved to be the achilles heel for coordinator Jim Knowles in 2022.  I expect the Buckeyes to deploy a more structurally sound defensive approach in The Game this year.  Keeping the Michigan ground attack under wraps will still be top priority, but I don’t think Ohio State believes they need to commit 9 or 10 players to the line of scrimmage to accomplish that.  Michigan fans can expect a rushing attack that looks much more like 2021 (5-6 yards a pop) than the 2022 explosion.

In my eyes, Saturday’s two most critical performances take place up front where Ladarius Henderson expects to return at left tackle, and Karsen Barnhart looks to bounce back in pass protection at right tackle.  Henderson & Barnhart will be the point of attack blockers on Michigan runs.  Most importantly, they must keep JJ McCarthy clean against JT Tuimoloau and the Buckeyes’ pass rush.  Ideally, JJ’s health is no longer a concern and we’ll see him escape the pocket to create down field opportunities.  At the minimum, the Michigan running backs should serve as quick outlet valves if Ohio State is bringing pressure.  

Michigan Defense (2nd) vs. Ohio State Offense (19th)

For the third consecutive year, the Wolverines’ defense will attempt to execute a game plan meant to minimize explosive pass plays.  In 2021 & 2022, impacting quarterback CJ Stroud posed the primary challenge.  Now the Buckeyes are led by Kyle McCord.  McCord is a good passer, but not on the same level as Stroud.  I expect Michigan to utilize extra safeties over the top of Heisman Trophy candidate Marvin Harrison Jr., while relying on the front four plus LB Mike Barrett to generate pressure.  If the Wolverines successfully contain Harrison with extra defenders, the wild card will be Mike Sainristil and Josh Wallace against #2 receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Verbally, this season represents a new commitment to running the ball for Ohio State.  TreVeyon Henderson and Chip Trayanum combine into a formidable challenge.  However, the Buckeyes’ offensive line still falters when trying to get to their second level blocks.  And, when Ohio State faces a high leverage situation, Ryan Day remains highly likely to turn away from his running backs and favor his wide receivers.  Jesse Minter will keep his coverage guys back, daring Ryan Day to run the ball consistently and repeatedly.  The most critical plays in the game will be 3rd down plays with 2-4 yards to go for Ohio State.  The Buckeye coaching staff will tell you that they want to run the ball in those spots, but Minter and the rest of the Wolverine faithful all know these are the times to tighten up outside in coverage.

PREDICTION: The SP+ model would favor Michigan over Ohio State by 3.6 points on a neutral field, and Bill Connely’s system adds 2.5 points for home field advantage, resulting in a 6.1 point tilt toward the Wolverines.  My preseason pick was Michigan by 6, and I am going to keep that same margin.  The teams will trade blows back-and-forth for the first 50-75% of the game.  Marvin Harrison Jr. and Blake Corum will each score early touchdowns.  But, this game boils down to which players step up in the fourth quarter once each team adjusts to the opponent’s game plan.  I think the Michigan defense will seal it late by pressuring McCord into a key mistake.
Michigan 34 Ohio State 28 (PRESEASON Michigan 39 Ohio State 33)

MICHIGAN RESUME UPDATE 11/21/23, 11-0

  • SP+ Overall: 1st (same), 31.4
    • SP+ Offense: 6th (↑1), 38.5
    • SP+ Defense: 2nd (↓1), 9.0
    • SP+ Special Teams: 7th (↓1), 1.9
  • AP Poll: 3rd (↓1), 1440
  • Coaches’ Poll: 3rd (↓1), 1458
  • CFP Rank: 3rd (same)
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THE GAME – Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 1991

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The third installmenf of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us back to 1991. By this time, Bo Schembechler had retired, turning the reins over to trusted lieutenant Gary Moeller. In one of his final seasons, Schembechler was asked who would replace some of the tremendous receivers he had, and he mentioned the name Desmond Howard.

In the late 1980s, high school football recruiting had yet to become an obsession, and Howard wasn’t a household name. His performance against Ohio State crushed the spirit of the Buckeyes, and made him an icon in college football lore.

Any drama in this game ended after the opening kickoff. Michigan won, 31-3, punctuated by Desmond Howard’s 93-yard punt return for a touchdown, ending with Howard’s famous “Heisman Pose.” Keith Jackson bellowed “Hello Heisman!” and Howard became a legend for the ages.

In hindsight, the 1991 team never received the proper amount of adulation from Michigan fans. The Wolverines absolutely dominated the Buckeyes. They beat Notre Dame in dramatic fashion, courtesy of an amazing touchdown by Howard. They beat Michigan State comfortably. Howard was joined by linebacker Erick Anderson and linemen Greg Skrepenak and Matt Elliott on the All-America team. Maybe the most important point of all, the Wolverines went undefeated in the Big Ten, winning all eight conference games and capturing the Big Ten championship. It’s fair to say a season of that magnitude would satisfy many Michigan supporters.

Thanks to ABC Sports, YouTube, and YouTube poster RXwolverine for the broadcast of this game. I own nothing and we do not profit off this blog post, which is published strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Battle Tested – Game 11 Michigan 31 Maryland 24

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 31-24 victory over Maryland with Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan’s game strategy before Ohio State.0:00
    • Michigan Wolverines prepare for Ohio State game with focus and determination.
    • Michigan’s conservative game planning and injury scares led to a struggle against Illinois.
  • Michigan Wolverines football game with analysis of quarterback JJ McCarthy’s performance.3:24
    • Phil Callihan notes that Michigan’s offense started strong but struggled in the third quarter, while Clint Derringer highlights JJ McCarthy’s subpar performance, including a goal line interception before halftime.
    • Clint Derringer argues that Jim Harbaugh’s absence and Sharon’s increased coaching duties have impacted offensive play calling and adaptability.
    • Injuries to key players like Roman Wilson, JJ McCarthy, Mike Barrett, and Chris Partridge have further hindered Michigan’s performance on both offense and defense.
    • Phil Callihan observes that JJ McCarthy’s performance was affected by Jim Harbaugh’s absence, leading to ill-advised passes and a loss of rhythm.
    • Callihan notes that McCarthy’s tendency to force passes in pressure situations was a concern, particularly in the third quarter against Penn State.
  • Michigan football’s offensive struggles and coaching challenges.11:54
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan’s offensive struggles in the second half, citing injuries and limited creativity in play calling.
    • Derringer highlights missed opportunities, including a deep post route that could have resulted in a touchdown, and the impact of injuries on the offensive line.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Sharon Moore’s coaching style and how it may change against Ohio State, with Moore potentially needing to “let go of Jim a little bit” and make his own decisions as the head coach.
    • Callihan notes that Moore’s decisions in the second half of recent games may not be the ones he would make, highlighting the challenge of stepping into a new role without Harbaugh’s presence.
  • Michigan football’s game strategy and player performance.17:55
    • Phil Callihan observes that Jim Harbaugh’s play calling may be holding back JJ McCarthy, particularly in the second half of games.
    • Clint Derringer agrees, noting that the context of each game affects the decision-making process, and JJ’s performance in the Maryland game was not indicative of what might be seen against Ohio State.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s offensive line injuries and lack of rhythm, which hindered their ability to move the chains and create momentum.
    • Derringer also notes that the defense missed Mike Barrett’s experience in pass coverage and as a blitzer, leading to big plays by Maryland.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance in Maryland game.23:44
    • Mikey Sandersville makes two crucial interceptions for Michigan.
    • Clint Derringer praises Stainless steel for unlocking Michigan’s flexibility in personnel, while Phil Callihan expresses relief at expected returns of injured players.
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan is relatively healthy compared to previous years, with JJ McCarthy’s lower body injury being a concern but not a major setback.
    • Jim Harbaugh: Michigan is focused on preparations for the Ohio State game, with everything centered around this key matchup.
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THE GAME – Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 1978

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The second installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us back to 1978. Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat signed the Camp David Accords. Resorts International Casino opened in Atlantic City, N.J., the first casino to open on the East Coast.

In college football, Michigan was in the 10th season of coach Bo Schembechler’s tenure, and he had the Wolverines firing on all cylinders. Senior quarterback Rick Leach directed Michigan’s option offense, and opposing defenses had their hands full every game. If defenses concentrated too much on Leach, running backs Harlan Huckleby and Russell Davis were poised to strike, as were receiver Rodney Feaster and tight end Doug Marsh. On defense, junior linebacker Ron Simpkins spearheaded an attacking group of players who swarmed to the ball. In the simplest of terms, the 1978 Wolverines had very few weaknesses.

Ohio State started the season slowly, but the Buckeyes reeled off five consecutive victories heading into “The Game,” giving them plenty of momentum. Even more worrisome for the Wolverines, the game would be played at Ohio Stadium; always a daunting venue for Michigan.

There was even more reason for concern when a Bob Atha field goal gave Ohio State a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. The Wolverines maintained their composure and responded with a dominant drive that covered 70 yards in just four plays. Leach culiminated the scoring drive by connecting with Feaster for a 30-yard touchdown pass. After Ohio State took the lead, Michigan repsonded little more than a minute later. The Wolverines extended their lead in the third quarter when junior tailback Roosevelt Smith caught an 11-yard scoring pass to give Michigan a 14-3 lead. From that point, Michigan’s defense took control of the game. It was a rare when a Bo Schembechler-era Michigan defense surrendered a double-digit lead. This game marked the third consectuive contest vs Ohio State where the Buckeyes failed to score a touchdown vs Michigan, a point that wasn’t lost on Ohio State coach Woody Hayes, who greeted a reporter angrily when he was questioned about the streak after the game. Including the 1978 game, Michigan had surrendered only nine points to Ohio State over the last three meetings between the two rivals.

The win also marked Michigan’s third consecutive triumph in the series, and enabled Michigan to claim a share of the Big Ten championship.

Thanks to ABC Sports and YouTube poster Pizza Pizzichetti for the broadcast of this game. There’s an extra treat: The video was synced up with the audio from Bob Ufer’s radio broadcast!

1978 Michigan vs Ohio State with Bob Ufer