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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 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.
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By the Numbers: Game 14 CFP SF vs. Alabama @ Rose Bowl

LAST WEEK RECAP

Michigan shut out the Iowa Hawkeyes 26-0 in Indianapolis to secure their third straight B1G Ten Championship.  The offense didn’t put up flashy statistics, but the defense only allowed Iowa one scoring opportunity that ended with a fumble recovery for the Wolverines.

NEXT UP: vs. Alabama: SP+ 7th, 23.7

PREGAME SP+: Michigan by 8.4, Michigan Win Probability 69%

Michigan maintained the #1 SP+ ranking, and added the top ranking in the CFP poll, AP poll, and Coaches’ poll.  According to SP+, the Wolverines would be favored over any of the other three playoff teams: Texas (6th, 24.6); Alabama (7th, 23.7); Washington (11th, 18.6)

Michigan Offense (10th) vs. Alabama Defense (9th) 

The Michigan offense and Crimson Tide defense square up pretty equally on paper.  However, the SP+ model cannot factor in the season ending injury to All-American guard Zak Zinter.  Since the injury in the second half of the Ohio State game, senior Karsen Barhart slid inside to guard to backfill Zinter, and Trente Jones entered at right tackle.  This configuration allowed four sacks to Iowa in the B1G Championship game, and only mustered 106 rushing yards.  The Wolverines need a huge bounce back performance from the offensive line group to keep Alabama edge rushers Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell off JJ McCarthy.

The strength of the Alabama defensive unit resides in the secondary.  Both corners Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold will play in the NFL soon.  In order to attack the Crimson Tide, Michigan will have to look for match up advantages in the middle of the field.  Center Drake Nugent and guard Trevor Keegan will need decisive wins on the interior to pave the way for Blake Corum between the tackles.  Then JJ McCarthy should be able to find Colston Loveland and Donovan Edwards covered by linebackers and safeties who first have to respect the interior run threat.  Running QB Alex Orji could also play a key role in creating a run game advantage by running option plays.

Michigan Defense (1st) vs. Alabama Offense (11th)

The Wolverines defense should have an advantage over the Alabama offense.  The strength of Michigan’s defensive line will create problems for Alabama’s blocking scheme.  I expect Bama to utilize double teams on the interior against DTs Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.  The resulting single blocking on the edge must be exploited by Jaylen Harrell, Josiah Stewart, Derrick Moore, and Braden McGregor.  In my eyes, the edge rushers are the largest key for this game.  Alabama QB Jalen Milroe can make plays with his legs, and throws the deep ball very well.  However, he will also make a handful of big mistakes in each half, very similar to Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa.  The pass rush must be disciplined by staying in their rush lanes without providing an escape alley for Milroe.  The Wolverines can create big plays by making him read the downfield coverage from a collapsing pocket as often as possible.

The Crimson Tide are not as explosive in 2023 as they have been in years past.  After a string of Heisman winners on the offensive side of the ball, this year’s Alabama squad doesn’t have the same dominant superstar playmaker.  Wide receiver Jermaine Burton is the most dangerous threat in my opinion, averaging 22.2 yards per reception and pulling in 8 touchdowns on the season.  In the backfield, Bama had three players carry the ball over 100 times.  Running back Jase McClellan should be the secondary focus for stopping the running attack, after the QB Milroe.  We saw Alabama’s late-season opponents dedicate one, or sometimes two (!), players as spies to follow Milroe on the ground.  We can expect Jesse Minter to utilize a similar plan by keeping safeties over the top of Burton, and using linebackers Michael Barret and/or Junior Colson to chase the quarterback on scramble plays.

PREDICTION: These two blue-blood programs will meet in the Granddaddy of them All, the Rose Bowl, for the first time.  With the B1G Ten, SEC, and College Football Playoff all expanding in 2024, this may be one of the last hurrahs for nostalgia and tradition to bolster the high-stakes CFP atmosphere.  I expect this game to be dictated by both defensive units, and potentially a few special teams plays.  The scoreboard could stay tight for the entire duration, but in the 4th quarter I think the experience and poise of JJ McCarthy and the Wolverines will lead to a decisive play to clinch Michigan’s first CFP victory.
Michigan 27 Alabama 24

MICHIGAN RESUME UPDATE 12/17/23, 13-0

  • SP+ Overall: 1st (same), 32.1
    • SP+ Offense: 10th (↓1), 37.6
    • SP+ Defense: 1st (↑1), 7.4
    • SP+ Special Teams: 4th (↑1), 2.0
  • AP Poll: 1st (↑1), 1539
  • Coaches’ Poll: 1st (↑1), 1535
  • CFP Rank: 1st (↑1)