The Michigan Insider

Latest Episodes:

Breaking down fall camp standouts for Michigan Football Aug 17, 2019

Show notes

Steve Lorenz of 247Sports breaks down some fall camp standouts for Michigan and touches on the Andrew Stueber injury along with a few recruiting notes and a quick thought on the James Hudson/Jim Harbaugh situation.

Eight questions as Michigan's fall camp gets underway Aug 08, 2019

Show notes

After waiting to hear from Michigan assistants about the first week of fall camp, Lorenz and Shaw do a quasi-preview of the Wolverines' month by breaking down eight questions related to Michigan.

First, they look at the Wolverines' potentially precarious running backs situation, respond to Josh Gattis' comments and what to make of Michigan's running backs depth. Then, they proceed to the Wolverines' next-most discussed potential weakness, exploring why Michigan's defensive line might be halfway to the level it wants to be at this season.

With those questions handled, the two look at potential bounce-back seasons for a couple of seniors who had down junior years, look at which freshmen could burn their redshirts and how Michigan might approach having so much depth at the skill positions.

Following those three questions, the duo break down the Wolverines' cornerback depth (or lack thereof), the last time Michigan's offensive line was this good and what to make of a few special teams battles brewing.

Five lasting thoughts from Big Ten Media Days Jul 22, 2019

Show notes

Reviewing Michigan's appearance at Big Ten Media Days in Chicago, we try to group a number of going-ons into five major categories.

First, we look at the national media's ability to blow Jim Harbaugh's comments out of proportion. Though we also discuss some of Harbaugh's shortcomings when tiptoeing a little too close to James Hudson's transfer case, we look into Harbaugh's platform, and what to make of the media storm surrounding his comments on Hudson and Urban Meyer.

Next, we focus on the team, and how Michigan handled the new component of being the top dog at Big Ten Media Days. We look a little into the Wolverines' seeming reserved confidence, and opine on the media's choice to pick Michigan as the Big Ten favorites.

Our next two takeaways draw upon two impressions the team offered while attending the event. First, we review Michigan's exceptional depth, which we argue is the Wolverines' best since in at least 15 years. Then, we look at how Michigan has taken increased pride in its offseason development program, and what it means for the team.

Finally, we look at the Michigan-Ohio State dynamic, how it might change or stay the same after hearing from Ryan Day, what both players' takes on the rivalry are and what it means for the Wolverines to "embrace the suck."

Ten things to watch at Big Ten Media Days Jul 18, 2019

Show notes

In a solo episode from Zach Shaw, he previews his coverage at Big Ten Media Days, outlining 10 things that he's watching at the annual event in Chicago.

First, he looks at five non-Michigan things that he's watching, previewing what he is expecting to see from new Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and his thoughts on the rivalry and taking over a storied program. He also previews one of Jim Delany's final appearances as Big Ten commissioner, briefly looking back at Delany's tenure and what to make of it.

He also previews a likely major discussion point, at how the Big Ten approaches its lack of recent playoff success, and what realignment or playoff expansion could do. Shaw also discusses what appears to be a culture change among Big Ten coaches, and previews what the impression of the apparently league favorite Wolverines might be among players, coaches and other media members.

Then, Shaw switches to Michigan-centric topics, looking at what Jim Harbaugh might have to say, some of the position battles and players to keep an eye on and other stories he'll be looking for while in Chicago.

Michigan football mailbag: July 15 Jul 15, 2019

Show notes

In an episode entirely devoted to listener questions, we tackle a number of topics related to Michigan football.

First, we look at Michigan's cornerback depth and how it shakes out a couple weeks before fall camp begins. Along the way, we look at the younger members of the Wolverines' secondary, and who could be a dark horse to emerge this season. We also take a. peek at who might start at the safety position opposite Josh Metellus.

Then, we look at Shea Patterson, how well he did last season and how he could improve this season. We also discuss his backups, and how Michigan can help itself down the road by making sure all three are happy.

To close the show, we answer some quick-hitting recruiting questions, while also discussing which non-rivalry games we are the most excited to cover this season.

Underrated players and qualms with the recruiting process Jul 11, 2019

Show notes

Answering two questions from our listeners, we discuss Michigan football players we feel are underrated along with things we might consider changing about the recruiting process.

First, we look at which Wolverines aren't getting enough hype or attention. The list ranged from players stepping into new starting roles, surprise contenders in position battles, players who redshirted last season, who were switching positions or didn't get a fair shake from fans last season. After breaking down our initial choices for most underrated, we also dig into other contenders and explore how a player could become overlooked and underrated.

Then, we look at things we would change about the football recruiting process. Though an informal discussion, some of the issues discuss include contact periods, how frequently coaches can contact players, the oddity of soft commitments and non-committable offers, the recruiting calendar and more.

Reaction to Franz Wagner's commitment and what it means for Michigan Jul 08, 2019

Show notes

In the wake of German wing Franz Wagner's commitment and signing to play for the Michigan basketball team this upcoming season, we break down what the Wolverines' first commitment under Juwan Howard means for Michigan.

First, we look at how good Wagner is, what he's good at, where he can grow his game and how he can improve. We contextualize what can be read from his play in Germany, and how it could translate as a freshman. We also look at his fit, and how critical earning his commitment was for the Wolverines after a deflating offseason.

Then, we turn our attention to Michigan's team, taking an early glimpse at how the starting lineup and rotation look with Wagner in the fold. We also answer listener questions on both who might lead Michigan in scoring next season and who the Wolverines most need to step up this offseason.

We close by taking a look at Michigan's expectations for next season now that it has Wagner on its team, and more on what the pledge can do for the Wolverines.

Breaking down Michigan's flurry of post-visit commitments Jul 03, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we break down each and every one of Michigan's commitments in the last week and a half, which has totaled 11 pickups. The flurry may continue, but we decided to dig in to the 11 who have pledged.

Starting toward the bottom of the 247Sports Composite rankings, we first look at defensive end and son of former NFL lineman Kris Jenkins, Massachusetts athlete Eamonn Dennis, Brooklyn-based VIPER William Mohan and New Jersey defensive end Aaron Lewis. Next, we look at offensive linemen Jeffrey Persi and Reece Atteberry, with a brief look at offensive line recruiting.

Then, we move on to the four-star Michigan recruits, looking at the Wolverines' influx in speed on both sides of the ball in Roman Wilson, Blake Corum, Jordan Morant, Kalel Mullings and A.J. Henning. Along the way, we discuss the recruiting battles and likely fit early on for each commitment.

Five reasons behind Michigan baseball's epic postseason Jun 20, 2019

Show notes

Taking a break from our usual rotation of football, basketball and recruiting, this episode is solely focused on the Michigan baseball team, as we break down five reasons behind the Wolverines' epic postseason run to their first College World Series appearance since 1984 and now just their fourth-ever top-four national finish in Omaha.

Mixing both macro and micro factors into Michigan's success, we begin by looking at Michigan's impressive recruiting run, and how that has developed under Michigan coach Erik Bakich. In addition to the overall talent, we also look at the Wolverines' personality types and identity, how they came to boast such a stellar pitching staff, unheralded veterans, Michigan's ability to make clutch players and stay composed, as well as the impact of the Wolverines' coaching.

Previewing Michigan's monster recruiting weekend Jun 20, 2019

Show notes

In a recruiting-focused episode, we break down Michigan football's major recruiting visit weekend. Attempting to explore all angles, we begin by looking at the top targets for the Wolverines who are visiting during the weekend — one receiver and one offensive lineman. We then look at the next tier of recruits who will be in town, handicapping some of the recruiting battles that are brewing and other teams to keep an eye on.

We also expend out analysis, looking at what's working for Michigan in the 2020 recruiting cycle, what the timeline of the class might look like and how fans can follow along and determine for themselves if the upcoming weekend is a win.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Michigan Insider

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6