The Michigan Insider

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Michigan football review-preview part 2: Defense/ST Jan 29, 2020

Show notes

Continuing with part 2 of our review-preview series, we break down what happened, what’s next and more with the Michigan football team’s defensive line, linebackers, cornerbacks, safeties and special teams units.

First, we look at Michigan’s defensive line, and weigh the strengths of the Wolverines’ defensive ends vs. some issues with Michigan’s defensive interior and depth. We also look at what the unit will look like next season with more experience, and why the second- and third-year “project” players are the key to the line making the next step.

We then look at linebacker, and dissect what was overall a strong year from an experienced group. We look at why big plays continued to be a problem, and what the position group looks like with three departing starters next season.

We next break down Michigan’s cornerbacks and safeties, following our same formula as the other groups. We offer grades, what worked, what didn’t work, decide if the arrow is pointing up, down or even and break down out big key offseason question. We close by doing the same for special teams.

Episode 13 with New York Knick forward Ignas Brazdeikis Jan 27, 2020

Show notes

Tim McCormick interviews New York Knick forward Ignas Brazdeikis about his transition to the NBA, his standout freshman campaign at Michigan last season, his thoughts on this year's team, and more. Plus, Tim and host Sam Webb discuss the offensive struggles in the latest losses to Penn State and Illinois, possible adjustments, and preview the upcoming games versus Nebraska and Rutgers.

Michigan football review-preview part 1: Offense Jan 24, 2020

Show notes

In the first of a two-part series, we break down every offensive position group with a five-point review preview.

First, we look at Michigan's quarterbacks, taking a look at the group's 2019 grade, what worked for the group, what didn't work for the group, whether the arrow is pointing up, down or flat at the position heading into 2020 and what our biggest offseason question for the group is.

We then do the same for Michigan's running backs, receivers, tight ends and offensive linemen. Along the way, we differ on grades, dissect the legacy of departing players, offer some intel on incoming recruits, break down returning talent and read between the lines on young ascending players who might step into starting roles next season. We also look into the key offseason questions, ranging from developing stars to new positions to how certain players fit in Michigan's system.

Episode 12 with ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

Tim McCormick interviews college basketball analyst Jay Bilas about the beginning of the Juwan Howard era at Michigan, how impactful he believes Howard will be on the recruiting trail, the battle for supremacy in the Big 10, where the league rates nationally, what college basketball will look like in 10 years, and much more. Plus, Tim and host Sam Webb break down Michigan's recent loss to Iowa, the adjustment in defensive strategy, and the upcoming matchups versus Penn State and Illinois.

Gauging Michigan basketball's panic meter Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

First, we diagnose what Michigan’s panic level should be following its 0-2 week in road games at Minnesota and Iowa. We weigh the explainable setbacks such as how difficult the Wolverines’ schedule has been, the impact of Isaiah Livers’ injury and what probably could have been considered a young roster in transition. We also break down which issues aren’t necessarily as forgivable, such as Michigan’s transition defense, post defense, road shooting woes and even potentially energy according to one player.

Our discussion then turns to what’s next, as we look at a winnable five-game stretch for the Wolverines, and how Michigan can capitalize and redefine its season.

Finally, we close by looking at Juwan Howard’s recruiting, why he has had success so far, and what to make of the Wolverines’ 2020 recruiting class so far.

Episode 11 with Michigan point guard Zavier Simpson Jan 15, 2020

Show notes

Tim McCormick interviews Michigan point guard and captain Zavier Simpson about the growth of his game, his evolving leadership style, Juwan Howard, and more. Plus, Tim and host Sam Webb discuss the defensive strategy that has had led to career highs in points for several opponents this year, whether changes to that strategy are forthcoming, Eli Brooks’ struggles, and preview the rematch with Iowa.

Hosts Tim McCormick (@TimMcCormick40) and Sam Webb (@SamWebb77)

Michigan football's offseason to-do list Jan 14, 2020

Show notes

The first, most pertinent issue that we address for Michigan’s to-do list is look at its lone assistant coaching vacancy. We recap our discussion from last week on what direction the Wolverines should go to replace departed safeties coach Chris Partridge. We also break down why the apparent retention of outside linebackers coach Anthony Campanile can be beneficial to Michigan, and how it changes what the Wolverines are looking for in their 10th assistant.

Next on our list, we look at potential transfer portal targets, and explain why we both hone in on the defensive line. We discuss one major defensive tackle target, and explore some of the young defensive linemen the Wolverines might want to bring some depth and experience around.

We next look at the upcoming quarterback battle between Dylan McCaffrey and Joe Milton. We debate when Michigan should come to a decision, what to watch for in the battle, the significance and what to expect in terms of transfer fallout when an eventual winner is selected.

Breaking down some smaller options, we look at defensive adjustments that should be made, how Michigan re-equips its secondary and offensive line, the importance of second-year defensive standouts, players the Wolverines must find more usage for and the opportunity in 2021 recruiting to hit the ground running.

Chris Partridge and Michigan's recruiting stature Jan 11, 2020

Show notes

In a more news-focused football podcast, we dissect two recent going-ons with the Michigan football team.

First, we break down the Wolverines’ loss of safeties coach and special teams coordinator Chris Partridge. We break down what made Partridge such an impressive recruiter, other things he brought to the table as a position coach and what made it compelling for him to leave to become a defensive coordinator. We discuss what characteristics Michigan should be looking for in Partridge’s replacement, and offer some of our opinion of key candidates or areas that the Wolverines are looking at.

Then, we discuss a hotly contested debate on the 247Sports message board this week about how and why Michigan is getting out-recruited by Ohio State and others. In doing so, we look at how the Wolverines’ recruiting approach has changed over the years, what issues Michigan is facing on the recruiting trail and what the Wolverines are doing and can do to close the recruiting gap.

Michigan basketball check-in Jan 10, 2020

Show notes

Checking in on the No. 19 Michigan basketball team, we look at some of the key topics surrounding the Wolverines’ recent double-overtime win over Purdue. We look at a potential change to the starting lineup, what the pros and cons are about Michigan’s “three-guard” lineup, why it worked against the Boilermakers and how it should be used moving forward.

We also take a look at a growing concern of opposing big men racking up points on the Wolverines in the wake of Travion Williams’ 26-point, 20-rebound effort. We discuss the pros and cons of Michigan sending help in the post for Jon Teske, and look at what the Wolverines’ strategy should be heading to Minnesota.

We also break down other key issues surrounding the team, including Michigan’s road woes and a daunting schedule ahead.

Episode 10 with Cleveland Cavaliers Coach John Beilein Jan 08, 2020

Show notes

Tim McCormick interviews former Michigan and current Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein about his transition to the NBA, the program he built in Ann Arbor, Juwan Howard, and more. Plus, Tim and host Sam Webb break down Sunday's loss to Michigan State, this week's games versus Purdue and Minnesota, and the addition of Top 100 forward Terrance Williams, the Wolverines current standing with five-star shooting guard Josh Christopher.

Hosts: Tim McCormick and Sam Webb

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