Michigan Football Podcast — Chilling in the Storm – Bye Week Drama

Support the Podcast, Get Gear

Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s prospects heading into the season’s home stretch, J.J McCarthy’s Heisman prospects, and the hoopla over Michigan’s sign scouting. With QB J.J. McCarthy, WR Roman Wilson, RB Blake Corum, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Stitcher | Email | RSS |


Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines football.0:00
    • Tom Brady sponsors app to reward diehard Michigan fans.
  • Michigan football’s performance and off-field drama.1:27
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s on-field success despite off-field drama.
  • Michigan QB JJ McCarthy’s Heisman chances.3:02
    • Phil Callihan agrees that the current Wolverines team is better than expected, despite facing tough opponents like Purdue and Ohio State.
    • Clint Derringer notes that JJ McCarthy’s Heisman hype is unusual due to his limited playing time, with only four passes thrown in the fourth quarter of eight games.
    • Clint Derringer argues that JJ McCarthy’s Heisman case is based on his efficiency and leadership on a strong Michigan team, rather than just raw output.
    • Phil Callihan agrees with Clint, highlighting JJ’s great answer to the question about his Heisman chances.
  • Football player JJ McCarthy’s mindset and performance.8:16
    • J.J. McCarthy emphasizes team’s championship goals, daily improvement, and stacking wins.
    • J.J. McCarthy prioritizes humility and hunger, drawing inspiration from Kobe Bryant’s mentality.
  • JJ McCarthy’s Heisman candidacy and Michigan football.11:31
    • Quarterback J.J. McCarthy prioritizes injury prevention despite being a hard-hitting player.
    • Phil Callihan believes JJ McCarthy’s performance in a day game at home against Penn State could make him a Heisman contender.
    • Phil Callihan highlights JJ McCarthy’s leadership and all-around skills, with Roman Wilson praising his throwing and running abilities, as well as his community involvement.
    • The team’s supportive attitude towards JJ, including his humility and focus on the team’s success, is also noted, with Callihan suggesting that even if JJ doesn’t win the Heisman, he’ll be okay with it if Michigan wins.
  • Michigan Wolverines football program’s culture and leadership.17:42
    • Derringer: JJ’s ability to block out negativity and lead with positivity since 2020.
    • Distractions have been a persistent issue for the team, with the current one being the biggest.
    • Callihan and Derringer discuss allegations of sign stealing in college baseball, with Callihan sharing his surprise that the sign in question was still up after a staff member left the program.
  • College football program’s use of video to gain competitive advantage.23:54
    • Clint Derringer criticizes the NCAA for leaving too much wiggle room in the rules regarding sign stealing, allowing big programs to gain an unfair advantage.
    • Derringer believes the issue could have been solved 30 years ago if the NFL had implemented proper measures, such as microphones and speakers in helmets, to allow for direct communication between coaches and players on the sideline.
    • Clint Derringer expresses frustration with Michigan’s NCAA violations, hoping for investigation and potential sanctions.
    • Phil Callihan acknowledges that some coaches may cover their mouths when talking to avoid being recorded, but he doesn’t find it surprising or outrageous due to his background and expertise in the field.
  • College football program’s potential NCAA violation.31:06
    • Phil Callihan is unimpressed by the media frenzy over Michigan’s alleged rules violation, seeing it as equivalent to exceeding the speed limit by 5 mph.
    • Callihan believes the media’s outrage is misplaced, as Michigan fans and big donors are largely supportive of Jim Harbaugh and the program’s financial success.
    • Phil Callihan believes the NCAA is irrelevant and can’t take action against Michigan due to the potential backlash and legal implications.
    • Callihan compares the NCAA to an accountant who tells you what you want to hear but doesn’t add up, and the national media is stirring misinformation to remain relevant.
  • Michigan football’s NCAA investigation and potential PR strategy.37:23
    • Clint Derringer suspects a PR strategy against Michigan, timed to coincide with the team’s most challenging stretch of the season.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the legitimacy of allegations against Michigan football, with Callihan expressing skepticism and Derringer withholding judgment until more facts are revealed.
    • Phil Callihan questions the NCAA’s motives in investigating Jim Harbaugh’s alleged misconduct, citing inconsistent enforcement and prioritization of less important issues.
  • College football revenue sharing and alleged sign stealing.45:19
    • Jim Harbaugh advocates for revenue sharing with college student athletes.
    • Jim Harbaugh argues for revenue sharing in college sports, citing successful examples from other industries.
    • Jim Harbaugh addresses speculation about him being involved in a “hit job” on himself.
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the Michigan Wolverines football team, with Clint expressing excitement to get back on the field and Phil pointing out the lack of resources dedicated to the team.
    • Jim Harbaugh compares the team to field corn, suggesting they have the potential to grow and produce energy with any available resources.

Michigan Football Podcast — It Felt Damn Good – Game 8 Michigan 49 michigan state 0

Support the Podcast, Get Gear

Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 49-0 victory over michigan state. With QB J.J. McCarthy, OL Zak Zinter, LB Junior Colson, TE A.J. Barner, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. Also, exclusive expose on NCAA investigation into Jim Harbaugh leaving the cap off of the toothpaste.

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Stitcher | Email | RSS |


Podcast Archive

Podcast Summary

  • Michigan Wolverines’ victory and new app for fans.0:00
    • Tom Brady co-founds app to recognize biggest Michigan fans.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominant victory and team improvement.1:22
    • Michigan football continues to improve, with increasing margins of victory and a vision for future success.
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan’s dominance over Michigan State was cathartic after past losses.
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan State’s superiority in the trenches made games against Michigan unenjoyable in the early 2010s.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ victory and program’s baggage with coach Jim Harbaugh.6:16
    • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the Michigan State football team’s loss to Michigan, with Derringer expressing little sympathy for the team and Callihan acknowledging the poor coaching hire that led to the loss.
    • Callihan criticizes Michigan State’s administration for not resolving the Mel Tucker contract situation before the season, leaving the players in a difficult position.
    • Phil Callihan and Jim Harbaugh discuss the Michigan Wolverines’ execution and focus during their game, despite criticism and distractions.
    • The team shrugs off negative comments and keeps working, with players like Zak Zinter and Clint Drew saying they’re focused on their own performance.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ mental toughness and leadership.12:27
    • Clint Derringer praises Michigan football’s mental and psychological fortitude in shutting out Michigan State despite distractions and noise.
    • Derringer highlights the leadership of players like JJ McCarthy and assistant coaches in compartmentalizing distractions and executing cleanly in a rivalry game on the road.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominant win and backup players’ performance.15:36
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan players showed no signs of complacency despite being up 42 points, giving maximum effort and staying locked in throughout the game.
    • Clint Derringer: Michigan’s final touchdown drive was notable for the team’s decision to take the kneel down with eight seconds remaining, rather than trying to score again and potentially risking a turnover.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan’s depth chart decisions in blowout win over Michigan State, praising the fourth and fifth stringers for their hard play.
    • Derringer notes that the backups’ opportunity to play in a rivalry game is not a sign of disrespect, but rather a sign of the depth and talent of the Michigan team.
  • Michigan Wolverines’ dominating win over Michigan State Spartans.21:41
    • Michigan fans filled the stadium and drowned out Spartan chants with “Let’s Go Blue” chants, while the Spartans slow-updated the digital scoreboards during the final touchdown.
    • Michigan dominates Michigan State in all facets of the game.
    • Clint Derringer analyzes Michigan QB JJ McCarthy’s performance, noting he’s done well despite limited garbage time plays.
  • Michigan football’s recent win and national championship prospects.28:32
    • Clint Derringer: JJ McCarthy playing better than any QB in the country, Michigan’s offense difficult to shut down.
    • Phil Callihan: Michigan’s schedule not the toughest, bye week crucial for players to rest and heal, looking forward to Penn State vs. Ohio State game.
    • Phil Callihan and Junior Colson discuss Michigan football’s dominant performance in a game, with Callihan highlighting the team’s strong rushing game and Colson sharing an amusing anecdote about a touchdown return.
    • Phil Callihan shares his enthusiasm for Michigan’s dominance over Michigan State, highlighting the team’s impressive performance and the joy of watching them play.
    • Callihan addresses the sign stealing controversy, dismissing claims of shenanigans and emphasizing that Michigan’s success is due to the players’ talent and hard work.
  • Jim Harbaugh’s NCAA investigation and its impact on Michigan football.36:08
    • Clint Derringer: Separating team’s performance from investigation is key.
    • Jim Harbaugh’s feud with the NCAA continues, with personal attacks and suspensions.
  • Michigan Wolverines football game and team performance.40:40
    • Phil Callihan questions the NCAA’s motives in investigating Jim Harbaugh’s alleged infraction, citing inconsistent treatment and the organization’s history of being on the “wrong side of history.”
    • Phil Callihan and AJ Barner discuss Michigan’s offensive talent and mindset, with Callihan highlighting the team’s improvement and Barner praising their overall skill.
    • Clint Derringer highlights Junior Coulson’s performance in the game, noting his ability to make tackles and play in the backfield.
    • Jim Harbaugh emphasizes the team’s focus on preparation and execution, citing their success in playing their best Football.

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.


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

Support the Podcast, Get Gear

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.

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Stitcher | Email | RSS |


Podcast Archive

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.

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.

Support the Podcast, Get Gear

Subscribe:
Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Stitcher | Email | RSS |


Podcast Archive

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.