Michigan Football Podcast — J.J. McCarthy, “Road Games Are My Favorite” – Game 5 Nebraska Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs Nebraska – SP+ analysis and score prediction.

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Podcast Summary

  • Michigan’s upcoming game vs. Nebraska.0:00
    • Michigan players excited for road game against Nebraska, with J.J. McCarthy citing atmosphere as a key factor.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ defense and their ranking in SP Plus system.0:54
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s defense is similar to Michigan’s, with a focus on physical play and winning the field position battle.
    • Phil Callihan: Nebraska is in a rebuilding mode, with a new model of play inspired by Michigan’s success.
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s defense is top in nation in SP plus, with focus on efficiency, explosiveness, field position, and penalties.
    • Michigan’s defense ranks first in power rating and efficiency metric, while Nebraska’s offense ranks 59th.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Nebraska’s performance, noting they started at around 50-60 in the preseason, overperformed against Minnesota, then lost to Colorado and held serve against inferior opponents to climb back up to around 59th overall.
    • Derringer also highlights Nebraska’s strong defense, currently ranked 28th overall, as a significant improvement from their previous ranking and almost top-25 level.
  • College football team rankings using SP Plus.10:42
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the SP plus rankings in the Big Ten, highlighting how they can help compare teams with different common opponents and provide insight into a team’s performance.
    • They emphasize the importance of using actual data from the season to understand a team’s strengths and weaknesses, rather than relying solely on preseason assumptions.
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan, Ohio State top Big Ten SP plus rankings, with Maryland surprisingly high at fifth.
    • Clint Derringer: Rutgers climbing up rankings, potentially switching spots with Nebraska, while Northwestern and Michigan State typically fall.
    • Clint Derringer expects Michigan to cover the spread against Indiana, despite a low-scoring game due to the clock rules change.
    • Derringer compares the two teams to Nebraska, with both relying on defense and a run-heavy offense.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance and expectations.19:38
    • Phil Callihan wants to see Michigan’s offense find its rhythm and control the game from the start, particularly in the second quarter, to demonstrate their improvement and gelled offensive line.
    • Callihan hopes to see more explosive plays, such as a 50-yard run ending in a touchdown, from Blake and Donovan to build confidence and showcase their abilities.
    • Clint Derringer compares last year’s and this year’s team performance, finding similarities in run game efficiency but differences in passing game output.
    • Clint Derringer believes Michigan’s running game has potential but is not living up to last year’s performance, with Donovan Edwards struggling to find explosive plays despite similar early season statistics.
    • Derringer worries that Michigan may be holding back its running game too long, potentially leading to a lack of explosiveness in the season.

Michigan Football Podcast — We Bully Bullies – Game 4 Michigan 31 Rutgers 7

Phil and Clint discuss Michigan’s 31-7 victory over Rutgers. With Blake Corum, Junior Colson, and Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Summary

  • Michigan’s victory over Rutgers despite early struggles.0:00
    • Michigan defeats Rutgers 31-7, but concerns linger about their performance.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominant defense and offense.2:24
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss Michigan’s dominant defensive performance, with Callihan highlighting the opening score as a potential outlier.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s defense, stating they were dominant despite giving up 200 total yards.
    • Derringer notes that Michigan’s offense also played well, using run concepts to keep the clock running and move the ball despite limited yards.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ offensive performance in a game against Rutgers Scarlet Knights.6:42
    • Clint Derringer notes that Michigan’s performance wasn’t as dominant as expected, despite holding a significant time of possession advantage.
    • Phil Callihan highlights Rutgers’ success in the first quarter, including a nine-minute advantage in time of possession, and wonders if this indicates more about Rutgers’ decent play than Michigan’s dominance.
    • Phil Callihan highlights Blake Corum and notes the increased passing to receivers, including Barner and Morgan, who scored a touchdown.
    • Clint Derringer agrees that the offense did a good job staying efficient, using their base plays and saving more complex plays for later.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ game strategy and player performance.11:31
    • Michigan’s offense relied on physical strength and power to grind out yards against a tough defense, with a key play being a back shoulder fade to true freshman receiver Semaj Morgan in the endzone.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Michigan’s game strategy and balance between running and passing plays.
    • Clint Derringer believes Michigan has already achieved their objectives in the non-conference games, as they are successfully ticking off items on their list and showing improvement in key areas such as balance and explosiveness.
    • Derringer notes that Michigan is 50% run and pass in non-garbage time, with a higher success rate and greater yards per play compared to last year.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance and player analysis.18:25
    • Coaches prioritize player health and balance in offensive game plan.
    • Phil Callihan highlights JJ McCarthy’s impressive touchdown catch and confidence, despite an outlier game versus Bowling Green.
  • Michigan football team’s performance and coach Jim Harbaugh’s return.22:04
    • Clint Derringer explains that Michigan’s offense is averaging 12 fewer plays per game this season, resulting in fewer yards and points scored.
    • Blake Corum and the team are focused on improving each week, despite their success, and are excited for the opportunity to take over on the road.
    • Blake Corum and Clint Derringer discuss Coach Harbaugh’s return to the sidelines and the team’s relief and happiness at having him back.
    • Coach Harbaugh’s energy and playfulness are noted, and the team’s excitement is evident in their comments.
  • Football game strategy and team resilience.27:53
    • Jim Harbaugh is proud of his team’s resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks, as seen in their 94-yard drive and the way they didn’t flinch after a tough play.
    • Clint Derringer notes that Harbaugh’s demeanor has changed from lighthearted to serious as the game approaches, but he’s still happy and proud of his team’s performance.
  • Michigan football team’s success and coach’s demeanor.30:46
    • Callihan reflects on Michigan football’s success and camaraderie, despite Harbaugh’s suspension.
    • Phil Callihan observes that Ryan Day’s demeanor after a big win doesn’t match his success, contrasting with Jim Harbaugh’s joyful reaction.
    • Jim Harbaugh praises the officials’ decision to waive off a penalty, citing good sportsmanship and mature play.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s culture and improvement.35:45
    • Phil Callihan praises Coach Harbaugh’s authenticity and enthusiasm, feeling the team has hit a rhythm under his leadership.
    • Coaches prioritize creating a positive team culture, leading to improved player performance.
    • The hosts believe the team is building towards something positive, with a strong foundation and potential for growth, despite some losses.

Michigan 31 Rutgers 7 – Game 4 Recap

WEEK 4 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS

Final Score: 31-7, Michigan by 24 over Rutgers
SP+ Projection: Michigan by 28.6 (-4.6)
CD Projection: Michigan by 17 (+7)

FIVE FACTORS

WEEK 4 RECAP vs. Rutgers

A longing feeling still remains with the offense.  It’s not very easy to put a finger on, but we can certainly feel like there is more potential remaining untapped.  But, Michigan gained over 400 yards, and again eclipsed 50% success rate in the run game.  We got an early peek at some creative play calling in the first quarter with a reverse flea flicker.  I also enjoy the two-running back formations that the Wolverines put on film today.  But, after those schemes were successful, they went back into the garage and the Wolverines methodically trampled the Rutgers defensive front.  Blake Corum finished with 97 yards and 2 touchdowns.  JJ McCarthy was cleaner today, going 15-for-21 through the air for 214 yards and a touchdown.

The defense had an unfortunate missed tackle on Rutgers’ first series of the day.  A 69-yard touchdown pass on the third snap sucked the energy right out of the building.  However, the Michigan defense flexed after the start of the 2nd quarter.  The Scarlet Knights only gained 122 yards in the final three quarters of the game.  Junior Colson led on the stat sheet with six tackles.  But, the most electric moment of the game was a 71-yard pick six by captain Mike Sainristil in the 3rd quarter.  Rutgers never seriously threatened to score again.

The kicking game also left something to be desired.   James Turner narrowly missed a 42-yard field goal wide.  Also, Jake Thaw wasn’t aggressive on an early punt and let it roll out.  The result was a 75-yard field punt that flipped the field position.  There is still no alarm to panic about, but this team will need to improve their special teams execution to win the biggest games on the schedule. 

Overall, the Wolverines have held serve through these opening four home games.  Now, Michigan must pack a few more improvements into their suitcases and travel for the first time in 2023 next week.  We’ll keep an eye on exactly how good a win this ends up being over Rutgers.  I think that team should head to a bowl this season, and might surprise one or two B1G teams, also.  Onward!

Michigan Football Podcast — There’s Nothing Like Game Day – Game 4 Rutgers Preview

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Phil and Clint discuss the game vs Rutgers with SP+ analysis, preview, and game prediction.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ upcoming game vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights.0:00
    • Rutgers has improved under Greg Schiano, giving Michigan problems in recent years.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s upcoming game against Rutgers Scarlet Knights.2:00
    • Phil Callihan expresses hope that Michigan will clean up issues and roll over less talented Bowling Green, despite offensive inconsistencies.
    • Clint Derringer notes significant difference in competition level between Rutgers and previous non-conference opponents, with Rutgers offense and defense showing potential.
    • Michigan must execute offense at an average level to win, while limiting mistakes and Rutgers’ scoring opportunities.
    • Phil Callihan notes that the game against Rutgers will be different from the previous one against Michigan, as Rutgers has a better defense that won’t allow for risky plays like the flea flicker.
    • Kris Jenkins highlights the importance of decision-making and confidence in quarterback JJ McCarthy’s performance, citing instances of regression in recent games.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ football team’s performance and coaching staff.8:50
    • Clint Derringer highlights importance of QB position, coaching staff’s return to normal roles for improved adaptability in Michigan’s offense.
    • Clint Derringer believes Rutgers will improve their ability to adjust on the fly in this game, potentially leading to better performance in the second half.
    • Phil Callihan expresses concern that Michigan’s tendency to start slow may continue, potentially impacting their ability to secure victories.
  • Michigan football team’s performance and strategy.12:29
    • Phil Callihan is looking for Rutgers to “wail on” an opponent to make him feel better after the team’s lackluster performance in the first three games.
    • Clint Derringer believes that Sharon Moore’s return as offensive line coach will make a significant difference in the team’s in-game adjustments and overall performance.
    • Clint Derringer expects a close game between Rutgers and Michigan due to Rutgers’ improved defense and Michigan’s conservative offensive playcalling.
    • Derringer predicts a score of 27-10 in favor of Michigan, with Rutgers’ defense creating fewer havoc plays and Michigan’s offense relying on a conservative run-heavy gameplan.
  • Michigan football team’s offensive performance in upcoming game.18:28
    • Phil Callihan wants Michigan to score sooner and more explosively, particularly in the first half, to avoid a close game.
    • He hopes to see long runs and passes from Blake and JJ, respectively, to extend the lead and showcase the team’s offensive capabilities.
    • Clint Derringer expects Michigan’s offense to be more explosive in the run game and exploit one-on-one matchups against the defense.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ offensive performance and potential improvements.22:59
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan analyze Michigan’s offensive struggles, particularly in the red zone, and discuss the impact of interceptions on the team’s scoring opportunities.
    • The hosts discuss the importance of JJ McCarthy being a “guardian of the ball” and avoiding costly turnovers, as well as the potential for Michigan to click into a higher gear on offense.
    • Phil Callihan highlights Michigan’s talent and potential for success in the Big Ten and college football playoffs, but emphasizes the need to improve ball security to achieve these goals.
    • Clint Derringer discusses personnel changes on the offensive line and the potential for LaDarius Henderson to start, as well as the team’s shift towards a more traditional running game.
  • Michigan football players’ injuries and performance.28:30
    • Clint Derringer notes that some players may sit out or have reduced snap counts due to injuries, but the defensive tackle position has depth to absorb minor injuries.
    • LaDarius Henderson and Blake Corum share their thoughts on getting back to their best after injuries, with Henderson focusing on mental toughness and Corum working on cutting and being electric again.
    • Phil Callihan expects to see Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards make big plays, potentially including long touchdown runs or receptions.
    • Clint Derringer agrees, highlighting Corum’s potential to regain his top end speed and exploit Rutgers’ coverage, while also noting the potential for creative playcalling to involve Edwards.
  • Michigan Football with Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer.33:43
    • Callihan and Derringer agree on preference for noon kickoffs, despite logistical challenges.
    • Phil Callihan expresses grumpiness about the possibility of Michigan football games being broadcast across multiple time zones.
    • Jim Harbaugh compares the Michigan Football program to a recession-proof housing market, describing it as a “superhero” that can absorb and overcome challenges.