Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Season Preview

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Get ready for an in-depth preview of Michigan’s 2024 football season with hosts @pcallihan and @Clint_Derringer as they break down the team’s transition into the new Big 10 format, navigating the shift from the 12-team college football playoff. From a predicted victory against Fresno State to the high-stakes clash with Ohio State, they delve into key matchups, including a close battle with Washington and a showdown with Texas. With a strong focus on Michigan’s defense and its potential to surpass last year’s performance, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what could be a defining season for the Wolverines.

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Podcast Summary

Themes

  • Continue building the defensive culture of being “positionless” and unpredictable.
  • Maintain the culture of hard practices where “games are easier than practice.”
  • Ensure everything remains “aligned and in the right place” for player success and development.

Outline

Season Preview and New Era

  • Phil Callihan introduces the podcast and the season preview, highlighting the new teams and challenges.
  • Clint Derringer discusses the end of an era and the start of a new era, transitioning from the 4-team playoff era to the 12-team format.
  • Phil reflects on the last time Michigan won the national championship in 1998 and the changes in the schedule, including the addition of Rutgers and Maryland.

First Game: Fresno State

  • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the first game against Fresno State, a night game at the Big House.
  • Clint predicts a celebratory atmosphere and a manageable game for Michigan, despite Fresno State being a formidable Group of Five team.
  • Clint mentions the potential distractions from the celebration and the team’s hunger to prove they are not a step back from the 2023 national championship team.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the defense’s readiness and the importance of starting the season strong.

Texas Game and Defense

  • Clint Derringer predicts a close game against Texas, citing Texas’s experienced quarterback and strong offensive line.
  • Phil emphasizes the importance of the defense scoring points to keep the game close.
  • TJ Guy from the defense expresses confidence in the team’s readiness and the potential for individual players to shine.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the challenges of the Texas game and the importance of the defense’s performance.

Arkansas State and USC

  • Clint Derringer predicts a bounce-back game for Michigan against Arkansas State, despite the team’s recent home loss to Texas.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Arkansas State game as a tune-up for the USC game.
  • Clint predicts a win for Michigan against USC, citing the home-field advantage and USC’s defensive struggles.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Michigan to score points against USC and the importance of the game in the Big 10 title race.

Minnesota and Washington Games

  • Clint Derringer predicts a win for Michigan against Minnesota, citing the team’s strength against the run and the home-field advantage.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the challenges of the Washington game, including the travel and the quality of the opponent.
  • Clint predicts a close game against Washington, with Michigan winning due to a few critical plays.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the bye week and the upcoming Illinois game as a potential trap game.

Illinois and Michigan State

  • Clint Derringer predicts a win for Michigan against Illinois, citing the team’s strength against the run and the home-field advantage.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Michigan to dominate the Illinois game after the bye week.
  • Clint predicts a win for Michigan against Michigan State, citing the team’s run game and the home-field advantage.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Michigan State game as a rivalry game and a potential tune-up for the Oregon game.

Oregon and Indiana

  • Clint Derringer predicts a win for Michigan against Oregon, citing the home-field advantage and the potential for the defense to outperform Oregon’s defense.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Oregon game as a pivot point in the season and a potential national title contender game.
  • Clint predicts a win for Michigan against Indiana, citing the talent and depth discrepancy between the teams.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Indiana to be a trap game and the importance of the Indiana game as a final home game of the season.

Northwestern and Ohio State

  • Clint Derringer predicts a win for Michigan against Northwestern, citing the team’s focus on senior day and the home-field advantage.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Michigan to dominate the Northwestern game after the bye week.
  • Clint predicts a loss for Michigan against Ohio State, citing the experience at quarterback and the potential for Ohio State to outperform Michigan’s offensive line.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Ohio State game as a rivalry game and the potential for Michigan to dominate the game if they perform well.

Big 10 Title and Playoff Implications

  • Clint Derringer discusses the potential for Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon to be the top four teams in the Big 10 and the implications for the Big 10 title game and the playoff.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Big 10 title game and the potential for Michigan to make it to the playoff.
  • Clint emphasizes the importance of the offensive line’s performance and the potential for Michigan to reach the benchmarks for success.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the potential for Michigan to dominate the Ohio State game and the importance of the game in the national title race.

Final Thoughts and Season Outlook

  • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the importance of the offensive line’s performance and the potential for Michigan to reach the benchmarks for success.
  • Phil emphasizes the importance of the defense’s performance and the potential for Michigan to dominate the Ohio State game.
  • Clint predicts a win for Michigan against Ohio State, citing the experience at quarterback and the potential for Ohio State to outperform Michigan’s offensive line.
  • Phil and Clint discuss the importance of the Ohio State game as a rivalry game and the potential for Michigan to dominate the game if they perform well.

Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Fall Camp Begins

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer cover the recent NCAA sanctions against the University of Michigan’s football program (HA!) and the team’s preparation and expectations for the upcoming season. Topics include culture, leadership, and maintaining focus amidst challenges. The discussion also touches on potential changes in Michigan’s offensive strategy, the need for defensive excellence, and the overall progress of the team, highlighting the importance of building chemistry and setting high standards across the board.

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Podcast Summary

Michigan Wolverines football, including NCAA sanctions.

  • Clint Derringer and Jim Harbaugh discuss NCAA punishment and information leaking.
  • NCAA’s committee on infractions have no teeth.
  • Ohio State fans should enjoy the drama, as championship still in Ann Arbor.
  • NCAA responds to Netflix documentary with its own PR campaign.
  • Clint Derringer: NCAA’s punishment of Harbaugh & Michigan unlikely to affect current team.

Michigan football team’s mentality and depth despite changes in personnel.

  • Michigan football players and coaches remain focused on their season despite offseason distractions.
  • Michigan defense aims for complete domination on the field.

Michigan football team’s mindset and goals for the season, with a focus on leadership and personal growth.

  • Encouraged by offense’s success in practice, hungry defense with new staff.
  • Balance of consistency and new energy on both sides of ball, Michigan in good place.
  • Will Johnson discusses expectations for the team, personal goals, and the importance of being process-driven and prepared.
  • Tyler Morris, Colson Loveland, and other players talk about their roles as leaders, taking cues from older players, and helping younger teammates improve.

Michigan Wolverines football team culture and quarterback competition.

  • Quinton Johnson emphasizes the importance of culture and preparation at Michigan football camp.
  • Quinten Johnson emphasizes the importance of offense versus defense in training camp, with the offense winning on the first day of pads but the defense still looking strong.
  • Phil Callihan speculates on Jim Harbaugh’s coaching legacy at Michigan.

Michigan football team’s offensive line and running backs, with a focus on their progress and chemistry.

  • Offensive line is a question mark, but success against tough defensive fronts is encouraging.
  • If offensive line can dominate line of scrimmage, no ceiling on this team’s potential.
  • Kalel Mullings and Colston Loveland discussed the progress of the offensive line, highlighting their physicality and chemistry.
  • Phil Callihan emphasized the importance of consistency and unexpected surprises in evaluating the team’s performance.

Offensive playbook expansion and quarterback competition in Michigan football camp.

  • Tyler Morris: Excited about offensive coordinator’s playbook expansion, more throwing opportunities.
  • Callihan suggests Michigan may adopt more aggressive passing game.

Michigan football team’s defense, led by new coach Wink Martindale, with a focus on the team’s goals and expectations.

  • Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the potential of Michigan’s wide receivers making big plays in key moments.
  • Wink Martindale emphasizes the importance of teamwork and having a chip on his shoulder at Schembechler Hall.
  • Wink Martindale emphasizes pressure and setting the bar high for the defense, drawing comparisons to Don Brown.
  • Players describe Martindale’s coaching style as more detailed and specific, with an emphasis on production across the board.

Michigan Wolverines football team’s preparation and expectations for the upcoming season.

  • Callihan and Derringer agree on program’s trajectory but predict patience in early season mistakes.
  • Phil Callihan finds humor in Michigan fans’ reactions to transfer portal, NIL.
  • Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss the upcoming football season, with Derringer expressing excitement and optimism about the team’s potential.
  • Derringer emphasizes the importance of staying focused and motivated during practice, especially during the longer days of the fourth to sixth week of practice.