The Michigan Insider

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Michigan-Oklahoma recap: Takeaways from the Wolverines' gritty win over 11th-ranked Sooners Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's win over No. 11 Oklahoma. In the episode, they look at what the Wolverines did on both sides of the ball to pull off the upset win, and what it means for Michigan moving forward.

In the first half of the episode, they look at Michigan's offense, and what changed from a week ago to yield better results. They discuss the Wolverines' gritty yet creative ground game, Bryce Underwood's dual-threat usage, Underwood's improved steadiness and other factors, as well as what the progress means for Michigan's season.

In the second half of the episode, they look at the defensive side of the ball, and discuss what enabled Michigan to play so well against Oklahoma's offense. They look at an elite game in the secondary, strong pushes up front and breakout players from the game.

Along the way, they consider where Michigan could be even better moving forward, and what to make of the Wolverines' two seemingly different performances so far.

The Michigan Insider Recap: Michigan defeats Oklahoma Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

The Michigan Insider's Sam Webb and Josh Newkirk break down Michigan's resurgent performance in its 17-10 victory, led by an imposing performance by the defense, and a bounce back showing by Bryce Underwood and the offense.

Michigan-Oklahoma preview: Keys, adjustments and what to expect in the Wolverines' first ranked matchup of 2026 Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz preview the Michigan football team's Saturday clash with No. 10 Oklahoma, offering their keys for the Wolverines and predictions for the matchup.

They open with a look at what must change for Michigan's offense. They discuss the needed improvement on the offensive line, and urgency to get the Wolverines' run game more involved. They also discuss Bryce Underwood, the pressure he's facing, and how he and Michigan should handle it. Along the way, they discuss the Sooners' star-studded front seven, experienced back-seven and the important factors for Michigan in this week's matchup.

In the second half of the episode, they look at Michigan's defense, and how it can contain an experienced, aggressive offense with multiple pass-catching threats. They close with their score predictions for the game.

Behind Enemy Lines: Michigan vs. Oklahoma preview Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Michigan faces its toughest test of the non-conference season as the Wolverines host the Oklahoma Sooners for a noon kickoff at the Big House on Saturday, Sept. 12.

A week after scuffling to near-disaster against Western Michigan, U-M will be challenged by one of the nation's top defensive minds and a unit that returns seven starters. And on the other side of the ball, John Mateer is healthy and eager to showcase his growth since a shaky 2025 season in an offense that utilizes tight ends a lot more than your traditional Air Raid.

Tom Green, who covers OU for Sooners Illustrated of 247Sports, joins Behind Enemy Lines to give us the inside scoop on Oklahoma ahead of this SEC-Big Ten showdown.

Michigan Football Breakdown with Borges & English - Week 1 Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

In this week's episode, Al Borges returns to the breakdown series, and we welcome former Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English to the team (Vance Bedford will still make occasional guest appearances this season). The crew tackles a surprising opener in which Michigan survived Western Michigan with a controversial, last-second Hail Mary, but the Wolverines left their opener with far more questions than answers—and little time to find them before a massive showdown with Oklahoma. On this week’s Michigan Football Breakdown, The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb joins former Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges and former defensive coordinator Ron English for a detailed film review of the good, bad, and ugly from Michigan’s dramatic escape. Borges breaks down an offense that sputtered after an impressive opening drive, from third-down failures and problems handling defensive line movement to an inconsistent rushing attack and costly turnovers. At the center of the discussion is Bryce Underwood, as Borges analyzes the quarterback’s reads, fundamentals, and decision-making, while the trio debates Kyle Whittingham’s pointed declaration that Underwood remains the starter “right now”—and what it means for the length of his leash against Oklahoma. English takes the defense, explaining what he liked about a unit that surrendered only field goals despite playing 71 snaps, but also what must improve after Western sustained several long drives. That includes better communication and execution, more physical tackling, and doing a better job disguising coverages and tightening up pre-snap rotations so Oklahoma can’t easily identify. He then tackles what the Wolverines must do to defend Oklahoma’s dangerous quarterback, John Mateer. The crew lays out the most important fixes ahead of Week 2—and why the matchup with the Sooners could quickly become a season-shaping test for Underwood and the Wolverines.

Monday Morning Quarterback with Denard Robinson - Week 1 Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

The Michigan Insider’s Monday Morning Quarterback is back, with Sam Webb and Michigan legend Denard Robinson putting Bryce Underwood’s underwhelming performance against Western Michigan under the microscope following the Wolverines’ dramatic, controversial last-second Hail Mary victory. Robinson breaks down why Underwood struggled after he opening drive, highlighting issues with his footwork, pocket presence, pre-snap recognition, eye discipline, and tendency to predetermine throws — mistakes that could prove far more costly against Oklahoma. The former Michigan quarterback also details how the Wolverines can help Underwood find his rhythm, from giving him more quarterback runs and RPO opportunities to building a package of “layup” plays that can settle him when things start going sideways. But the conversation ultimately turns to the biggest question facing Michigan this week: Is Underwood’s starting job now on the line? Webb shares Kyle Whittingham’s pointed declaration that Underwood is the quarterback “right now,” but that his hold on the job isn’t infinite and improvement must come. Robinson reacts strongly to that message and explains why Saturday’s massive showdown with Oklahoma represents both a serious test of Underwood’s job security and a golden opportunity for the talented sophomore to quiet the doubts with the kind of breakthrough performance Michigan has been waiting for.

Michigan-WMU recap: Digesting the Wolverines' last-second win over the Broncos, and what it means for the rest of the 2026 season Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz recap the Michigan football team’s 13-12 win over Western Michigan.

The two begin their discussion by looking into Michigan’s Hail Mary victory, which included two chances at the win thanks to the officials putting one second back on the block. They then turn their attention to the Wolverines' offense, which had eight dreadful drives between its two scoring drives. They look at what can be done to yield better results from Bryce Underwood, Michigan's offensive line and a sloppy team performance overall.

In the second half of the episode, they look at the Wolverines' defense, which had more bright spots than Michigan's offense. They discuss Dominic Nichols, Troy Bowles and other standouts, but why penalties and not getting off the field negated some of that success. They close the episode by discussing how Saturday's win changed their expectations for Michigan for the 2026 season.

Michigan football 2026 predictions special: We break down top players, toughest matchups and more ahead of Wolverines' season Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their annual preseason tradition with their 2026 Michigan football predictions special. In the episode, they break down predictions for Michigan both on an individual and team level.

Among the predictions include:

-Leading passer

-Leading rusher

-Leading receiver

-Best offensive lineman

-Leading tackler

-Leader in sacks

-Leader in interceptions

-Offensive and defensive MVP

-Offensive and defensive Most-Improved

-Offensive and defensive freshman of the year

-Offensive and defensive transfer of the year

-Best and worst position group

-Unranked matchup Michigan should be more concerned about

-Ranked matchup Michigan should be least concerned about

-Michigan State and Ohio State predictions

-Overall record

-College Football Playoff or not

-And more!

Behind Enemy Lines: Michigan vs. Western Michigan preview Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to another season of Michigan football and another season of Behind Enemy Lines! We welcome Andrew Graham of Mitten Football to break down all things Western Michigan. The Broncos return key offensive pieces from last year's MAC-winning team, but there are injury issues on the offensive line and significant questions in the defensive front seven.

Plus, we check in on a trio of former Wolverines who could see playing time with WMU on Saturday night at the Big House.

EXCLUSIVE: Warde Manuel discusses decision to step down at Michigan Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

In an exclusive, wide-ranging conversation with The Michigan Insider's Sam Webb, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel opens up about his decision to step down after more than a decade leading the athletic department, explaining why he came to believe the timing was right both for himself and for the university. Manuel reflects candidly on a tenure he says he leaves with his “head held high,” pointing to an unprecedented stretch of championship success, record-setting academic achievement, major facility investments and the growth of one of the largest athletic departments in the country, while also acknowledging the difficult decisions, controversies and lessons that shaped his evolution as a leader. He discusses what he hopes his legacy will be after 21 years as an athletic director and 11 years at Michigan, why he believes the next AD will inherit a strong organization rather than a rebuilding project, and the advice he would give his successor about navigating the complex alignment between the athletic department, university president and Board of Regents. Manuel also makes clear that his work at Michigan is not finished, detailing his priorities over the remaining months of his tenure as the department confronts rising costs, revenue sharing, corporate sponsorship and the rapidly changing economics of college sports. And while he has not yet decided exactly what comes next, Manuel says retirement is not his mindset at age 58, revealing that he still wants to contribute as a leader in athletics—college, professional or otherwise—while also looking forward to more time with his wife, family and a life beyond the all-consuming demands of the Michigan AD chair.

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