The Michigan Insider

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Podcast 04-15-19 (Michigan Spring Game takeaways) Apr 15, 2019

Show notes

We discuss five lasting thoughts from the Michigan football team's Spring Game.

First, we break down just how different Michigan's offense looked in the scrimmage portions of the event, from no-huddle looks to increased speed to changed routes and play selection. Shaw also looks at what players had to say about the offense's changes afterward. We also break down Michigan's passing proficiency, and debate whether those were coverage woes, skilled receivers, both or neither.

Then, we turn to the defensive side of things, dissecting why we think Michigan's defensive line could be better and deeper than initially forecasted. The conversation transitioned into a look at what we both believe to be the Wolverines' deepest team in over a decade, how Michigan got there and what kind of impact that can have.

Finally, the we discuss how the Spring Game was considered a success in our eyes, freshmen standouts and some other topics to keep in mind heading into the summer.

Podcast 04-12-19 (Spring Game preview) Apr 12, 2019

Show notes

Ahead of Saturday's Spring Game, open and free to the public, Shaw opens the show answering a few football-related questions, then dives into 10 things he'll be watching in the Spring Game.

The list included:

-Looking at players who have switched positions, such as Ben Mason.

-Freshmen like Mike Sainristil who made an early impact.

-New starters to keep an eye on in the defensive secondary and along the defensive line

-Players returning to action from injuries

-Players who are still injured

-A shaky running backs situation

-Other position battles to watch

-What's going on at special teams

-Plenty of other, smaller things to watch.

Podcast 04-11-19 (Basketball NBA Draft decisions and where Michigan turns to next) Apr 12, 2019

Show notes

Continuing our shorter, more frequent format, Shaw breaks down the ins and outs of Michigan's three players who have declared early for the NBA Draft.

He dissects the factors going behind the decision to test the waters, and what will convince Charles Matthews, Jordan Poole and Ignas Brazdeikis to either decide to stay in the draft pool past the May 29 deadline or not. He also discusses fan perspectives, and how fans can acclimate to the changing NBA decision landscape.

Then, he breaks down where the Wolverines can turn to next, investigating the recruitment of three remaining 2019 targets, an early peak at potential graduate transfers and who on the current team can help fill the void the potential departures might leave.

Podcast 04-09-19 (Michigan football spring defensive preview) Apr 09, 2019

Show notes

Switching to a shorter, twice-weekly podcast format, our show is solely focused on our spring preview of the Michigan football team’s defense.Starting up front and working backwards, we look at each position on the Wolverines’ defense and the key questions surrounding each group.

On the defensive line, we look at Michigan’s defensive end depth and discuss who could or should emerge as top-level talent. Inside, we wonder if the Wolverines will be able to rotate enough game-ready tackles, what happens if injuries strike and even discuss potential schematic changes to be made.

Moving on to linebackers, we break down how Michigan can go about the unenviable task of replacing Devin Bush Jr., what Khaleke Hudson can do differently this season and some new contributors. In the secondary, we look at the progress and potential of Ambry Thomas, who else has stepped up at cornerback, safety candidates and where Daxton Hill might fit in. We close looking at Michigan’s battles at kicker and in the return game.

Podcast 04-04-19 (Michigan basketball reflection, spring football updates and discussion) Apr 04, 2019

Show notes

This week, we break down the Michigan basketball team’s loss to Texas Tech in the Sweet Sixteen, and what the Wolverines’ 30-7 season that delivered no banners means. In the discussion we talk about Michigan exceeding expectations early on in the season, how the season compares to the Wolverines’ top other teams under John Beilein and what to make of their final game.

We also look ahead to Michigan’s early outlook for next season, and why the Wolverines could see little to no drop-off by the time fall rolls around.

Then, we turn our attention to looking at Michigan football, assessing the virtual depth chart that Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh provided. We discuss our surprises in the two-deep, players who might be making the biggest moves, key injuries and what it means that Harbaugh is so open about the depth chart.

We close the show with more thoughts on Michigan’s spring so far, then take listener questions to finish up.

Podcast 03-26-19 (Des Moines NCAA Tournament recap, previewing Michigan's Sweet Sixteen matchup) Mar 27, 2019

Show notes

For the second week in a row, our podcast is centered entirely on basketball. We open by reflecting on Michigan’s weekend in Des Moines, looking at Des Moines as a host city, how the Wolverines fared in blowout wins over Montana and Florida and what some our lasting impressions of the weekend were. Included are looks into Charles Matthews, Jon Teske, Zavier Simpson and Isaiah Livers’ progress.

Then, we turn the page to Michigan’s Sweet Sixteen trip to Anaheim, where the Wolverines will face the nation’s No. 1 defense in Texas Tech. We dissect how the Red Raiders’ defense is so good, what Michigan can do to get around it, other things Texas Tech brings to the table and what the biggest thing the Wolverines can do to help their chances is.

We also discuss what Michigan needs to accomplish as a team to get out of Anaheim unscathed and make it to the Final Four, while taking a look at the state of the Wolverines after the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

Finally, we look at the rest of the NCAA Tournament, previewing the Sweet Sixteen at large and other matchups we’re excited for.

Podcast 03-21-19 (NCAA Tournament preview and inside Michigan's locker room) Mar 21, 2019

Show notes

This week’s podcast, live from Des Moines instead of in studio, is full of Michigan basketball talk. With Steve Lorenz unable to make it on the show, Zach Shaw runs things solo, opening with his thoughts on the Michigan basketball team’s runner-up finish in the Big Ten Tournament, its loss to Michigan State and how concerning it is to lose to the Spartans three times in four weeks.Then, Shaw opines on Michigan’s NCAA Tournament draw, beginning with the Wolverines’ first-round rematch with Montana. Shaw discusses how the Grizzlies are different than they were last season, and what each difference means for Michigan’s ability to avoid an upset loss.Following that discussion, he breaks down the potential rest of the field, which lacks big-name programs but does have a number of solid, experienced and defensive-oriented teams that it could face in every round. He makes his pick for which opponent would be the toughest matchup for Michigan, while also running through scenarios and how the bracket looks similar to last season.Then, Shaw turns things over to the Michigan locker room, where he was able to record interviews with Luke Yaklich, Jordan Poole, Charles Matthews and Zavier Simpson. The four discuss Michigan trying to bounce back from a championship loss, regaining confidence after another defeat and their thoughts on the matchup in addition to much more.

Podcast 03-13-19 (Michigan basketball, Big Ten Tournament preview, Wolverines WR, TE, OL spring previews) Mar 13, 2019

Show notes

This week, we hit heavy on both basketball and football. We open discussing the Wolverines’ loss at Michigan State to lose out on the Big Ten title, and what some of our lasting impressions from the game were. Included our thoughts on the officiating, on Xavier Tillman, on how much Charles Matthews was missed, on how concerning Michigan’s second half was and more.

That discussion transitioned into a listener question that pondered what Michigan can realistically change to enhance its chances at a deep NCAA Tournament run. We break down how free-throw rate, assist rate, Jordan Poole and the return of Matthews could all play a role, among other things.

We also break down the 2019 Big Ten Tournament, identifying dark horse teams, trap games in the bracket and which two teams we think will be playing on Sunday.We close the podcast by continuing our series of looking at the key questions and storylines surrounding each Michigan football position group ahead of spring practices. This week, we break down the Wolverines’ wide receivers, tight ends and offensive linemen.

Podcast 03-07-19 (Bracket watch, UM-MSU part 2, QB and RB spring previews) Mar 07, 2019

Show notes

This week, the episode begins with a lengthy discussion about Michigan’s role in the NCAA Tournament. We look at the Wolverines’ resume, how their season finale in at Michigan State or in the Big Ten Tournament could change things, other teams Michigan fans should keep an eye on, offer an early preview of which other teams might be good or bad matchups for the Wolverines and offer other thoughts on bracketology.

Then, we break down Michigan’s matchup on the road at No. 9 Michigan State, a game that will decide the Big Ten regular-season champions, and consider the things the Wolverines can do differently in the matchup. From ball-screen defense to personnel to offensive tweaks, we outline some of the things Michigan likely considered during its longer layoff, and debate whether the Wolverines can pull off the upset victory.

Finally we close with part one of our three-part spring football positional preview, dissecting the key questions surrounding Michigan’s quarterbacks and running backs position.

Podcast 03-01-19 (Michigan hoops, pre-pre spring football, 2020 FB recruiting notes) Mar 07, 2019

Show notes

This week’s episode actually discusses all three categories surrounding Michigan. We begin by discussing the Michigan basketball team’s 1-1 week, looking into what doomed the Wolverines in their loss to Michigan State, how significant it was, the latest with Jordan Poole and Charles Matthews and how much of the loss was the Wolverines playing poorly versus the Spartans playing well.

Then, we break down Michigan’s dominant home finale win over Nebraska, looking into the Wolverines’ push to play through the post, their defensive adjustments and how much can be read into a blowout of the reeling Cornhuskers. We also dissect the latest in Colin Castleton and David DeJulius, and what kind of role they can play for Michigan down the stretch.

Following that discussion, we next look at Michigan football two weeks out of spring practices starting. We first review our rankings earlier in the week of where each position group stands, dissecting why Michigan’s passing offense may be solid, why the defense has some questions to answer — especially up front — and what to make of Michigan’s inexperienced running backs corps. We also break down which Wolverines may be due for a big season, and which skill position player we think will get the most touches.

Finally, we close by looking at the Michigan perspective of the latest 2020 football recruiting rankings, including which rising targets the Wolverines are in on, other recruits to keep an eye on and more.

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