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Michigan Football Podcast — State Championship – Game 8 MSU Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs MSU – SP+ analysis, commentary, look back at notable games in the rivalry’s history, and prediction.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan vs Michigan State game analysis.0:00
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer preview Michigan’s game versus Michigan State, discussing the teams’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as the rivalry between the two teams.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes the SP plus rankings for the teams, finding them closely grouped from 52nd to 56th, with Michigan State ranked 55th and Minnesota ranked one spot behind them at 56th.
    • Clint Derringer discusses Michigan State’s inconsistency under interim coach, citing coaching change and off-field issues as factors.
  • Michigan-Michigan State rivalry and off-field drama.5:05
    • Michigan State fans use Michigan’s off-field drama to fuel trash talk.
    • Michigan football team’s culture of resilience and teamwork is tested on the road against Michigan State.
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the intensity of the Michigan State-Michigan rivalry, with Phil noting that it has the most outliers and craziness compared to other rivalries.
    • Players seem to be taking the rivalry more seriously this week, with Blake Corum specifically mentioning that it’s a big game and means a lot to them.
  • Michigan football, past games and rivalries.12:25
    • Blake Corum mentions the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State, expressing uncertainty which team means more to him.
    • Phil Callihan highlights the impact of the COVID season on the team’s performance, with players reflecting on the loss to Michigan State as a turning point.
    • Phil Callihan recounts a memorable moment from the 1990 Michigan Wolverines football game against Michigan State, where a touchdown catch by Desmond Howard was initially called incomplete due to a lack of visibility in the stands.
    • Callihan reflects on the strange nature of the game, including Demetrius Brown’s multiple interceptions and Michigan’s near victory despite these mistakes.
  • Michigan vs. Michigan State football rivalry.18:47
    • Clint Derringer highlights Kenneth Walker’s iconic performance in 2021, with a possible upset on the Michigan State side.
    • Clint Derringer predicts Michigan will win 34-7 against Michigan State, with a close halftime score of 14-7.
    • Phil Callihan recounts the history of Michigan State’s dominance over Michigan, including the 1987 game where Michigan lost 17-11 despite throwing only 7 interceptions.
  • Michigan football, past and present.23:47
    • Phil Callihan recounts a memorable game against Michigan State, including a late-game comeback and a painful loss.
    • Clint Derringer agrees, highlighting four rivalry games from his college years with distinct personalities and memorable moments.
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer reminisce about a legendary performance by Braylon Edwards in a Michigan football game, sharing memories and insights from their perspective as fans.
    • The speakers discuss the impact of JJ McCarthy’s legs on the Michigan offense, with Callihan expressing concern about how much is too much in terms of running.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the physicality of the Michigan State vs. Michigan football game, with Derringer noting that Michigan State will try to physically shake or punish Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy.
    • Callihan brings up the example of Braylon Edwards’ game against Michigan State, where he was mugged and the referees were cowardly in not calling a penalty.
  • Michigan football game strategy and player performance.31:16
    • Clint Derringer hopes to see Michigan’s defense dominate and limit first downs against Michigan State, as the Wolverines have been giving up easy scores early in games.
    • Phil Callihan recalls a memorable play at Michigan Stadium, where a punt block led to a Michigan State touchdown, highlighting the importance of special teams in the rivalry game.
    • Clint Derringer wants to see a dominant performance from Michigan’s secondary, with no coverage busts or missed tackles.
    • Phil Callihan and Blake Corum discuss JJ McCarthy’s risk-taking behavior as a physical Quarterback, acknowledging McCarthy’s hard-headedness and love for the game.
    • Phil Callihan wants to see JJ McCarthy reined in and not get hurt in the game against Michigan State, while also wanting to see the Michigan defense take over and silence the opposing fans in their home stadium.
  • Michigan football’s chances against Michigan State.39:58
    • Clint Derringer predicts Michigan will win by 27 points, citing a dominant defense and quick trigger from the Spartan fan base.
    • Jim Harbaugh emphasizes the importance of November games and the upcoming rivalry matchup against Michigan State.
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Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 2012

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

The fourth installment of this year’s series looking back at classic games between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back to 2012.

The previous season had seen a complete restoration of Michigan pride, with one notable exception. Brady Hoke was indoctrinated as the head coach by renewing an old Michigan tradition: Michigan lost to Michigan State in Hoke’s first year, just as the Wolverines had lost to the Spartans in Bo Schembechler’s first year.

The 2012 campaign proved to be considerably more challenging than 2011 for Michigan. The Wolverines dropped early games to Alabama and Notre Dame, and some of the luster from the previous season seemed to have faded. The grudge match against Michigan State proved to be just the tonic for the Wolverines.

Once the game began, it quickly took on the character of many clashes between Michigan and Michigan State, evolving into a hard-hitting, low-scoring affair. There were plenty of offensive theatrics, but they produced few points. On this day, the Wolverines relied heavily on the dependable feet of their kickers, and they delivered in the clutch.

Michigan trailed by a point as the fourth quarter began, but Brendan Gibbons promptly erased that deficit with a 21-yard field goal. The lead didn’t last long, as Michigan State drove deep into Wolverine territory before the Michigan defense forced a Dan Conroy field goal.

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson responded with a 43-yard run to the Michigan State 32-yard line, but once again, a Wolverines’ drive was thwarted. A valiant effort by the Michigan defense gave the Wolverines one final shot at victory.

Robinson then led the Michigan offense on a courageous drive, battling a feisty Michigan State defense every step of the way. With just five seconds remaining, Gibbons battled a tough angle to kick a 39-yard field goal, giving Michigan a 12-10 win.

Michigan’s powerful offense never hit its stride in this game, a testament to the hard-hitting Michigan State defense. It’s fitting that this classic, defensive-oriented affair was the 900th victory in Michigan football history.

Thanks to ESPN, the Big Ten Network, YouTube and YouTube poster WolverineDevotee for the highlight film of this game. As always, I own and do not profit from this blog post in any way.

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Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 2007

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

The third installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back 2007.

Lloyd Carr’s final team began the season with a lot of expectations; too many, as it turned out. The Wolverines came in with one of the best rosters in the last 50 years of Michigan football. Quarterback Chad Henne, running back Mike Hart and offensive tackle Jake Long were all seniors with significant experience, and they led an explosive offense. Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington were dangerous receiving threats, and Carson Butler and Mike Massey were both reliable tight ends. The defense was led by outside linebacker Shawn Crable, with speedy cornerback Morgan Trent able to provide blanket coverage on receivers. Player for player, the Wolverines could match up with any team in the nation.

Unfortunately, the matchups didn’t end all that well in the first two games, as Michigan fell to Appalachian State and Oregon, starting the season with an inauspicious record of no wins and two losses. However, by the time Michigan was about to face Michigan State, the Wolverines had reeled off seven consecutive wins, and were playing with the kind of zest that led them to 11 consecutive victories in 2006. Michigan State had a new coach named Mark Dantonio, who went on to make quite an impact on the rivalry.

Things started well for Michigan. After Jamar Adams came up with a clutch interception, Hart added a couple of long runs and Henne connected with Butler to give Michigan a 14-3 lead that seemed to be commanding. Emphasis on the word “seemed.”

The second half was quite different. Jehuu Caulcrick got things started with a 1-yard plunge for a Michigan State touchdown, and suddenly, there was a footballl game in East Lansing. As the fourth quarter began, MSU quarterback Brian Hoyer tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Davis, and the Spartans grabbed the lead. Seven minutes later, Caulcrick scored on another 1-yard run, and things looked pretty bleak for Michigan.

With precious little time left, the Wolverines woke up and started playing like a championship team. Following an injury to Henne, freshman Ryan Mallett came in to play quarterback for Michigan. Mallett was promptly sacked and stripped of the ball, but Hart alertly picked up the fumble and fought his way for 15 yards and a critical first down. Following several plays with Mallett at quarterback, Henne returned to throw a beautiful touchdown pass to Greg Matthews, and the Wolverines were back within stiking distance. Then, on 3rd & 11, Henne completed a daring pass to Manningham, who walked a veritable to tightrope to earn a first down for Michigan. A few plays later, Henne found Manningham again, as the receiver caught the ball while falling backward for an amazing touchdown. Michigan had retaken the lead, for good.

Michigan State got the ball back, and Crable promptly sacked Hoyer to stick the Spartans in a deep hole. Three incompletions later, the Wolverines took possession of the ball and the game, earning one of the most hard-fought victories in the history of the rivalry.

Following the game, Hart referred to Michigan State as “little brother,” an infamous quote that fired up the Spartans for more than decade to follow. But on this day, Hart performed in a clutch manner, and the Wolverines earned a win for the ages.

Thanks to ABC Sports, YouTube, and YouTube poster Pizza Pizzichetti for the accompanying broadcast of this game. As always, I own nothing, and this blog post is strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

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Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 1973

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

The second installment of this year’s series looking back at classic games in the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back 40 years, to 1973.

The year started with a flurry of events. CBS sold the New York Yankees to a 12-person syndicate headed by George Stainbrenner and in late January, President Richard Nixon announced that a peace agreement had been reached to end the war in Vietnam. In September, Yankee Stadium closed at the conclusion of the baseball season to begin a two-year renovation project.

In college football, Michigan entered the ’73 campaign with a roster that could certainly be called “loaded.” Mult-threat quarterback Dennis Franklin ran the offense, and tight end Paul Seal, a fierce blocker, was a favorite passing target. Franklin and Seal were joined by running backs Ed Shuttlesworth, Gil Chapman and Chuck Heather on the All-Big Ten squad. Defensive end Dave Gallagher and defensive back Dave Brown, both consensus All-America selections, headlilned the defense. Strong-legged Vietnam veteran MIke Lantry handled the placekicking duties.

Michigan State limped into the game with a 1-3 record, but as every Wolverine knows, the Spartans are dangerous in the rivalry game, particularly when they’re at home. Michigan entered the game as the heavy favorite, but more than 78,000 fans jammed Spartan Stadium, including many hoping for an upset.

The Wolverines probably would not have lost to anyone on this day. Five years into the Bo Schembechler era, Michigan was playing some of the best football of any Bo team. Once the game started, “53” seemed to become Michigan’s magin number. Brown scored on a 53-yard punt return with Chapman adding a 53-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Lantry had a 35-yard field goal in between, and the Wolverines opened up a 17-0 lead by halftime.

With the game being played in a steady rain, Michigan State had one hope for the second half: If the rain forced Michigan to fumble the ball, State had a chance. The rain kept coming, but Michigan kept control of the ball. In the fourth quarter, Franklin connected with Seal for a short touchdown pass and Shuttlesworth run for a touchdown to make the final score, Michigan 31, Michigan State 0.

Michigan never lost a game in 1973, ending its season with a 10-10 tie against Ohio State, and a share of the Big Ten championship. The Wolverines were robbed af a trip to the Rose Bowl and a possible shot at the national championship when the Big Ten athletic directors awarded the Rose Bowl berth to Ohio State, but that’s a story for another day. The bottom line is that the 1973 Wolverines finished undefeated and posted one of the greatest seasons in Michigan football history.

I couldn’t find any video of this game, so we’ll have to settle for the attached copy of the box score from the Bentley Library. Thanks to Michigan State University and the University of Michigan for this copy of the box score. As always, I own nothing and i do not profit from this blog post in any way.

http://websites.umich.edu/~bhlumrec/athdept/fbstats/1973msuB.pdf
websites.umich.edu

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Michigan Football Podcast — We’re in the Ass Kicking Business and Business is Booming – Game 7 Michigan 52 Indiana 7

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 52-7 victory over Indiana. With QB J.J. McCarthy, DL Cam Goode, LB Michael Barrett, DB Kean Sabb, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominant victory over Indiana Hoosiers.0:00
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss Michigan’s 50-7 victory over Indiana, with Callihan expressing surprise at the team’s poor performance in the first quarter despite favorable weather conditions.
    • Derringer highlights Indiana’s offensive improvements under new coordinator and head coaching experience, despite ultimately losing the game.
    • Clint Derringer highlights the crucial play where Indiana’s defense intercepted a pass and prevented Michigan from scoring, potentially changing the outcome of the game.
    • Phil Callihan breaks down the scoring, noting Indiana’s early touchdown and Michigan’s dominant performance in the second half, leading to a 52-7 victory.
    • Phil Callihan was surprised that Michigan’s passing attack was not limited by the rain, despite expecting the team to dominate on the ground.
    • Clint Derringer highlighted the offensive line’s performance, noting JJ McCarthy was sacked four times and the team needs to improve protection for the quarterback.
  • Michigan QB JJ McCarthy’s performance in a game against Indiana.8:20
    • Phil Callihan praises JJ McCarthy’s performance, highlighting his ability to thread the needle and take risks, despite taking big hits.
    • JJ McCarthy acknowledges working on his running balance, feeling better after Sunday’s game and planning to carry that into next week.
    • JJ McCarthy faced pressure early, but responded well and showed resilience.
    • Coaching staff needs to help JJ avoid taking unnecessary risks and be more efficient with his passes.
  • Michigan Wolverines football game with analysis of plays and player performance.14:22
    • Clint Derringer criticizes JJ McCarthy’s decision to call a Quarterback draw on third and 16, saying it was an unnecessary risk and could have resulted in a turnover.
    • Phil Callihan agrees, adding that the team’s attitude and playcalling could have been more aggressive and creative in that situation.
    • Phil Callihan notes that Michigan’s offense and defense showed a “wrecking crew” mentality in the second quarter, after a slow start.
    • Jim Harbaugh praises the team’s response to adversity, highlighting their “devotion to the fundamentals of Michigan Football.”
  • Michigan football team’s performance in a game against Indiana.20:20
    • Michigan’s offense struggled early against Indiana, with penalties and missed opportunities.
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s defense suffocated Indiana in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, allowing only 40 yards.
    • Cam Goode: Michigan’s well-rounded team is difficult to stop, with improving linebackers and a rotating line that gets better with each game.
  • Michigan football team’s dominant defense.24:50
    • Michigan defense is relentless, preaches being a “bully” to take away opponents’ hope.
    • Phil Callihan praises Michigan’s defense as “incredible” and “balanced” with no superstar, citing Charles Woodson as a generational talent.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ defensive coaching staff and players’ improvement.28:43
    • Clint Derringer highlights Harbaugh’s praise for his assistant coaches, particularly on defense, and notes the scheme’s seamless transition from Mike McDonald.
    • Clint Derringer highlights the impact of coaching staff and senior leaders on defense, citing improved versatility and havoc creation.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance and coach Jim Harbaugh’s leadership.31:54
    • Phil Callihan highlights Mike Barrett’s quote during the postgame interview, which shows the team’s mentality and confidence.
    • Clint Derringer agrees, noting that the team has been tested before and has shown the ability to stay sharp and keep their swagger.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Jim Harbaugh’s coaching style and trust in his players, with Derringer highlighting Harbaugh’s confidence in allowing players to push the envelope while Callihan notes the second and third string players’ performance.
    • Jim Harbaugh uses an olive jar analogy to describe the tightness of his team’s play, emphasizing the importance of trust and confidence in their success.
    • Jim Harbaugh praises his assistants and jokes with Donovan Edwards about his first touchdown.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the potential for a contract extension for Harbaugh and the team’s performance this season.
    • Michigan football team is “clicking on all cylinders” with veteran players leading the way.