Great Lakes Divide

Tom didn’t mean to get off on a rant here, babe, but Ryan dragged him into an in-depth conversation about last week’s FS1 documentary ‘Divided We Stand.’ The guys had some major problems with the production, and what was left out. Ryan reminisces about growing up in the rivalry as a Spartan fan behind enemy lines around Ann Arbor - as a neighbor of former Michigan basketball player Larry “Trigger” Tregoning, and as a camper being addressed by Bo Schembechler at U of M’s baseball camp in the 1980s. Tom is miffed at Devin Gardner’s performance in the documentary, and at important facts left out on the Wolverines’ behalf.

Ryan and Tom go all out in previewing Michigan’s road test against a feisty Indiana football team this Saturday in Bloomington, as Josh Gattis tries to keep the Wolverines offense humming to keep up with a formidable Hoosiers offensive attack. Mark Dantonio gives some much-awaited response to the state of the Spartans football program, as Michigan State prepares for a trip to Piscataway, New Jersey to face a woeful Rutgers bunch. As usual, they both make predictions against the Vegas line. Also, Cassius Winston addresses the MSU faithful at Breslin after a win over Charleston Southern on Monday night - thanking them for their support following the death of his brother Zach. Finally, Tom gives his take on Michigan basketball’s checklist for Friday night’s home contest against Houston Baptist.

Ryan and Tom revisit the pummeling Michigan delivered to their cross-state rival Michigan State, in a 44-10 decision in Ann Arbor. Shea Patterson turns in the performance of his career as a Wolverine, and Ronnie Bell contributed his finest game in the Maize and Blue as well. What the win means for Michigan, and what the loss means for Mark Dantonio and the Spartans - who appear to be adrift at sea, in the midst of a five-game losing streak after a 4-and-1 start to the season. Malik Hall’s landmark performance puts him on the map in MSU’s 76-73 late comeback victory over Myles Powell and Seton Hall, and Michigan continues to build their new identity under Juwan Howard with a 70-50 win over Elon.

Ryan and Tom dive into the “Great Lakes Divide” itself - the Michigan-Michigan State football rivalry, with the Paul Bunyan Trophy on the line. Is Mark Dantonio ‘The Teflon Don’ or ‘Rasputin’ - how many more hits can he survive? Tom argues Dantonio is invincible in East Lansing, and he may well be right. How did Brian Lewerke avoid concussion protocol against Illinois? Should he have? Ryan peppers Tom with lightning round questions - on the toughest controversial loss in rivalry history (Desmond Howard trip, Spartan Bob, or Trouble With the Snap), his most annoying colleague or friend this week, and whether Tom dislikes Dantonio or President Trump more. The guys offer predictions for the game against a 13.5-point spread for the Wolverines as a home favorite. Also, recapping Michigan’s 79-69 home basketball win over Creighton, and previewing Cassius Winston’s status for a road trip to Seton Hall on Thursday night.

Ryan and Tom begin with the tragic passing of Zachary Winston, younger brother of Michigan State basketball star Cassius Winston, and the effect the 19-year-old’s death had on his family - as well as the entirety of Spartan basketball, its fanbase, and college basketball across the country. An emotional night at Breslin ends in a 100-47 win for MSU over Binghamton, with post-game comments from Tom Izzo featured in the podcast. The guys also assess the moribund state of the Spartan football program, and what it will take for Mark Dantonio to give up the ghost (if anything will) after a breathtaking collapse against Illinois.

Ryan and Tom are joined by John Borton of TheWolverine.com to assess Michigan football during its final bye week, and to reflect on the Wolverines’ clinging to a 79-71 win in Juwan Howard’s head coaching debut against Appalachian State at Crisler Arena. Also, analysis of Michigan State’s season-opening 69-62 loss to Kentucky in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden. Sound from Mark Dantonio’s weekly press conference are reviewed in the wake of Joe Bachie’s suspension for a positive PED test, as the guys contemplate whether the two-year captain’s continued presence with the team is a good thing for the team. As always, the two make their picks against the spread for Michigan State vs. Illinois - with the Spartans somehow instilled as 14.5-point favorites.

Ryan and Tom reflect upon Michigan’s 38-7 win over Maryland, and discuss what needs to be accomplished and straightened out during their bye week to prepare for their stretch run against Michigan State, Indiana, and Ohio State. Ryan adamantly states that there is no excuse for Joe Bachie failing a PED test, explains why the two-year captain has no one to blame but himself. The guys also preview and offer up predictions for #1 Michigan State basketball and #2 Kentucky in the Champions Classic, as well as Michigan hosting Appalachian State, on Tuesday night.

Ryan and Tom preview Michigan’s trip to College Park, Maryland to take on the Terrapins, looking to build from their sea change of momentum in last Saturday’s 45-14 drubbing of #8 Notre Dame in Ann Arbor. Jim Harbaugh comments on immediate impact of freshman Daxton Hill in the Wolverines secondary, while Jordan Glasgow sings the praises of sophomore transfer Cam McGrone. Mark Dantonio’s winter of discontent may have just begun, with grumblings out of East Lansing describing a team that may have checked out on the season. Tom Izzo beams with pride as son Steven scores a point against Albion, and Rocket Watts looks ready to go as #1 Michigan State prepares for #2 Kentucky on Tuesday.

Ryan and Tom reflect upon a tale of two programs - Michigan State hitting rock bottom (so far) in a dreary 28-7 home loss to Penn State, and Michigan flying high after a signature 45-14 home win over #8 Notre Dame. The guys ponder and marvel at the post-game quote from Mark Dantonio, one which lowers the bar and goes on full spin cycle in saying MSU is fortunate to be 4-and-4 instead of 2-and-6. Will he be forced to resign at season’s end, either from without or within? Tom says ‘yes.’ Meanwhile, the Wolverines ground game minces Notre Dame for over 300 yards… and fortune smiles upon the Maize and Blue after a Will Hart punt is blocked, but somehow turns up in Michigan’s favor.

Ryan and Tom deliver another loaded podcast, chock full of football previews for Penn State-Michigan State and Notre Dame-Michigan, along with an update on the injury situations for both Spartan and Wolverine basketball. Can the Spartans right the ship after hitting an iceberg in Madison? Ryan breaks down why match-ups on both sides of the ball concern him for MSU. Tom gives his thoughts on another Harbaugh dust-up in the media, with rumors of him ‘seeking an exit strategy.’ As usual, the guys give their mid-week predictions for Saturday against the line in Vegas (Ryan is 7-7 on the year, Tom is 6-8).