Final Score: 26-0, Michigan by 26 over Iowa SP+ Projection: Michigan by 22.7 (+3.3) CD Projection: Michigan by 24 (+2)
FIVE FACTORS
GAME 13 B1G TEN CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP vs. Iowa
Michigan needed just 213 total yards on offensive to put the Iowa Hawkeyes away in he B1G Ten Championship game. JJ McCarthy completed 22 of his 30 passes for 147 yards, but no touchdowns. Cornelius Johnson takes the crown as king of the passing attack. CJ hauled in a career high 9 receptions, showing tremendous athleticism and soft hands throughout the game. Blake Corum handled the scoring load, finding pay dirt twice. Corum’s two touchdowns tie him for the career rushing touchdown record (55) with legend Anthony Thomas.
The Michigan defense handled their business against an overwhelmed Iowa offense. Mike Sainristil received the championship game MVP after he forced two fumbles in key moments of the game. The linebacker room also showed out. Michigan’s three leading tacklers all come from the LB room. Ernest Hausmann and Junior Colson collected 8 stops each, and senior Michael Barrett added 7 more tackles.
Nine minutes into the game, James Turner sealed the final result by kicking the first Michigan field goal from 35 yards out. Turner would finish with 14 total points by going 4-for-4 on field goals, and 2-for-2 on PATs. Tommy Doman also managed to out-perform Iowa’s Tory Taylor with a net punting edge 39.8 to 35.1. The field position advantage set the Wolverines up with an estimated 1.42 point advantage each time the field flipped.
No doubt, the Wolverines have spoiled Michigan fans with three consecutive titles to go with a three game win streak over the Buckeyes. However, team 144 is a little different than the past two. They immediately shift focus to the next objective. Blake Corum likes to quote Kobe Bryant by saying, “…job’s not finished.” OK, Blake. Bet!
Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 30-24 victory over Ohio State. With QB JJ McCarthy, RB Blake Corum, LB Michael Barrett, DL Kris Jenkins, and acting Head Coach Sherrone Moore.
Coach Sherrone Moore and quarterback J.J. McCarthy discuss the team’s mentality and commitment to each other, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and belief in themselves.
Michigan Wolverines vs Ohio State Buckeyes game with analysis and insights.2:18
Clint Derringer praises Ohio State’s resilience and ability to adapt, highlighting their impressive game plan and execution despite Michigan’s early lead.
Phil Callihan notes that Ohio State outgained Michigan in total yards (378-338) and suggests that the Buckeyes may have made adjustments to exploit Michigan’s defense.
Phil Callihan highlights the significance of Michigan’s recent victories over Ohio State, emphasizing the rivalry’s importance and Ohio State’s current struggles.
Callihan praises Michigan’s resilience and adaptability during the game, particularly in the face of Ohio State’s third-quarter drive.
Phil Callihan highlights the emotional highs and lows of the Michigan vs. Ohio State game, including the Zack Charin injury and the crowd’s supportive response.
The game was a “horrific” and “amazing” display of college football, with the Michigan Stadium crowd playing a crucial role in the team’s victory.
Michigan football’s win over Ohio State, with analysis of rushing and passing games, turnovers, and team culture.12:14
Michigan beats Ohio State with strong running game and key interceptions.
Michigan’s culture of positivity and selflessness shines through in comeback win.
Michigan Wolverines’ football game, analyzing team’s performance.16:54
Phil Callihan wonders why Ohio State abandoned their successful running game in favor of passing more, despite Michigan’s success on the ground.
Phil Callihan analyzes Michigan’s game strategy, highlighting their reliance on running the ball despite injuries.
Phil Callihan observes that Michigan’s performance in the game was characterized by balance and confidence, with the team executing their plan and performing in all facets of the game.
Callihan notes that Michigan’s special teams were also effective, with the team going 3-for-3 on field goals and not relying on their kicker too much this season.
Michigan’s passing game was more efficient despite Marvin Harrison Jr.’s individual success.
Michigan football team earns victory despite head coach Jim Harbaugh’s absence.
Michigan Wolverines’ football team’s resilience and determination.28:33
Sharon Moore, interim head coach, led the team to victory despite Zack Charron’s injury, demonstrating his coaching ability and resilience.
Moore received praise from Jim Harbaugh for his ability to execute the game plan and close out the game, highlighting his leadership and adaptability.
Sherrone Moore emphasizes the team’s goal to win the national championship, despite their recent success in the Big House.
Roman Wilson expresses excitement for the team’s potential to go all the way, citing their bond and determination.
Phil Callihan highlights the team’s resilience in the face of media attention and external criticism, suggesting they are stronger than ever.
Michigan football’s resume and national title chances.35:03
Michigan’s resume stands out despite lack of dominance in wins over Ohio State and Penn State.
Michigan’s coach Clint Derringer praises team’s resilience, focus on next game despite Ohio State win.
Ohio State-Michigan game with analysis of J.J. McCarthy’s play.38:46
Phil Callihan reflects on the seeds of Ohio State’s three-year run being sown by Ryan Day’s comment about hanging 100 on Michigan, and how JJ McCarthy’s touchdown was a result of the team’s confidence in him.
Sherrone Moore and Roman Wilson praise JJ McCarthy’s decision-making and ability to find open receivers in critical situations.
Sherrone Moore and Phil Callihan discuss Ohio State’s dominant performance against Michigan, with Moore highlighting the team’s confidence and Callihan praising their rushing game.
Callihan notes that Michigan has been better in the last three years on the day that matters, suggesting a pattern in their rivalry.
Michigan Wolverines football and their victory over Ohio State.43:49
Ohio State players and coaches reflect on their loss to Michigan, focusing on preparation and heart.
Phil Callihan reflects on Michigan Football’s recent success and the excitement of being a fan during this time.
Fans urged to enjoy the season and hold on to memories, as the team’s performance is special and should be cherished.
This is a very confusing time to be a Michigan sports fan. The football team just completed a perfect 12-0 regular season, including a tense 30-24 win over Ohio State, but they’re under a dark cloud due to “Signgate”. The men’s basketball team looked great in their first three games, and has looked helpless since then. Am I happy or sad? Both, I guess.
It’s hard to look at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament as anything but a disaster. Yes, Michigan won one game, and sure, Memphis and Texas Tech looked good, but Michigan played very sloppy basketball in all three games, and they were lucky to win one of them.
Game Flow
The Memphis game started out OK, with a tie game (6-6) at the 15:16 mark, then with Memphis leading for the next 6 minutes, but never by more than 2-4 points. With 8:55 left in the 1st half, Memphis was up by one point, 20-19. That’s when UM went cold and allowed Memphis to end the half on a 17-6 run, to lead by 12 points (37-25) at halftime. UM made a few runs at the lead in the 2nd half, but Memphis always answered and kept the lead around 10-12 points. With 13:17 left in the game, Memphis was up by 12 points (48-36), when UM finally started clawing their way back into the game. They got the deficit down to 3 points (51-48) at the 8:41 mark, and one point (59-58) with 4:12 to go, but they couldn’t “get over the hump”. Memphis built the lead back up to 9 points (67-58) with 1:07 left, UM got back within 2 points (69-67) with 10 seconds left, but they couldn’t get any closer, losing by 4 points. It was discouraging, since UM played from behind for almost the whole game.
The Stanford game was hard to watch. UM led 2-0 early, and was only down one point (5-4) at the 18:07 mark. Then the wheels fell off. Michigan couldn’t buy a basket, and Stanford couldn’t miss, leading to a 18-5 run. With 12:40 left in the half, Stanford led by 14 points (23-9), and it looked like they were going to run away with the game. Fortunately, that’s when Michigan finally woke up, going on a 21-5 run of their own, to lead by 2 points (30-28) at the 6:31 mark. The lead went back and forth for the rest of the half, with UM up by one point (45-44) at halftime. Stanford started the 2nd half strong, but UM fought back, and the game was tied up (52-52) with 16:46 left. It was Michigan’s turn for a run, and they led by 13 points (67-54) with 12:24 to go. Stanford wasn’t done, going on their own run to tie it up (72-72) at the 4:43 mark. Michigan led the rest of the way, by as many as 8 points, and won by 5. The Stanford runs were scary to watch. Michigan was helpless to stop them. Fortunately, they had just enough firepower to pull off a few runs of their own.
The TTU game was close for the first 5 minutes, with TTU up by 2 points (8-6) at the 15:24 mark. That was the last time it was close. TTU pulled out to a 12-14 point lead for the rest of the half, leading by 14 points (35-21) at halftime. Things only got worse in the 2nd half, as TTU expanded their lead to as much as 23 points. Michigan got within 12 points a couple times early in the 2nd half, but TTU always answered the UM runs and got the lead back up near 20, coasting to a 16-point win. Michigan looked helpless out there.
Stats
The game stats for the Memphis game were confusing. Michigan shot poorly overall (24-for-61 = 39.3%), they shot 3-pointers decently (8-for-24 = 33.3%), and they shot free throws decently (11-for-17 = 64.7%). They outrebounded Memphis by an astounding 50-28, but they lost the turnover battle badly, 18-11. How did UM lose this game with such a huge rebounding edge? Mediocre shooting and too many turnovers.
The game stats for the Stanford game were pretty good. Michigan shot well overall (32-for-54 = 59.3%), they shot 3-pointers well (8-for-18 = 44.4%), and they shot free throws decently (11-for-16 = 68.8%). They won the rebounding battle (29-27), and tied in the turnover battle (13-13). They won this game with pretty good shooting and rebounding.
The game stats for the TTU game were miserable. Michigan shot poorly overall (22-for-54 = 40.7%), they shot 3-pointers miserably (6-for-20 = 30.0%), and they shot free throws terribly (7-for-14 = 50.0%). They were outrebounded badly (41-30), but they did win the turnover battle (8-9). They lost this game with miserable shooting and poor rebounding.
Nkamhoua was the leading scorer for Michigan in 2 of the 3 games (Memphis, with 18 points, and TTU with 16 points). He also had double figures (16 points) in the Stanford game. He shot pretty well, and he had lots of rebounds.
McDaniel was the leading scorer in the only game that Nkamhoua wasn’t: Stanford, with 20 points. He had 13 vs. Memphis, and 12 vs. TTU. He didn’t shoot particularly well, especially from 3-point range, but he had a nice number of assists and rebounds.
Williams had 2 good games (17 points vs. Stanford and 10 points vs. TTU) and a horrible game vs. Memphis (2 points on 0-for-5 shooting). He shot well in the Stanford game (5-for-8 overall, 4-for-5 from deep), but not quite as well vs. TTU (4-for-8 overall, 1-for-5 from deep). He even grabbed a few rebounds in each game.
Burnett also had 2 good games (16 points vs. Memphis and 10 points vs. Stanford) and one horrible game (2 points vs. TTU on 1-for-10 shooting overall, 0-for-4 from deep). He had lots of rebounds, a few assists, and not too many turnovers.
Reed also had 2 good games (8 points vs. Memphis and 11 points vs. Stanford) and one miserable game (4 points, all free throws, vs. TTU). He had 12 rebounds vs. Memphis, and a total of 8 blocked shots during the tournament.
Tray Jackson had 2 decent games (7 points vs. Memphis and 5 points vs. TTU) an one miserable game (2 points vs. Stanford). He shot fairly well, and grabbed a few rebounds.
Will Tschetter chipped in 3, 7, and 5 points, and grabbed a few rebounds.
Who Looked Not-So-Good?
George Washington III played in all 3 games, and failed to score. He took one shot each in the Memphis and TTU games, but not in the Stanford game. He is not contributing much so far.
Who Else Played?
Youssef Khayat played in the TTU game, and scored 3 points, shooting 1-for-2 from 3-point range.
Jace Howard and Jaelin Llewellyn are injured, and not playing yet. They are both expected back “later in the season”.
What Does It Mean?
After a hot start (3-0), Michigan has settled down to where I expected them to be. They appear to have a decent amount of talent, but the chemistry sure isn’t there. They are also very thin at center and shooting guard. Based on their performance so far, I’m thinking my prediction of 11-20 still looks pretty good. They will win less than half of their “toss up” games, lose a few of their “should win” games, and lose most of their “should lose” games, with an occasional upset to keep things interesting.
What’s Next?
This week, Michigan only plays one game. On Saturday (12/02/2023, 3:30 p.m., FS1), they play at Oregon.
Oregon is currently 4-2, with a win over Georgia and a loss to Santa Clara. They don’t have any noteworthy players, but they do have some height: a 6’10” player, a 6’11” player, and a 7-footer. This is a game that Michigan probably won’t win, especially if they continue playing the way they’ve been playing for the last 4 games. If they can get their swagger back, maybe they can pull off the road upset.
Oh yeah, just so you aren’t surprised when you watch the game on Saturday, here’s what Oregon’s court looks like:
Pretty distracting, no?
Check back next week to find out what happened and why.
Final Score: 30-24, Michigan by 6 over Ohio State SP+ Projection: Michigan by 6.1 (-0.1) CD Projection: Michigan by 6 (!)
FIVE FACTORS
GAME 12 RECAP vs. Ohio State
Michigan’s offense vs. Ohio State’s defense shifted more than any other matchup when compared to the past two seasons. The Wolverines finished with a 46% success rate for the game, and averaged 5.8 yards/play. The Buckeyes succeeded in reducing their explosive play exposure. But, in the 2nd half when the game was decided, Michigan rushed for 122 yards and 5.8 yards per rush. The Wolverines posted a 64% success rate in the 3rd quarter, and 50% in the 4th. JJ McCarthy chipped in a 16-20 passing performance for another 148 yards and a touchdown to Roman Wilson.
Defensively, the Wolverines battled back-and-forth with a star-studded offense from Ohio State. All-world wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. caught five balls for 118 yards and a touchdown, while Emeka Egbuka also found the end zone. However, even though the Buckeyes established a much clearer commitment to rushing the football, they could not top Michigan. Tradition dictates the winner of the rushing battle wins The Game when Ohio State and Michigan clash. The Wolverines triumphed 156-107 on the ground.
The final slice of Michigan’s complementary football masterpiece came from the kicking game. Tommy Doman averaged 52.0 yards per punt, and James Turner looked rock solid on three field goals from 50, 38, and 37 yards. Jake Thaw also deserves a shout out for catching Ohio State’s punts in the air, often in heavy traffic. Michigan gained nearly a point of EPA per possession with their field position advantage.
Sherrone Moore continues his career ascension in Ann Arbor. He flourished as the offensive line coach and led his unit to back-to-back Joe Moore awards as the best in the nation. He added play calling duty in 2022 and improved the offensive output by 4.1 points per game. Now he lives forever as THE guardian of victory for stepping in during Jim Harbaugh’s November suspension. Enjoy the rivalry win boys, back to work on a B1G Championship tomorrow. Onward!
