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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
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Michigan Football Podcast — Stacking Days – Game 6 Minnesota Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs Minnestoa – SP+ analysis and commentary. With Donovan Edwards, Roman Wilson, Braiden McGregor, Zak Zinter and Jim Harbaugh.

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Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ upcoming game vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers.0:00
    • Michigan previews game vs. Minnesota, with Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discussing the Wolverines’ undefeated record and the Golden Gophers’ 3-2 record.
  • Similarities in opponents and performance in Big Ten season games.0:51
    • Clint Derringer notes similarities between Michigan’s first three Big Ten games, including strong defense and weak offense.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance and evaluation.2:24
    • Phil Callihan expresses hope for Michigan’s performance against Minnesota, looking for signs of improvement in areas such as overcoming adversity and running game success.
    • Jim Harbaugh responds to listener comments, emphasizing the importance of hard work and avoiding complacency.
  • Michigan Wolverines football team’s linebacker corps and defensive line.5:05
    • Michigan’s JJ McCarthy and linebackers face new challenges against Minnesota.
    • Michigan’s defensive line is nearly unblockable, causing offensive struggles.
  • Defensive strategy and focus on stacking days.8:27
    • Braiden McGregor emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present game rather than looking ahead to future opponents.
    • The defense is aiming to “stack days” by having one good game on top of another, with the goal of being ready at the end of the season.
  • Michigan football team’s offensive performance and upcoming game against Minnesota.11:22
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the performance of Michigan’s offense, with Derringer expressing concern about patterns in their play and Callihan suggesting that Minnesota has the highest ranked SP plus offense on Michigan’s schedule.
    • Derringer and Callihan debate the ranking of Minnesota’s offense, with Derringer citing UNLV’s 73rd ranked offense and Callihan choosing Minnesota based on their limited success.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes similarities in Michigan’s schedule and notes Minnesota’s reliance on a running quarterback as a concern.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ upcoming game vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers.15:57
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan responded well on the road, scoring 37 and 35 points in their last two games.
    • Roman Wilson: Michigan likes playing away games more than home games, enjoying the opportunity to take over a stadium and quiet fans down.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Minnesota’s situation, describing them as “cornered animals” with nothing to lose, which could lead to a high-intensity game.
    • JJ McCarthy is playing well, threatening defenses with his legs and arm, and Roman Wilson is a fast receiver who can make big plays.
  • Team dynamics and player focus during lesser opponents games.22:03
    • Phil Callihan praises JJ’s smart running and ability to avoid big hits, noting the importance of protecting the quarterback, especially early in the season.
    • Zak Zinter emphasizes the importance of team success leading to individual success, and how the offensive line is contributing to the team’s success.
    • Donovan Edwards and Phil Callihan emphasize the importance of teamwork and camaraderie on the Michigan football team, with Edwards highlighting the selflessness and lack of ego among players.
    • Callihan notes the team’s focus on the process rather than early season results, with players putting the team ahead of individual goals.
  • Michigan Wolverines football culture and player quotes.27:58
    • Clint Derringer praises Jim Harbaugh for revamping his coaching staff and creating a positive culture in Michigan’s Football building, leading to improved player confidence and humility.
    • Derringer attributes the team’s success to Harbaugh’s willingness to self-reflect and make changes after the 2020 season, resulting in a stronger cultural foundation and recruiting strategy.
    • Phil Callihan and Zak Zinter discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the team’s culture and motivation.
    • Ernest Hausmann talks about the “Michigan method” of playing the best players, and how it’s applied in the building.
  • Michigan Wolverines football culture and player relationships.34:04
    • Jim Harbaugh’s comments on gravity and football team dynamics reveal a deeper, more thoughtful side of the coach.
    • Phil Callihan observes a shift in Michigan football culture under Jim Harbaugh, with a focus on truth and openness, rather than loyalty and seniority.
    • Callihan notes that this culture allows for freshmen and sophomores to play, even if juniors and seniors are outplayed, creating a more competitive and dynamic team.
  • Michigan Wolverines football and coach Jim Harbaugh.39:57
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Jim Harbaugh’s personality and coaching style, with Derringer praising Harbaugh’s quirkiness and enjoyment of making others feel awkward.
    • Donovan Edwards expresses gratitude for being at the University of Michigan and enjoying his time on the team, despite occasional discomfort during practice.