Great Lakes Divide

Ryan and Tom break down #11 Michigan traveling to Madison to face #13 Wisconsin, where the Wolverines have not won at Camp Randall Stadium in 18 years. Shea Patterson makes a bold statement - was it for his team’s benefit, his own, or both? The inspiring tale of Ambry Thomas and his recovery from colitis is discussed. Also, Michigan State looks to get up off the mat after a lackluster loss to Arizona State as they travel to Evanston to face a Northwestern team who has beaten the Spartans three straight times. Is MSU finally ready to turn to 5-star freshman offensive tackle Devontae Dobbs? As always, the guys make their final score predictions - with some contrasting opinions on both games.

Ryan and Tom break down a broken down performance by Michigan State against Arizona State on Saturday - with plenty of blame to go around - in a 10-7 defeat for the Spartans against the Sun Devils. Post-game comments from Mark Dantonio are included, and the guys also take a look back at a very mixed bag for the Big Ten on Saturday overall.

Ryan and Tom reflect on last year's 16-13 loss for Michigan State in the desert against Arizona State, and why the return bout may be different. Mark Dantonio discloses his all-time favorite concerts he's attended, which prompts both Tom and Ryan to reveal their own lists. Ryan feels Duffy Daugherty's legacy of integrating college football is often underappreciated. The guys are also joined by multiple Hall-of-Fame inductee Jim Brandstatter, the radio voice of the Michigan Wolverines. Brandy discusses his thoughts on the team's quarterback situation, turnovers, the narrow escape against Army, emerging leadership of Aidan Hutchinson on defense, and offers his thoughts on the late Fred McLeod.

Ryan and Tom discuss Michigan’s 24-21 double overtime escape from a nightmare against Army that would have resurrected memories of Appalachian State for Wolverines fans - including post-game comments from Jim Harbaugh, Aidan Hutchinson, and Kwity Paye. Also, a look back at a stunning turnaround for the Michigan State offense in a 51-17 drubbing of Western Michigan. The guys discuss the breakout performance of Elijah Collins at running back, and Darrell Stewart becoming the go-to target for Brian Lewerke.

Ryan and Tom carry forward evaluations from Week 1 action for Michigan and Michigan State, into expectations for Week 2. On the Wolverines, Tom offers his grades for the offense, defense, and special teams - while Ryan does the same for the Spartans. Tom discusses the drawbacks of Michigan playing a quirky service academy like Army, while Ryan ponders whether Michigan State can improve offensively against Western Michigan. Mark Dantonio drops the gauntlet and sends a message to his entire offense at his weekly press conference - audio clips included. The guys also offer final score predictions for both games.

Ryan and Tom break down Michigan State’s 28-7 season-opening victory over Tulsa, as well as Michigan starting their 2019 campaign with a 40-21 win over Middle Tennessee State. Also included: reaction from Mark Dantonio, Brian Lewerke, Joe Bachie, and Kenny Willekes on the Spartan side - along with Jim Harbaugh, Shea Patterson, and Aidan Hutchinson for the Wolverines. Ryan has a conversation with Heather Frarey, owner of The Record Lounge and sponsor of The Great Lakes Divide, on her store’s new location in the REO Town Marketplace. Support local business!

Ryan and Tom recap the 2018 season that was for the Spartans and Wolverines, forecast what realistic and reasonable expectations are for Mark Dantonio and Jim Harbaugh in 2019, and take a sneak peak at each team's season-opening games against Tulsa (MSU) and Middle Tennessee State (UM).

Mark Dantonio was in a talkative mood today, reflecting on Michigan State’s

9-6 loss to Nebraska and previewing Thanksgiving weekend’s regular season

finale vs. Rutgers. He addresses whether he feels the Spartans overachieved

in 2017, underachieved in 2018, both or neither. Offers thoughts on

Lewerke’s season, injury, and the climate and impact of social media on

players. Also his take on punt returns, punts, unsportsmanlike conduct

penalties, and if the glass is still half full.

Ryan and Steve break down the week that was for Michigan and Michigan State

in both football and basketball, along with previews for the upcoming

weekend. Talking Shea Patterson vs. Brian Lewerke, and Lewerke vs. Rocky

Lombardi; Don Brown vs. Luke Yaklich as defensive gurus for the Wolverines;

Michigan’s stunning blowout win over Villanova; Michigan State’s Nick Ward

injury scare and win over Louisiana-Monroe; looking ahead to

Michigan-Indiana and Michigan State-Nebraska. Also featuring track from

Smashing Pumpkins, off their first new album release in over 20 years,

available at The Record Lounge in REO Town.

Tom Izzo discusses the severity of Nick Ward’s ankle injury that forced the

junior forward to exit the game, the night and day of Cassius Winton’s

first half vs. second half, Josh Langford attacking the basket, another

opposing player being ejected with a questionable Flagrant 2 call, and

plenty more from Wednesday’s 80-59 win over Louisiana-Monroe at Breslin

Center.