Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Game 7 Commentary and MSU Prediction

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In the wake of Michigan’s crushing 21-7 loss to Illinois @pcallihan and @Clint_Derringer dive deep into the team’s offensive struggles, turnovers, and questionable coaching decisions that have cast a shadow over the season. With the team’s bowl hopes on the line, they stress how critical it is for the Wolverines to regroup, simplify their game plan, and focus on running the ball effectively. As they look ahead to the must-win rivalry game against Michigan State, they emphasize the desperation surrounding the Wolverines, urging fans to tune in and engage as the team fights to salvage its season.

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Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Game 7 Prediction — Illinois

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In this episode @pcallihan and @Clint_Derringer break down Michigan’s pivotal matchup against Illinois, focusing on the team’s struggles in road games and the need for clean execution. With Illinois showing strength in close games, Michigan’s offense, led by QB Jack Tuttle, must step up against Illinois’ formidable defense. They emphasize the importance of consistent offensive line play, strong defensive tackling, and dominating all phases of the game to keep Michigan’s playoff hopes alive. This is a must-listen for fans eager to dive into the game’s key storylines and Michigan’s path forward.

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By the Numbers: Game 7 @ Illinois

LAST WEEK RECAP

The Wolverines couldn’t hold a 4th quarter lead against the Washington Huskies as they headed into the bye week.  Eventually the big plays allowed by the defense, and two costly turnovers by the offense, fueled Washington’s 27-17 victory

NEXT UP: @ Illinois: SP+ 47th, 6.3

PREGAME SP+: Michigan by 4.9, Michigan Win Probability 62%

As Michigan rested last week, the Illini were sweating out a 1-point overtime victory over SP+ 82nd ranked Purdue.  I think both the SP+ model and the Vegas odds would have favored the 5-1 Illinois at home if not for that eye-opener against the Boilermakers. 

Michigan Offense (63rd) vs. Illinois Defense (43rd) 

Surprisingly, the Illinois defense provides an advantageous match up for the Wolverines.  The Illini have given up 239 yards rushing in each of their last two games to Purdue and to Penn State  This could be exactly what the doctor ordered for a Michigan offensive line that has yet to click as a unit.  While the Wolverines have had a couple big rushing performances in 2024, they still are searching for consistency.  In Jack Tuttle’s first start for Michigan, their ability to lean on a high success rate in the run game should open throwing lanes to Coleston Loveland and Amorion Walker down the field.  Hopefully left tackle #78 Myles Hinton is back in the starting lineup.  He is the one Michigan lineman who has been able to move defenders off the line of scrimmage regularly. 

Michigan Defense (9th) vs. Illinois Offense (58th)

Early in the season, my assumption was that Michigan’s defensive struggles were mostly due to lack of offensive success putting the D into bad spots.  While that was certainly happening, it was not the case in the Washington loss.  The Huskies put up a gaudy 47% success rate against the Michigan defense, including 45% success on 3rd down.  The Wolverines need their playmakers to step forward in the biggest moments.  Hopefully the bye week helped a few key players heal, especially edge rusher #8 Derrick Moore.  Illinois quarterback Luke Altmeyer has been fantastic this season.  His only poor performance was the one loss for the Illini at Penn State.  The Michigan defensive front will be able to win 1-on-1 against this offensive line, but coordinator Wink Martindale will have to do a better job of pairing disguised coverages with his rushes.  If Altmeyer is allowed to make simple decisions and get the ball out of his hand quickly, this game could look a lot like the Washington game. 

PREDICTION: Most of the focus locally and nationally seems to be on the Michigan offense as they trot out their 3rd starting QB of the season.  While that is understandable, this game will be decided by Michigan’s defense.  Our preseason predictions were looking for an elite defense to lead the Wolverines while a new offensive lineup figured things out.  The offense has a golden opportunity to reestablish a dominant run game, so I am placing the focus squarely on the defense to be elite.  For now, I will predict that the Wolverine defensive front will cause just enough havoc to allow Michigan to escape Champaign with a victory. 
Michigan 24 Illinois 21 (PRESEASON Michigan 20 Illinois 7)

MICHIGAN RESUME UPDATE 10/13/24, 4-2

SP+ Overall: 21st (↑6), 13.7
SP+ Offense: 63rd (↑5), 28.1
SP+ Defense: 9th (↑3), 14.8
SP+ Special Teams: 11th (↓2), 0.4

AP Poll: 24th (same), 133

Coaches’ Poll: 22nd (↓1), 223

CFP Rank: N/A

Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Commentary — Game 6 Washington 27 Michigan 17

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Tune into the latest podcast as @pcallihan and @Clint_Derringer break down Michigan’s tough 27-17 loss to Washington. They examine the struggles on both sides of the ball, from quarterback rotation issues and offensive line breakdowns to defensive failures in the second half. With critical insights from Sherrone Moore on the quarterback situation, the Wolverines need stronger leadership from key players like Donovan Edwards and Will Johnson save this season. This episode explores how Michigan can bounce back during the bye week. Tune in for a deep dive into the team’s challenges and how they can turn the season around.

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