Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 2022

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The final installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back just one year, to the 2022 matchup.

By 2022, Michigan’s status as one of the elite powers in college football had been firmly reestablished. By contrast, Michigan State was struggling. Just a year earlier, Spartan fans and alumni puffed out their chests and shouted, “Tuck comin!” By 2022, Michigan State seemed to have lost its way.

For its part, Michigan had undergone some changes in 2022. Do-everything superstar Aidan Hutchinson had graduated and joined the neighboring Detroit Lions in the NFL. JJ McCarthy had won the quarterback competition against Cade McNamara and he and running back Blake Corum were now the clear leaders of the team.

Truth be told, the game itself was pretty boring. Michigan exhibited a methodical dominance that seemed to lull Michigan State to sleep. On the field, at least.

The Wolverines relied on five field goals by Jake Moody to top the Spartans, 29-7. The onslaught of field goals produced the numbing effect of Novocain.

Oddly enough, the real drama began after the game ended. The viral power of social media produced sketchy reports of a fracas in the tunnel following the game. Rumors on social media platforms quickly gave way to credible news reports detailing a violent confrontation. Even the most cynical football fans were stunned.

The confrontation in the tunnel raised tensions between the two institutions to an unprecedented level. The months following the game produced an animosity that represented more than mere bragging rights.

Fans, alumni, and even casual observers anticipate the 2023 game with an awkward fascination. The 2022 game? Strangely enough, it will be remembered for decades.

Thanks to ESPN, YouTube, and YouTube poster ZTL for the following broadcast of the 2022 game. As always, I own nothing and I do not profit in any way from this blog post.

October 19, 2023October 19, 2023

Michigan Football Podcast — State Championship – Game 8 MSU Preview

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer preview the game vs MSU – SP+ analysis, commentary, look back at notable games in the rivalry’s history, and prediction.

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Podcast Summary

Michigan vs Michigan State game analysis.0:00
- Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer preview Michigan’s game versus Michigan State, discussing the teams’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as the rivalry between the two teams.
- Clint Derringer analyzes the SP plus rankings for the teams, finding them closely grouped from 52nd to 56th, with Michigan State ranked 55th and Minnesota ranked one spot behind them at 56th.
- Clint Derringer discusses Michigan State’s inconsistency under interim coach, citing coaching change and off-field issues as factors.
Michigan-Michigan State rivalry and off-field drama.5:05
- Michigan State fans use Michigan’s off-field drama to fuel trash talk.
- Michigan football team’s culture of resilience and teamwork is tested on the road against Michigan State.
- Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the intensity of the Michigan State-Michigan rivalry, with Phil noting that it has the most outliers and craziness compared to other rivalries.
- Players seem to be taking the rivalry more seriously this week, with Blake Corum specifically mentioning that it’s a big game and means a lot to them.
Michigan football, past games and rivalries.12:25
- Blake Corum mentions the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State, expressing uncertainty which team means more to him.
- Phil Callihan highlights the impact of the COVID season on the team’s performance, with players reflecting on the loss to Michigan State as a turning point.
- Phil Callihan recounts a memorable moment from the 1990 Michigan Wolverines football game against Michigan State, where a touchdown catch by Desmond Howard was initially called incomplete due to a lack of visibility in the stands.
- Callihan reflects on the strange nature of the game, including Demetrius Brown’s multiple interceptions and Michigan’s near victory despite these mistakes.
Michigan vs. Michigan State football rivalry.18:47
- Clint Derringer highlights Kenneth Walker’s iconic performance in 2021, with a possible upset on the Michigan State side.
- Clint Derringer predicts Michigan will win 34-7 against Michigan State, with a close halftime score of 14-7.
- Phil Callihan recounts the history of Michigan State’s dominance over Michigan, including the 1987 game where Michigan lost 17-11 despite throwing only 7 interceptions.
Michigan football, past and present.23:47
- Phil Callihan recounts a memorable game against Michigan State, including a late-game comeback and a painful loss.
- Clint Derringer agrees, highlighting four rivalry games from his college years with distinct personalities and memorable moments.
- Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer reminisce about a legendary performance by Braylon Edwards in a Michigan football game, sharing memories and insights from their perspective as fans.
- The speakers discuss the impact of JJ McCarthy’s legs on the Michigan offense, with Callihan expressing concern about how much is too much in terms of running.
- Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the physicality of the Michigan State vs. Michigan football game, with Derringer noting that Michigan State will try to physically shake or punish Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy.
- Callihan brings up the example of Braylon Edwards’ game against Michigan State, where he was mugged and the referees were cowardly in not calling a penalty.
Michigan football game strategy and player performance.31:16
- Clint Derringer hopes to see Michigan’s defense dominate and limit first downs against Michigan State, as the Wolverines have been giving up easy scores early in games.
- Phil Callihan recalls a memorable play at Michigan Stadium, where a punt block led to a Michigan State touchdown, highlighting the importance of special teams in the rivalry game.
- Clint Derringer wants to see a dominant performance from Michigan’s secondary, with no coverage busts or missed tackles.
- Phil Callihan and Blake Corum discuss JJ McCarthy’s risk-taking behavior as a physical Quarterback, acknowledging McCarthy’s hard-headedness and love for the game.
- Phil Callihan wants to see JJ McCarthy reined in and not get hurt in the game against Michigan State, while also wanting to see the Michigan defense take over and silence the opposing fans in their home stadium.
Michigan football’s chances against Michigan State.39:58
- Clint Derringer predicts Michigan will win by 27 points, citing a dominant defense and quick trigger from the Spartan fan base.
- Jim Harbaugh emphasizes the importance of November games and the upcoming rivalry matchup against Michigan State.

October 16, 2023October 19, 2023

Michigan Football Podcast — We’re in the Ass Kicking Business and Business is Booming – Game 7 Michigan 52 Indiana 7

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 52-7 victory over Indiana. With QB J.J. McCarthy, DL Cam Goode, LB Michael Barrett, DB Kean Sabb, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

Podcast Summary

Michigan Wolverines’ dominant victory over Indiana Hoosiers.0:00
- Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss Michigan’s 50-7 victory over Indiana, with Callihan expressing surprise at the team’s poor performance in the first quarter despite favorable weather conditions.
- Derringer highlights Indiana’s offensive improvements under new coordinator and head coaching experience, despite ultimately losing the game.
- Clint Derringer highlights the crucial play where Indiana’s defense intercepted a pass and prevented Michigan from scoring, potentially changing the outcome of the game.
- Phil Callihan breaks down the scoring, noting Indiana’s early touchdown and Michigan’s dominant performance in the second half, leading to a 52-7 victory.
- Phil Callihan was surprised that Michigan’s passing attack was not limited by the rain, despite expecting the team to dominate on the ground.
- Clint Derringer highlighted the offensive line’s performance, noting JJ McCarthy was sacked four times and the team needs to improve protection for the quarterback.
Michigan QB JJ McCarthy’s performance in a game against Indiana.8:20
- Phil Callihan praises JJ McCarthy’s performance, highlighting his ability to thread the needle and take risks, despite taking big hits.
- JJ McCarthy acknowledges working on his running balance, feeling better after Sunday’s game and planning to carry that into next week.
- JJ McCarthy faced pressure early, but responded well and showed resilience.
- Coaching staff needs to help JJ avoid taking unnecessary risks and be more efficient with his passes.
Michigan Wolverines football game with analysis of plays and player performance.14:22
- Clint Derringer criticizes JJ McCarthy’s decision to call a Quarterback draw on third and 16, saying it was an unnecessary risk and could have resulted in a turnover.
- Phil Callihan agrees, adding that the team’s attitude and playcalling could have been more aggressive and creative in that situation.
- Phil Callihan notes that Michigan’s offense and defense showed a “wrecking crew” mentality in the second quarter, after a slow start.
- Jim Harbaugh praises the team’s response to adversity, highlighting their “devotion to the fundamentals of Michigan Football.”
Michigan football team’s performance in a game against Indiana.20:20
- Michigan’s offense struggled early against Indiana, with penalties and missed opportunities.
- Clint Derringer: Michigan’s defense suffocated Indiana in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, allowing only 40 yards.
- Cam Goode: Michigan’s well-rounded team is difficult to stop, with improving linebackers and a rotating line that gets better with each game.
Michigan football team’s dominant defense.24:50
- Michigan defense is relentless, preaches being a “bully” to take away opponents’ hope.
- Phil Callihan praises Michigan’s defense as “incredible” and “balanced” with no superstar, citing Charles Woodson as a generational talent.
Michigan Wolverines’ defensive coaching staff and players’ improvement.28:43
- Clint Derringer highlights Harbaugh’s praise for his assistant coaches, particularly on defense, and notes the scheme’s seamless transition from Mike McDonald.
- Clint Derringer highlights the impact of coaching staff and senior leaders on defense, citing improved versatility and havoc creation.
Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance and coach Jim Harbaugh’s leadership.31:54
- Phil Callihan highlights Mike Barrett’s quote during the postgame interview, which shows the team’s mentality and confidence.
- Clint Derringer agrees, noting that the team has been tested before and has shown the ability to stay sharp and keep their swagger.
- Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Jim Harbaugh’s coaching style and trust in his players, with Derringer highlighting Harbaugh’s confidence in allowing players to push the envelope while Callihan notes the second and third string players’ performance.
- Jim Harbaugh uses an olive jar analogy to describe the tightness of his team’s play, emphasizing the importance of trust and confidence in their success.
- Jim Harbaugh praises his assistants and jokes with Donovan Edwards about his first touchdown.
- Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the potential for a contract extension for Harbaugh and the team’s performance this season.
- Michigan football team is “clicking on all cylinders” with veteran players leading the way.

October 16, 2023October 16, 2023

Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 2021

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The first installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back just two years, to 2021.

In the time since 2019, the world experienced a lot of change. Covid-19 sent workers home, and people adjusted to isolation. Many struggled with it, while others benefited, to varying degrees. Some even reveled in the change.

Michigan carefully reexamined its football course prior to 2021, and chose to go back to basics. Jim Harbaugh remained head coach, and Josh Gattis remained his offensive coordinator, though the success Michigan’s offense experience came from renewing its commitment to a power running game. There were several factors involved, but the tangible result was success for Michigan.

Michigan grabbed the early lead when Cade McNamara connected with Andrel Anthony for a 92-yard touchdown. Late in the second quarter, the game turned on the pivotal play. Michigan was leading 20-14 with less than two minutes left when MSU quarterback Payton Thorne faded back to pass deep in Spartan territory. Michigan defensive end David Ojabo beat a block and sacked Thorne, stripping the ball in the process. Better still, all-world defensive end Aidan Hutchinson recovered the fumble in the end zone, and Michigan had a two-score lead.

There was just one problem. Officials reviewed the tape and ruled that Thorne’s shin was down before he fumbled the ball. Television replays gave every impression that the original ruling was correct, because that ball appeared to pop loose before Thorne’s shin hit the ground. However, the game officials reversed their original call and ruled that Michigan State would keep the ball. Instead of having 26 points on the scoreboard, Michigan witnessed what might have been the 26th time in series history that an officiating controversy worked in Michigan State’s favor.

After that, Jake Moody kicked a field goal just before halftime to extend Michigan’s lead to nine points, but the Wolverines had difficulty overcoming the obvious officiating mistake in the first half. Late in the game, Michigan had a fourth down and 3 yards to go in Michigan State territory. Once again, the referees missed the fact that a defensive back grabbed Ronnie Bell’s arm, preventing him from reaching for the ball. MIchigan turned the ball over on downs, and Michigan State won, 37-33.

The good news for Michigan was that the Wolverines went on to beat Ohio State and top Iowa in the Big Ten championship game, earning their first berth in the College Football Playoff. Still, that controversial loss to Michigan State in East Lansing prevented the Wolverines from finishing the regular season with a perfect record, something that will stick in the Wolverines’ craws forever.

Many thanks for Fox Sports, the Big Ten Network, YouTube and YouTube poster Matthew Loves Ball for the accompanying highlight film of this game. As always, I own nothing and do not profit from this blog post in any way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-BcS6eakck

6 Michigan vs #8 Michigan State Football Game Highlights 10 30 2021

October 13, 2023October 19, 2023

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.

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.