Category: Football

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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 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.

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Michigan Football Podcast — It Felt Damn Good – Game 8 Michigan 49 michigan state 0

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 49-0 victory over michigan state. With QB J.J. McCarthy, OL Zak Zinter, LB Junior Colson, TE A.J. Barner, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. Also, exclusive expose on NCAA investigation into Jim Harbaugh leaving the cap off of the toothpaste.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ victory and new app for fans.0:00
    • Tom Brady co-founds app to recognize biggest Michigan fans.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominant victory and team improvement.1:22
    • Michigan football continues to improve, with increasing margins of victory and a vision for future success.
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan’s dominance over Michigan State was cathartic after past losses.
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan State’s superiority in the trenches made games against Michigan unenjoyable in the early 2010s.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ victory and program’s baggage with coach Jim Harbaugh.6:16
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the Michigan State football team’s loss to Michigan, with Derringer expressing little sympathy for the team and Callihan acknowledging the poor coaching hire that led to the loss.
    • Callihan criticizes Michigan State’s administration for not resolving the Mel Tucker contract situation before the season, leaving the players in a difficult position.
    • Phil Callihan and Jim Harbaugh discuss the Michigan Wolverines’ execution and focus during their game, despite criticism and distractions.
    • The team shrugs off negative comments and keeps working, with players like Zak Zinter and Clint Drew saying they’re focused on their own performance.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ mental toughness and leadership.12:27
    • Clint Derringer praises Michigan football’s mental and psychological fortitude in shutting out Michigan State despite distractions and noise.
    • Derringer highlights the leadership of players like JJ McCarthy and assistant coaches in compartmentalizing distractions and executing cleanly in a rivalry game on the road.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominant win and backup players’ performance.15:36
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan players showed no signs of complacency despite being up 42 points, giving maximum effort and staying locked in throughout the game.
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s final touchdown drive was notable for the team’s decision to take the kneel down with eight seconds remaining, rather than trying to score again and potentially risking a turnover.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan’s depth chart decisions in blowout win over Michigan State, praising the fourth and fifth stringers for their hard play.
    • Derringer notes that the backups’ opportunity to play in a rivalry game is not a sign of disrespect, but rather a sign of the depth and talent of the Michigan team.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominating win over Michigan State Spartans.21:41
    • Michigan fans filled the stadium and drowned out Spartan chants with “Let’s Go Blue” chants, while the Spartans slow-updated the digital scoreboards during the final touchdown.
    • Michigan dominates Michigan State in all facets of the game.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan QB JJ McCarthy’s performance, noting he’s done well despite limited garbage time plays.
  • Michigan football’s recent win and national championship prospects.28:32
    • Clint Derringer: JJ McCarthy playing better than any QB in the country, Michigan’s offense difficult to shut down.
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan’s schedule not the toughest, bye week crucial for players to rest and heal, looking forward to Penn State vs. Ohio State game.
    • Phil Callihan and Junior Colson discuss Michigan football’s dominant performance in a game, with Callihan highlighting the team’s strong rushing game and Colson sharing an amusing anecdote about a touchdown return.
    • Phil Callihan shares his enthusiasm for Michigan’s dominance over Michigan State, highlighting the team’s impressive performance and the joy of watching them play.
    • Callihan addresses the sign stealing controversy, dismissing claims of shenanigans and emphasizing that Michigan’s success is due to the players’ talent and hard work.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s NCAA investigation and its impact on Michigan football.36:08
    • Clint Derringer: Separating team’s performance from investigation is key.
    • Jim Harbaugh’s feud with the NCAA continues, with personal attacks and suspensions.
  • Michigan Wolverines football game and team performance.40:40
    • Phil Callihan questions the NCAA’s motives in investigating Jim Harbaugh’s alleged infraction, citing inconsistent treatment and the organization’s history of being on the “wrong side of history.”
    • Phil Callihan and AJ Barner discuss Michigan’s offensive talent and mindset, with Callihan highlighting the team’s improvement and Barner praising their overall skill.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Junior Coulson’s performance in the game, noting his ability to make tackles and play in the backfield.
    • Jim Harbaugh emphasizes the team’s focus on preparation and execution, citing their success in playing their best Football.

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Michigan 49 Michigan State 0 – Game 8 Recap

GAME 8 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS

Final Score: 49-0, Michigan by 49 over Michigan State
SP+ Projection: Michigan by 19.5 (+29.5)
CD Projection: Michigan by 27 (+22)

FIVE FACTORS

GAME 8 RECAP vs. Michigan State

Another team decided to create a game plan to stop the Michigan run game. While Michigan managed to hit the magic number 50% success rate on the ground, the Spartans held the Wolverines to 2.8 yards per run play (stats removed once the score was out of hand). Fortunately for Michigan, JJ McCarthy may be the best QB in the country. McCarthy had no problem throwing the team on his back and slaughtering the Spartan defense, finishing 21-27 for 287 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2+ quarters of action. Colston Loveland caught 2 of those touchdowns on twin 22-yard receptions, while AJ Barner and Roman Wilson also found the end zone. JJ and the starters were so efficient that Michigan’s depth players were able to play almost the entire second half.

On the other side of the ball, Jesse Minter and Steve Clinkscale finally put the finishing touches on a shutout for the Michigan defense. For the second time in B1G Ten play, the defensive unit outscored the opponent’s offensive unit thanks to another Pick-Six by captain Mike Sainristil in the 3rd quarter. Linebacker Junior Colson had a great bounce back game, leading the team in tackles with 11. Edge player Braiden McGregor led in the tackles-for-loss (TFL) column with 1.5. Eight different players made a play in the Spartan backfield as the Wolverines accumulated 8 TFLs total on the night.

All of the special teams units combined to execute cleanly with no major mistakes, which was the primary objective against an overmatched rival. The main item of note was that Tyler Morris seems to have seized control of the punt return role. He also made a good decision to field a bouncing punt, and did so cleanly and avoided taking a major hit in the process. I look forward to future explosive plays from Morris as a returner.

A road game against a bitter rival amidst major off-field distractions posed a major threat to derail Michigan’s special season to this point. Instead, the Wolverines seemed even more locked in and focused on the task at hand. It was another dominant performance in a season full of similar games against overwhelmed foes. This one was the most complete decimation to date, and I am glad they saved such a beat down for Sparty. Next is a bye week to rest and heal for the pivotal November stretch of B1G Ten games. Onward!

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Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 2022

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

The final installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back just one year, to the 2022 matchup.

By 2022, Michigan’s status as one of the elite powers in college football had been firmly reestablished. By contrast, Michigan State was struggling. Just a year earlier, Spartan fans and alumni puffed out their chests and shouted, “Tuck comin!” By 2022, Michigan State seemed to have lost its way.

For its part, Michigan had undergone some changes in 2022. Do-everything superstar Aidan Hutchinson had graduated and joined the neighboring Detroit Lions in the NFL. JJ McCarthy had won the quarterback competition against Cade McNamara and he and running back Blake Corum were now the clear leaders of the team.

Truth be told, the game itself was pretty boring. Michigan exhibited a methodical dominance that seemed to lull Michigan State to sleep. On the field, at least.

The Wolverines relied on five field goals by Jake Moody to top the Spartans, 29-7. The onslaught of field goals produced the numbing effect of Novocain.

Oddly enough, the real drama began after the game ended. The viral power of social media produced sketchy reports of a fracas in the tunnel following the game. Rumors on social media platforms quickly gave way to credible news reports detailing a violent confrontation. Even the most cynical football fans were stunned.

The confrontation in the tunnel raised tensions between the two institutions to an unprecedented level. The months following the game produced an animosity that represented more than mere bragging rights.

Fans, alumni, and even casual observers anticipate the 2023 game with an awkward fascination. The 2022 game? Strangely enough, it will be remembered for decades.

Thanks to ESPN, YouTube, and YouTube poster ZTL for the following broadcast of the 2022 game. As always, I own nothing and I do not profit in any way from this blog post.