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Michigan 52 Indiana 7 – Game 7 Recap

GAME 7 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS

Final Score: 52-7, Michigan by 45 over Indiana
SP+ Projection: Michigan by 36.5 (+8.5)
CD Projection: Michigan by 35 (+10)

FIVE FACTORS

GAME 7 RECAP vs. Indiana

In this game, the Michigan offense dealt with the positive and negative sides of the coin through the whole game. The positive: JJ McCarthy and the passing attack were hyper-efficient yet again. JJ went 14-for17, racking up 222 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jack Tuttle took over in the 4th quarter and went 5-for-5 and also connected for a touchdown against his former team. The negative: McCarthy was sacked as many times in this game as he had been all of the first six games combined. Also, the running game produced a 40% success rate, two points behind what Indiana could muster (42%). There is a lot to learn from this week’s film sessions.

I expected Indiana to be able to find some success early in this game. For one, they were coming off a bye week, so hey had some extra time to prepare. Also, they canned their previous offensive coordinator before the bye, so significant change was inevitable, and really they could only improve from where they had been. That said, the Wolverine defenders were disruptive today, forcing 4 turnovers. That was plenty to boost the Michigan offense out of a slow start, and snatched the fire out of the Hoosiers.

Special teams MVP goes to Tommy Doman for pounding touchbacks on many kickoffs today, avoiding the extra touches for Indiana’s best player Jaylin Lucas. Special mention to Tyler Morris who electrified the crowd again on a 27-yard punt return in the 2nd quarter.

The Wolverines didn’t play their best game, and still finished ahead by 6+ touchdowns on he scoreboard. We have heard Jim Harbaugh happily accept an “ugly win” in the past. He may have just invented the “ugly blowout”. Regardless, Michigan is 7-0 and heads to East Lansing for rivalry week before taking a much deserved week off. Onward!

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Michigan Football Podcast — Teams Know What They Are Getting Themselves Into – Game 7 Indiana Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs Indiana – SP+ analysis and commentary. With Cam Goode and Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines vs. Indiana Hoosiers football game.0:00
    • Michigan enters undefeated, Indiana enters with low rankings.
    • Michigan’s running game could finally break through against Indiana due to weather conditions.
    • Clint Derringer predicts Michigan will score 45 points, while Indiana scores 7, with a potential big play or touchdown for Indiana despite their defense being in turmoil.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ football team performance and areas for improvement.6:42
    • Michigan’s SP plus rankings have consistently ranked them as one of the top teams in the country, with a current ranking of number one overall.
    • Michigan football coach Clint Derringer discusses team’s mental toughness and potential distractions in upcoming game against Indiana.
    • Clint Derringer expects Michigan’s running backs to have more explosive runs as they settle into their best plays and counters.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ offensive and defensive strategies.12:37
    • Phil Callihan predicts Michigan will have a run-heavy attack with two backs reaching 100 yards.
    • Clint Derringer highlights the improved blocking of tight ends Max Bredesen and AJ Barner as a key factor in the team’s run game success.
    • Clint Derringer highlights the need for Michigan linebackers to improve in zone coverage and getting to the right drops in the upcoming game against Indiana.
  • Michigan Wolverines football strategy and quarterback JJ McCarthy’s performance.18:51
    • Clint and Phil worry about JJ McCarthy’s safety in upcoming game against Michigan State.
    • Clint Derringer suggests throwing more passes early in the game to challenge the QB in less than ideal conditions, but not overdoing it.
    • Phil Callihan suggests not even seeing JJ McCarthy on the field in some situations, and opening up the playbook to show something new to other teams.
    • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the importance of Michigan’s offense continuing to improve and execute their normal plays while also adding new elements to make the game more interesting.
    • They also mention the potential for turnovers and the risk of getting too cute, which could make the game closer than it should be.
  • A football play where a quarterback throws a touchdown despite coach’s initial hesitation.25:42
    • Jim Harbaugh praises JJ for throwing a perfectly thrown touchdown pass to Roman Wilson in the endzone, despite initial hesitation.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s schedule and depth.27:10
    • Michigan football coaches discuss the team’s schedule and potential challenges ahead, including a rivalry game against Michigan State.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan’s football schedule and notes that while the non-conference strength of schedule was hurt by the addition of ECU and the loss of UCLA, the Big Ten crossovers provide a challenging rematch of last year’s title game.
    • Derringer is not concerned about the schedule’s impact on the team’s conditioning, but rather the mental and physical toll of the season on the players.
    • Clint Derringer and Jim Harbaugh discuss Michigan’s depth and ability to handle long games, with Derringer highlighting the team’s experience in close situations and Harbaugh addressing his contract situation.
    • Harbaugh expresses openness to extending his contract, citing his desire to be somewhere he’s valued and appreciated.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s contract extension with Michigan Wolverines.34:44
    • Jim Harbaugh jokingly mimics signing a contract during a press conference, downplaying any potential distraction for the team.
    • Phil Callihan praises Harbaugh for taking a pay cut and putting his money where his mouth is, and notes that Harbaugh has done everything else he promised.
    • Clint Derringer confirms that Harbaugh and Michigan are working on a long-term contract extension, with a possible 3.5-year agreement.
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan athletic director hopes to extend Jim Harbaugh’s contract long-term to avoid negative headlines and keep the team’s momentum going.
    • Derringer: Harbaugh’s turnaround over the last three seasons has been remarkable, with young players contributing to the team’s success.
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Michigan 52 Minnesota 10 – Game 6 Recap

GAME 6 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS

Final Score: 52-10, Michigan by 42 over Minnesota
SP+ Projection: Michigan by 18.5 (+23.5)
CD Projection: Michigan by 27 (+15)

FIVE FACTORS

GAME 6 RECAP @ Minnesota

The Wolverines have settled on their starting five offensive linemen, and it paid off. Michigan put up a 67% success rate against Minnesota, who came into the contest as the 28th ranked defense, per SP+. That is the 2nd highest mark of the season for Michigan (68% vs. Bowling Green). JJ McCarthy was also solid in the passing game with a 70% completion rate, 219 yards, and a touchdown to Colston Loveland. The most impactful part of McCarthy’s game was adding 2 touchdown runs. The QB run game must officially be accounted for by the rest of the defensive coordinators on Michigan’s schedule.

We’ve seen the Michigan defense give up an explosive score early (vs. Rutgers), and a few times late (most recently Nebraska). This time, the cringe-worthy play happened just before halftime when Minnesota’s WR Daniel Jackson beat Mike Sainristil on a fade route late in the 2nd quarter. After the Wolverines were staying blocked on some outside zone runs, this looked like there could be significant question marks. Then the 2nd half arrived, and Mason Graham and his partners smothered the Golden Gophers, allowing only 46 total yards after half time.

On special teams, James Turner has settled in as the place kicker. He has shown a strong leg, and looked solid on all 7 (!) extra points while also converting a chip shot field goal. Jake Thaw and Tyler Morris continue to compete for the punt return duties. Seems like Thaw is the “safe” option, while Morris probably has more upside for an explosive return.

While the B1G Ten season’s opening three games have come against similar opponent profiles (Rutgers, Nebraska, & Minnesota), we are seeing the Wolverines continually improve week after week. The offensive line is settling in, but there is still room to grow as the running backs continue to look to add more big runs. The interior defensive line appears unblock-able for long stretches in every game, but there are still cracks visible in the secondary. This team is playing extraordinarily well, but the scariest thing is that they might not be at their peak. Yet.

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Michigan Football Podcast — Scary Good – Game 6 Michigan 52 Minnesota 10

Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 52-10 victory over Minnesota. With J.J. McCarthy, Roman Wilson, Braiden McGregor, Zak Zinter, and Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominant victory.0:00
    • Michigan dominates Minnesota with strong offense and defense, improving from week to week.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance.2:17
    • Phil Callihan praises Michigan’s offense for scoring 52 points, including 2 pick sixes, and notes the defense’s strong performance in the game.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Mason Graham’s dominant performance on the interior defensive line, with multiple plays where he looks “absolutely unblockable.”
    • Phil Callihan agrees, noting Graham’s quickness and leverage in the backfield, and adds that he was “roaring back” after an injury.
    • Phil Callihan discusses Michigan State’s football team, mentioning their poor strength of schedule and the impact of the program’s implosion.
    • Michigan football team performs well on the road, taking care of business against Minnesota.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ strong offensive performance and upcoming opponents.10:41
    • Clint Derringer discusses Michigan’s dominant road performance, highlighting their fast start and ability to maintain focus despite the opponent’s schedule.
    • Michigan’s defense is dominating, with the potential to continue causing problems for opponents.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ offensive performance in a game.14:36
    • Michigan dominated the game with a huge discrepancy in offensive plays, scoring 50 points to Minnesota’s 16.
    • Clint Derringer highlights JJ McCarthy’s ability to throw to Mullings out of the backfield on fourth down, showing versatility in Michigan’s offense.
    • Michigan’s backup players were effective in their limited playing time, with some players making significant contributions.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ offensive performance.20:31
    • Michigan’s offense impresses with versatility and explosiveness.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Michigan’s offensive success in the game, with 67% run play success rate and 62% overall play success rate, and notes the team’s increasing complexity in their playcalling.
    • Derringer praises Sharon Moore’s play calling, particularly in the red zone, where Michigan scored 6.2 points per scoring opportunity, indicating a more balanced and effective offensive strategy.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance and quarterback JJ McCarthy’s growth.26:03
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the team’s improvement, highlighting players like Jack Tuttle and Leon Franklin who are making an impact despite being second or third stringers.
    • The hosts praise the team’s culture and camaraderie, with players supporting each other and celebrating each other’s successes.
    • Phil Callihan praises JJ McCarthy as a joy to watch and a joy to talk to, with great passing and running abilities, handling the pressure of being a Michigan Wolverine Quarterback well.
    • Callihan compares JJ to Denard Robinson, noting that JJ has greater passing ability but also carries the same level of responsibility and pressure as a Michigan Quarterback.
  • Michigan football team’s mental toughness and leadership.32:01
    • Clint Derringer believes JJ McCarthy is critical to Michigan’s success in adverse situations, citing his ability to bounce back from mistakes and lead the team in the TCU game.
    • Derringer expects the team to face more adversity this season and for McCarthy to continue to step up, with Chris Jenkins and Mikey Samer also providing valuable leadership on defense.
    • Braden McGregor discussed the team’s focus on “stacking days” and “keeping the pedal to the metal” to achieve their goals.
    • The team uses “TTG” (Teach the Game) sessions to review and learn from situations from previous games, with a focus on improving their play.
  • Football defense strategies and techniques.37:28
    • Braiden McGregor and Phil Callihan discuss the four pillars of defense and how they’ve improved their team’s performance.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ team dynamics and success.38:41
    • Phil Callihan and J.J. McCarthy discuss the Michigan Wolverines’ recent success, with Callihan highlighting the team’s increased faith in their coaches and McCarthy noting the team’s momentum and peak performance.
    • Callihan credits Jim Harbaugh with turning the ship and learning from his mistakes, while McCarthy emphasizes the team’s buy-in and enthusiasm under his leadership.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s success and culture.41:56
    • Clint Derringer highlights team’s resilience, pride, and joy in play, with potential for continued growth.
    • Michigan football team learned valuable lessons from COVID year and is now motivated to succeed.
    • Phil Callihan discusses how Jim Harbaugh’s coaching style has led to a culture of competition and a “next man up” mentality at Michigan, with players transferring in from other programs to compete at a high level.
    • Callihan highlights the example of Jack Tuttle, who could have started at other programs but chose to be a backup at Michigan, demonstrating the program’s strong culture and the players’ desire to contribute.
  • Michigan football’s physical conditioning and readiness for adverse situations.48:50
    • Clint Derringer discusses the importance of physical conditioning for Michigan football team in adverse situations.
    • Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh praises team’s resilience and ability to absorb and counterattack.
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By the Numbers: Game 6 @ Minnesota

LAST WEEK RECAP

Michigan finally delivered a dominant performance in all phases.  This one came on the road in Lincoln as the Wolverines pounded Nebraska 45-7. 

NEXT UP: @ Minnesota: SP+ 46th, 4.0

PREGAME SP+: Michigan by 18.5, Michigan Win Probability 86%

Michigan stayed #1 overall in the SP+ rankings, thanks to the offense jumping back up into the top ten unit rankings.  The Golden Gophers are 46th overall, led by their 28th ranked defense.

Michigan Offense (9th) vs. Minnesota Defense (28th) 

The Wolverines may have settled on a 5-man offensive line unit for the time being.  Ladarius Henderson got his first start at left tackle last week, and Karsen Barnhart shifted over to right tackle.  The run game execution looked a little cleaner to me.  Now we’ll be looking to see Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards make a man miss and create explosive runs. 

JJ McCarthy is back to his razor sharp form.  McCarthy continues to carve up zone coverages through the middle of the field.  He also presents a major headache when he moves out of the pocket.  It’s nearly impossible to stay tight in coverage on Michigan’s receivers for the extra three or four seconds when JJ is on the move.  I expect to see the Wolverines exploit the middle of Minnesota’s defense through the air, but maybe we will see more targets toward the tight ends today.  

Michigan Defense (2nd) vs. Minnesota Offense (77th)

Week six presents another lopsided mismatch for the Michigan defense.  Minnesota has an OK running attack when they are at full strength, but they have been missing their best running back recently.  Regardless of who is carrying the ball, defensive tackles Kris Jenkins and Mason Graham have been almost impossible to block.  We expect Graham to return for this game with a club on his hand.  I will be interested to see if he sheds blocks at the same rate without use of one hand.  

The Wolverines’ pass defense presents the best opportunity for growth and improvement in Minneapolis.  We still haven’t seen the outside corners challenge and press the opposing wide receivers at the line of scrimmage.  Also, some of the zone coverages in the middle have yielded big windows for quarterbacks to hit slants, and those receivers have been able to run after the catch.  I will be looking for more aggressive coverage technique from the corners, expecting the ball to come out quickly.  The added aggression could yield multiple turnovers from Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis.  

PREDICTION: The first half of the regular season will come to close at the completion of tonight’s game.  There was remarkable similarity between the first three opponents, and now the 4th-6th opponents are equally comparable.  I think we’ll see a performance very similar to those against Rutgers and Nebraska. 

The one concerning question is whether the prime time (7:30 PM EST) time slot creates issues for Michigan as it did in Week 3 versus Bowling Green.  If the Wolverines come out and can generate another hot start on the road like last week, we’ll see matching results.  But, if there is a lack of energy, or any sloppiness that leads to early turnovers, this Minnesota team and crowd will be ready throw everything they have, including the kitchen sink, toward an upset bid.
Michigan 33 Minnesota 6 (PRESEASON Michigan 31 Minnesota 14)

MICHIGAN RESUME UPDATE 10/02/23, 5-0

  • SP+ Overall: 1st (same), 25.0
    • SP+ Offense: 9th (↑4), 37.4
    • SP+ Defense: 2nd (↓1), 12.8
    • SP+ Special Teams: 8th (↑8), 0.4
  • AP Poll: 2nd (same), 1436
  • Coaches’ Poll: 2nd (same), 1503
  • CFP Rank: N/A