The Michigan Insider

The Michigan Insider's Alejandro Zúñiga speaks with ECU beat writer Stephen Igoe to preview the season-opening matchup between the Wolverines and Pirates. East Carolina has a reputation of being “giant killers” — what would it take to shock the world at the Big House?

Conversation then turns to previewing the Michigan State season with MSU beat writer Stephen Brooks and Ohio State’s team with Patrick Murphy. 

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position preview series with a look at the special teams. Included are looks at the room's biggest strengths, question marks, position battles, X-factor players, stats to watch and bold predictions for the room.

They open with a discussion about the room’s strengths, including annual success on coverage teams, and apparent heirs in the kicking and punting games. They then look at the biggest questions facing the room, punt and kickoff returns, and who might be able to step up in those positions, and what each candidate can bring to the table.

In the second half of the episode, they look at two intriguing X-factor players, the stat Shaw is watching the most closely and make two bold predictions about special teams in Ann Arbor for the 2023 season. 

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position preview series with a look at the safety position. Included are looks at the room's biggest strengths, question marks, position battles, X-factor players, stats to watch and bold predictions for the room.

The episode begins with a look at the top-tier coverage abilities of Rod Moore and Makari Paige, and why that’s an asset fans shouldn’t take for granted. The discussion then turns to the up-and-coming depth in the room, and what to expect from redshirt freshmen Keon Sabb and Zeke Berry this fall.

In the second half of the episode, they look at X-factor players, a stat to watch and make bold predictions about Rod Moore for the coming season. 

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position preview series with a look at the cornerback position. Included are looks at the room's biggest strengths, question marks, position battles, X-factor players, stats to watch and bold predictions for the room.

The episode begins with a look at the position group's high level of athleticism, as well as the young, ascending talent in the room. They then turn their attention to the open position battle for the third starting cornerback spot, and some of the top candidates to know.

In the second half of the episode, they look at potential surprise names to remember for the second half of the season, a stat that can elevate the room from good to great and make bold predictions about Will Johnson and the depth of the room.

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position group preview series with a look at the linebacker room. During the show, they discuss the room's biggest strengths, question marks, position battles, X-factor players, stats to watch, bold predictions and more.

They open with a look at the returning duo of Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, and why the two can be even better this fall with more depth around them. They also look at where the room can improve, including coverage and behind the line of scrimmage, and discuss how the depth chart shakes out right now.

In the second half of the episode, they look at the ascent of Jaydon Hood, a stat that will measure the room's success this fall, make bold predictions about Colson's junior year and close with some talk on Ernest Hausmann.

Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position group preview series by looking at the edge room. During the episode, they look at the group's biggest strengths, question marks, position battles, X-factor players, stat to watch and their bold predictions for the group.

They open by looking at the upside and versatility of the room, which boasts four starter-caliber players. They then turn their attention to newcomer Josaiah Stewart, as well as other players a step or two away from stardom.

In the second half of the episode, they look at the position battles brewing, an X-factor player who could join the quartet, a stat they'll use to define the room and make predictions on who will lead the team in sacks.

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position group preview series, flipping over to the defensive side of the ball to look at the defensive line. They look at the room’s strengths, question marks, position battles, X-factor players, stats to watch and make bold predictions for the room.

Their discussion begins with a look at Michigan’s dominance last season stopping the run, and why it feels replicable in 2023. They discuss what Kris Jenkins, Mason Graham and others can bring to the table. The talk then turns to the biggest question mark facing the room, the pass-rush, and why Michigan is in position to be better rushing the quarterback this fall. They also talk about the battle for the No. 3 defensive line role brewing this fall.

In the second half of the episode, they look at some of the true freshmen in the room, a key stat to watch and both make bold-statistical predictions for the room in 2023.

Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their preview series looking at each Michigan position group in 2023. In this episode, they break down the strengths, question marks, stats, X-factor players and make predictions for the Wolverines' offensive line.

They open with a look at the room's strengths, including the depth, size and experience the Wolverines have up front. They then look at the room’s question marks, including pass-protection, the challenge of finding the starter at each position and how the incoming transfers and underclassmen can factor into an experienced room.

In the second half of the episode, the two look at the position battles at center and offensive tackle, name X-factor players to watch along the line this fall, and make predictions for the room in 2023.

Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position group preview series, looking at the strengths, questions and players to watch from Michigan's tight end room, as well as making predictions for the room in 2023.

They begin with a look at the room’s strengths, including a discussion of the collective pass-catching abilities of the room, Colston Loveland and AJ Barner’s abilities and a room with diverse skill sets overall. They then look at the biggest question mark surrounding the room in their mind, blocking, and what players can step up on that front.

In the second half of the episode, they look at an X-factor player they’re both watching, a couple stats that may define the room’s success in 2023, and make bold predictions for each of the room’s starters.

Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz continue their position preview series, breaking down Michigan's wide receiver room. They look at the room's strengths, question marks, position battles, key stat, X-factor player and make predictions for the room this fall.

They begin with a look at the strengths of the room, including the big-play ability and experience of Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson. They next look at the question marks of the room, including depth, consistency and the position battle for the No. 3 spot.

In the second half of the episode, they break down where Michigan can improve the most, and the stat they'll use to track progress. They then close with discussions about who's next in the room, and make predictions for the position in 2023.