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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Chasing Perfection – National Championship Preview

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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.

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Podcast Summary

  • Michigan football’s chances against Washington based on SP plus ratings.0:00
    • Offensive players emphasize teamwork and balance in attacking opponents.
    • Clint Derringer expects a strength-on-strength battle between Michigan’s defense and Washington’s offense.
    • Michigan offensive game plan was better than initially thought, despite sputtering at times.
  • Michigan’s strength in computer rankings.6:27
    • 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.
  • Quarterback Penix’s accuracy and power.23:23
    • 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.
  • College football playoffs and predictions.44:42
    • 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.
  • Teamwork and belief in a sports program.55:54
    • J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum discuss their team’s mentality and goals, with a focus on believing in themselves and overcoming obstacles.
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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Unbreakable, Glorious – Michigan 27 Alabama 20 OT

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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.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ Rose Bowl victory over Alabama.0:00
    • Michigan Wolverines win thrilling Rose Bowl game against Alabama in overtime, capping off an unbreakable season.
  • Michigan football game with highs and lows.1:49
    • 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’s offensive performance despite mistakes.16:05
    • 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.
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Michigan 27 Alabama 20 OT – Game 14 CFP SF Recap @ Rose Bowl

GAME 14 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS

Final Score: 27-20 OT, Michigan by 7 over Alabama
SP+ Projection: Michigan by 8.4 (-1.4)
CD Projection: Michigan by 3 (+4)

FIVE FACTORS

GAME 14 ROSE BOWL RECAP vs. Alabama

The Michigan offense was night and day different from first half to second half. The Wolverines held a 13-10 halftime lead after gifting the Tide an extra possession, but only ran nine plays in the third quarter. Of those nine Q3 plays, only one was successful, yielding an 11% success rate for the quarter. Just when negativity started to emerge throughout Wolverine nation, JJ McCarthy and Blake Corum rose to the occasion.

Down by seven with 4:41 to go, Michigan delivered a drive for the ages. The Wolverines marched eight plays, 75 yards, highlighted by a 4th & 2 pass from McCarthy to Corum to move into Alabama territory. McCarthy finished 17-27 for 221 yards and 3 TDs, while Corum scored twice. His rushing touchdown in overtime made him the program’s all-time rushing touchdown record holder, a well deserved honor for an iconic Michigan Man.

Defensively, coordinator Jesse Minter called a masterful game. The Wolverines piled up five sacks in the first half and finished with six total for the game. As the offense sputtered in the middle of the contest, the defense repeatedly had to come up with huge stops in high leverage moments. Linebacker Junior Colson battled through multiple injuries to lead the defense with ten tackles.

No play could be any bigger than the final stop of Jalen Milroe on 4th down in overtime. Defensive end Derrick Moore made a tremendous individual play to cross the face of the offensive tackle and make contact with Milroe behind the line of scrimmage. The rest of the Wolverines finished the tackle, and the celebration was allowed to commence around the country.

The special teams unit turned in their worst performance in memory, keeping the game closer than it should have been while Michigan dominated the other phases. Semaj Morgan muffed a punt in Q1 to set up Alabama’s first half touchdown. Two poor snaps led to a missed PAT, and a missed FG. And in the most heart-stopping moment of the day, the Tide’s final punt of regulation was muffed by Jake Thaw inside the 5-yard line. No doubt Jay Harbaugh will dedicate extra practice time to cleaning these issues up this week.

This game lived up to the heavyweight slugfest that it was hyped to be. While Michigan played sloppily, they also rose to the occasion in the largest moments. In that way, this Rose Bowl championship is a fitting microcosm for the whole 2023 season. But, the work’s not finished. Onward to Houston!

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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Natty or Bust – Rose Bowl Alabama Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the Rose Bowl vs Alabama – SP+ analysis, commentary, and prediction. With RB Blake Corum, QB J.J. McCarthy, and WR Roman Wilson.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ Rose Bowl preview.0:00
    • Michigan football players discuss Rose Bowl preparation and expectations.
  • Michigan’s football team’s unexpected success.1:50
    • Michigan football is in the best position to fulfill offseason promises with top seed and Rose Bowl berth.
  • College football playoff rankings and Michigan’s chances against top teams.2:57
    • Phil Callihan: Excited to face Alabama, wishes it was Washington for old school nostalgia.
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan tops SP plus rankings, favored by at least a touchdown against other playoff teams.
    • Michigan has been focused on beating the best teams, including Georgia and Alabama, and has been preparing a similar game plan to utilize against Alabama.
    • Alabama has had struggles throughout the season, including a close win over Auburn and a tough game against Georgia in the SEC championship.
  • Alabama’s season, strengths, weaknesses, and Michigan’s potential strategy.9:17
    • Alabama’s talent is unmatched, but they’ve struggled against lesser opponents.
    • Phil Callihan analyzes Alabama’s season, questioning their inconsistency and luck in close games.
    • Phil Callihan notes that Florida State’s offense is not explosive, but their defense has shown improvement in recent games.
    • Callihan wonders if Michigan will stick with their run-heavy attack or switch to a more balanced offense against Alabama, given the Tide’s strength against quarterbacks.
  • Michigan football’s strengths and weaknesses in the CFP championship game.16:27
    • Clint Derringer highlights Alabama’s talented secondary, particularly outside cornerback McKinstry and Terry Arnold, as a strength and a potential matchup advantage for Alabama.
    • Derringer believes Michigan will focus on the run game to control the clock and measure possessions, with Blake Corum expected to carry the load, and the interior offensive line and tight ends potentially providing exploitable matchups.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the potential for Alex Orji to disrupt Alabama’s defense by running on the edges, particularly early in the game.
    • They also note that Alabama’s offensive linemen are large, which could be a challenge for Michigan’s defense.
  • Alabama-Michigan football game strategy.22:21
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan defense matches up well against Alabama’s strengths, but Alabama will try to scheme to exploit weaknesses.
    • Clint Derringer: Alabama quarterback Jalen Millrow’s athleticism and arm strength pose a threat, so Michigan defense should utilize safeties, zone coverage, and motion to make reads more difficult.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Alabama’s offense, highlighting the importance of neutralizing defensive tackles Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Chris Jenkins, while also emphasizing the need for disciplined pass rush to force Jalen Nogo into mistakes.
    • Derringer believes Michigan’s defense is built for this strategy, with the ability to keep Ohio State at bay by not letting them be explosive and making them take the short passing game in front of them.
  • Michigan and Alabama’s mindset heading into the college football playoff.27:37
    • Michigan and Alabama players express chip on their shoulder ahead of championship game.
    • Michigan should embrace their number one ranking and play with confidence against Alabama.
  • Michigan football’s preparation for the College Football Playoff.31:12
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan has pressure to avoid first-round exit in college Football playoffs after three consecutive appearances.
    • J.J. McCarthy: Quarterback emphasizes teamwork and poise, citing coaches who prioritize collective success over individual accolades.
    • Michigan players and coaches acknowledge the need to reduce turnovers and execute cleanly on offense to beat Alabama’s high-scoring offense.
    • Both teams have highly rated special teams units, with Michigan focusing on protecting their punter and Alabama executing 10-12 play drives.
  • Michigan vs. Alabama football game with insights from analysts.36:30
    • Clint Derringer predicts Michigan will win with a score of 27-24, citing the team’s ability to contain Alabama’s offense and make big plays in the passing game.
    • Phil Callihan predicts Michigan will win with a score of 24-21, highlighting the team’s strong defense and potential for big plays from JJ McCarthy.
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss Michigan’s chances against Alabama in the Citrus Bowl, with Callihan highlighting the team’s defensive line and Derringer emphasizing the importance of a grinded-out game.
    • J.J. McCarthy and Roman Wilson discuss their preparation for the game, with McCarthy focusing on being present in the moment and Wilson noting that the coach asked for input but was not provided.