Category: Football

Posted on

THE GAME – Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 1956

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

The first installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us back to 1956. The national economy was roaring, having reached $400 billion. Low unemployment combined with strong income disbursement led many young people to start families, and purchase homes and automobiles.

On the gridiron, Michigan had fallen to Ohio State the two previous seasons, sparking a determination in coach Bennie Oosterbaan and his players to reverse this disturbing trend. The 1956 Wolverines were led by tight end Ron Kramer, a consensus All-America selection who was later named to the College Football Hall of Fame. Jim Van Pelt played quarterback, and most of the running was done by senior halfback Terry Barr. As the two rivals took the field, each team wore its home uniform, an interesting custom maintained to this day by USC and UCLA.

Operating from the T-formation, the Wolverines wasted little time establishing their attack. Their backs pierced the Ohio State defensive line for small but certain gains, forcing the Buckeyes to concentrate on stopping the run. Van Pelt exploited this, connecting with Barr on a 21-yard swing pass to give Michigan a 7-0 lead. Michigan recovered an Ohio State fumble on the ensuing kickoff, but the Buckeye defense immediately stifled any threat. Undeterred, the Wolverines recovered another fumble on Ohio State’s next possession, and this time Michigan cashed in. Unable to find an open receiver, Barr sprinted for a 4-yard touchdown on an option play to give Michigan a 13-0 lead.

From that point, the Michigan defense took control of the game. The Wolverines tacked on another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the Michigan defense was the real star. The Wolverines intercepted two passes, while allowing Ohio State to complete just one pass, essentially shutting down the Buckeye passing attack. Michigan won, 19-0, and finished the season with a record of seven wins and two losses. There was no bowl game, but a victory over the Buckeyes is always worth celebrating.

Thanks to YouTube poster College Football Historian for the film of this game. As always, we own nothing and this blog is published strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

Posted on

Michigan 31 Maryland 24 – Game 11 Recap

GAME 11 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS

Final Score: 31-24, Michigan by 7 over Maryland
SP+ Projection: Michigan by 20.9 (-13.9)
CD Projection: Michigan by 26 (-19)

FIVE FACTORS

GAME 11 RECAP @ Maryland

A common assumption coming into this trap game was that big chunks of Michigan’s play book were likely off limits. JJ McCarthy kept for a short loss on just one surprising read option. Also, I don’t recall a single target for Donovan Edwards in the air. For the 2nd consecutive week, the Wolverines succeeded in winning on the road using predominantly their base run & pass plays. JJ was a bit off target, going 12-23 for 141 yards, 0 TD & 1 INT. Also of note, starting tackle Ladarius Henderson was not available, and back up Myles Hinton also limped off in the second half.

The Michigan defense provided much more firepower against the Terrapins, but also caused concern. Mike Sainristil stepped forward as a clutch play maker once again with two interceptions. Linebacker depth caused fear when senior Mike Barrett stayed down with an upper body injury, although he returned in the second half. Earlier in the game Barrett’s strip-sack led to Derrick Moore’s defensive touchdown.

Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham both created havoc from their tackle positions. However, we saw multiple DBs, including Sainristil & Will Johnson, give up explosive plays on vertical routes. Playing a bend but don’t break defensive game plan allows some run game success and underneath passes. But, the Wolverines also struggled versus double moves. This test will resurface very soon, from much more talented receivers.

The special teams units were the true stars of the 1,000th win for Michigan. Christian Boivin blocked a punt in the 1st quarter, leading to a 2-point safety. Punter Tommy Doman punted 5 times, averaging 47.2 yards per kick (average net 41 yards). His best came last: a golf shot downed at the Maryland 1 yard line. The Wolverines would get another safety on the ensuing defensive series.

Michigan fans understand being anxious during Game #11. The Wolverines tend to simplify their game plan, and also focus on reducing injury risk with the Buckeyes looming. This particular example weighed extra heavy given the ongoing NCAA investigation and Jim Harbaugh’s 3-game suspension. However, the Wolverines are 11-0 and still have every goal to compete for when Ohio State comes to Ann Arbor in just over six days. Onward!

Posted on

Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Play Angry – Game 11 Maryland Preview

Support the Podcast, Get Gear

Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs Maryland – SP+ analysis, commentary, and prediction. With Interim Coach Sherrone Moore and Coach Jim Harbaugh.

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Stitcher | Email | RSS |


Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines football with Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer.0:00
    • Michigan football team prepares to play with anger and fire.
  • Michigan football team’s recent drama and upcoming game.1:26
    • Clint Derringer expects Michigan to win by multiple scores if they execute cleanly and stay healthy, citing their advantage in every phase of the game.
    • Phil Callihan finds it hard to believe it was only a week ago that he was in Happy Valley for Michigan’s victory, given the drama surrounding Jim Harbaugh’s status.
    • Phil Callihan analyzes the recent events surrounding Michigan football, including Jim Harbaugh’s suspension and Chris Partridge’s departure, and wonders how much drama the team can handle.
    • Callihan reflects on the team’s ability to “glance off” blows in the past, but notes that the current situation may be too much for them to handle.
  • Michigan football scandal and coaching staff changes.7:21
    • Michigan football faces logistical challenges with Harbaugh’s suspension and Partridge’s lack of cooperation in investigation.
    • Clint Derringer: Scandal disrupts Michigan football, puts players’ success at risk
    • Analysts discuss Coach Harbaugh’s use of biblical references and its potential connection to the team’s current suspension.
  • College football team’s controversies and media coverage.13:54
    • Callihan expresses frustration with media attention on Michigan football’s NCAA violations, believing it’s a “stupid, media-driven narrative.”
    • Phil Callihan discusses Maryland’s season, highlighting their ups and downs.
    • Callihan expresses frustration with media attention on Michigan’s infraction, speculates on potential damages and future investigations.
  • Michigan football’s game against Maryland amidst coaching staff changes and media scrutiny.20:32
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s approach to dealing with scandals has been good, focusing on wins to prove doubters wrong.
    • Derringer: Players are motivated to make it sweeter, despite added adversity, and a win against Ohio State could change the narrative.
    • Clint Derringer predicts Maryland’s offense will struggle due to lack of talent at wide receiver, while quarterback Thalia Tagovailoa is capable of big plays but prone to mistakes.
    • Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh discusses team’s resilience in face of media scrutiny.

Posted on

Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — We are the Storm – Game 10 Michigan 24 Penn State 15

Support the Podcast, Get Gear

Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 24-15 victory over Penn State. With QB J.J. McCarthy, RB Blake Corum, OL Trevor Keegan, and acting Head Coach Sherrone Moore.

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Stitcher | Email | RSS |


Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ victory and team mentality.0:00
    • Michigan Wolverines remain undefeated after 24-15 victory over Penn State Nittany Lions.
  • Michigan football’s heavy game atmosphere.1:41
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s win felt heavy due to suspension, court case, and intense defenses.
  • Football team’s win and coach’s impact.3:28
    • Sherrone Moore emphasizes the hard work of Michigan football players and coaches, citing their elite abilities and the emotional significance of the win.
    • Clint Derringer describes the intense and hard-hitting game, highlighting the relief and determination of the team after Blake Corum’s game-winning touchdown.
  • Michigan-Penn State game with focus on Harbaugh’s absence.5:24
    • Callihan observes media coverage of Michigan football game was intense due to Harbaugh’s absence.
    • Penn State fans hoped to reestablish themselves in Big Ten East race with victory over Michigan.
  • Michigan football’s game strategy and player performance.9:40
    • Clint Derringer notes that JJ McCarthy’s passing attempts were limited in the second half due to a potential injury, leading to more ground-based offense for Michigan.
    • Phil Callihan highlights Michigan’s focus on balance in their play calling, despite facing a tough Penn State defense.
    • Phil Callihan notes the similarity between Michigan’s recent game and an old Big Ten game, with JJ McCarthy’s performance resembling a quarterback from the 1970s.
    • Blake Corum’s performance in the second half was more reminiscent of last season, with a focus on running the ball and no losses.
    • Phil Callihan and Sherrone Moore share emotional moments during the postgame press conference, with Callihan expressing pride in the team’s resilience and Moore highlighting the players’ different reactions to Harbaugh’s absence.
    • J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum, and other players show emotion and solidarity in the postgame interviews, with Corum emphasizing the team’s closeness and McCarthy expressing love for his teammates.
  • Michigan football’s dominant win over Penn State.18:48
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s offensive performance against Penn State shows they’re built for the loss of key players, with 26 carries for Blake Corum and 10 for DOM Edwards, totaling 247 yards on the ground.
    • Derringer: Michigan’s convincing win against Penn State in a difficult environment is a strong statement to the rest of the league, especially to those in Columbus, and shows their commitment to running the ball.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Michigan’s running game strategy against Penn State, with Derringer suggesting it may be a statement against both Penn State and Ohio State.
    • Phil Callihan notes that Michigan’s dominance in the running game took away half of Penn State’s offensive attack, and that fans are more interested in the on-field competition than off-field drama.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ game strategy and player performance.24:36
    • Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan’s dominant win over Penn State, despite late Penn State score.
    • Clint Derringer highlights JJ McCarthy’s effectiveness in the game, including his 7/8 passing for 60 yards in the first quarter.
    • Derringer notes that Michigan’s success on the ground against Penn State led to a shift in game plan, with more emphasis on running the ball and less on passing.
  • Michigan football’s dominant victory and Harbaugh’s future.29:52
    • Michigan’s dominant victory in the trenches was key to their win over Penn State.
    • Phil Callihan observes that JJ did not appear to be injured after the game, despite being tackled and looking gimpy on one play.
    • Clint Derringer agrees, adding that JJ was bouncing around and looking normal after the game, which makes him feel better.
    • Michigan Wolverines fan Phil Callihan discusses the team’s performance in a big away game, with a focus on the crowd’s reaction and the potential for distractions.
  • Michigan football’s win over Penn State and key players.36:16
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan fans sent a message to Ohio State by beating Penn State, emphasizing the importance of stopping the run.
    • Phil Callihan: Penn State fans at Beaver Stadium were surprised by the number of Michigan fans who disagreed with the Big Ten’s actions, expressing a desire for a more traditional Football game.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Kenneth Grant’s performance in the defensive front, particularly a play where he ran down a 5-star running back from behind at 340 pounds.
    • Phil Callihan echoes this sentiment, rewatching a play where Grant came out of nowhere to make a tackle, leaving him in awe.
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the Michigan football team’s recent win, highlighting the exceptional abilities of players like Blake Corum and JJ McCarthy.
    • Sherrone Moore, Trevor Keegan, and Phil Callihan reflect on the team’s turnaround, emphasizing the importance of trust and camaraderie among players.