The Michigan Insider

In a loaded football episode, we break down two breaking news developments, offer our thoughts on Michigan’s secret scrimmage, offer some quick spring takeaways and answer a host of Michigan football questions.

We begin by taking a look at the developing story that Xavier Worthy asked out of his national letter of intent. We discuss Worthy’s recruiting saga, argue that there was pretty strong tampering involved in his decision and discuss what his loss means for Michigan. We next look at recruiting director Matty Dudek’s departure from the Wolverines. We discuss the impact he had on Michigan, why he never seemed to get fair treatment from fans and how the recruiting department might change under new leadership.

Then, we take a look back on Michigan’s conclusion of spring practices. We discuss why we think the Wolverines’ commitment to secrecy and keeping fans at arm’s length is a disservice to fans and players alike, along with what it says about the state of Michigan football. We then discuss Michigan’s best position group after spring ball, the spring riser we believe in the most and the position group with the biggest question mark surrounding it.

We close by answering a host of listener questions about, well, seemingly everything.

Tim McCormick and Sam Webb discuss what Juwan Howard is looking for in the transfer portal and how some of the bigger names would (or wouldn't) fit on Michigan's roster. The discussion then turns to what next year's point guard picture looks like. The podcast ends with an interview with departing senior Chaundee Brown.

Sam Webb, Brice Marich, Steve Lorenz, and Josh Newkirk discuss scouting notes after recent trips to see Tyler McLaurin, Tyler Morris, Tay'Shawn Trent, and many more in action. The crew then turns its attention to how the upcoming addition of former Michigan offensive lineman to the recruiting/personnel department will boost the Wolverines' prowess out on the trail. The podcast closes with a discussion of why Justice Finkley, Walter Nolen, and Myles Pollard are the most important visitors on the Maize & Blue's list of June officials. 

In this episode, we go position by position, assessing the latest and reviewing a busy season ahead for the Michigan basketball team.

At each position, we take a look at Michigan’s departures, incoming and returning players, and assess how the group fares heading into the offseason and how important it is for the Wolverines to pursue or look at a transfer addition at the role. We start by looking at point guard, and discuss why Mike Smith’s departure and Michigan’s youth at the point guard position makes the Wolverines’ need for a point guard the highest on the team. We look at Frankie Collins’ game, look at potential transfer additions and weigh the pros and cons of each candidate.

Then, we move on to the other positions. We look at Chaundee Brown Jr.’s decision to depart and the void he leaves, as well as how much of that could be filled by Eli Brooks, Kobe Bufkin and Zeb Jackson. In a similar vein, we also look at if the Wolverines need a guard-wing combo player with Brown and Franz Wagner moving on and Caleb Houstan the projected starter at the 3. We outline why Michigan is completely set at power forward, then discuss if the Wolverines need to consider adding a backup center in the transfer portal if Austin Davis departs.

We close by questioning if and when the Wolverines will begin reaching out to transfer targets, and other key factors to consider.

Tim McCormick and Sam Webb reflect upon Michigan's tournament loss to UCLA with Phil Martelli. The duo also discusses the NBA draft projections for Franz Wagner and Isaiah Livers. They also predict which seniors will return, which freshmen will make an immediate impact, and next year's starting lineup.

In this episode, we break down Michigan's dominant win over Florida State in the Sweet Sixteen, their upcoming matchup against UCLA in the Elite Eight and more on the Wolverines' run.

First, we look at what impressed us the most about the Wolverines' lopsided win over the Seminoles. We discuss the coaching job done in preparation for the contest, adjustments made along the way, the assertive play of Franz Wagner and Brandon Johns Jr., Michigan's stellar defense and much more. We look into the Wolverines disrupting narratives in the last two games, and debate if Sunday's game changes our view of Michigan's national title hopes.

In the second half of the episode, we look at UCLA and its improbable run to the Elite Eight. We discuss the Bruins' talent, why they are playing so well right now and what challenges they present for the Wolverines. We also take a peek at the Gonzaga-USC matchup and which potential Final Four matchup is better for Michigan.

Sam Webb, Brice Marich and Steve Lorenz discuss more visits Michigan scheduled for June, the latest in running back recruiting, spring ball rumblings, and preview the dead period visit for five-star DT Walter Nolen.

In this episode, we break down how the Michigan basketball looked in the opening weekend of the 2021 NCAA Tournament, along with a look-ahead to the Sweet Sixteen.

We begin by looking at the Wolverines’ wins over Texas Southern and Louisiana State. We discuss Eli Brooks, Chaundee Brown Jr., Michigan’s perseverance, strategic decisions and other components that impressed us. We then discussed the up-and-down play of Hunter Dickinson, Mike Smith, Franz Wagner, some tight officiating and other concerning elements from Michigan’s NCAA Tournament run without Isaiah Livers.

In the second half of the episode, we go big-picture and look ahead to the Sweet Sixteen. We first talk about the significance of Michigan making six Sweet Sixteen appearances in eight years and four in a row, along with the Wolverines leading the nation with 20 NCAA Tournament wins in the last eight postseasons. We next discuss what Michigan can realistically improve between now and the Sweet Sixteen, and offer an early preview of the Wolverines’ matchup against 4-seed Florida State.

Tim McCormick and Sam Webb reflect upon Michigan's win over LSU with an in-depth look at how Juwan Howard's game plan and adjustments affected the outcome. The performances of Eli Brooks, Chaundee Brown, Franz Wagner were highlighted, and Mike Smith's struggles were dissected. Glen Rice joined the podcast to share his thoughts on the Wolverines' success, Juwan Howard's coaching acumen, the top shooters in NBA history, and much much more. Tim and Sam close the podcast with a preview of Michigan's Sweet 16 matchup with Florida State and a debate over whether transfer portal prizes Marcus Carr and Walker Kessler could fit in Ann Arbor.

Tim McCormick and Sam Webb reflect upon Michigan's Big Ten tournament showing with a focus shifting roles in the aftermath of Isaiah Livers' injury, how Juwan Howard getting thrown out of the Maryland game deepened his connection with the team, and who has to step up the most for the Wolverines to contend for a title. Charles Barkley then joins the podcast to share his thoughts on Michigan's season and why Juwan has been so successful out of gate. Barkley then discusses U-M's title hopes without Livers and how well Hunter Dickinson's game translates to the NBA. Barkley's appearance rounds out with reflections upon his hall of fame career, his successful transition into broadcasting, and why the age old debate about where Isiah Thomas ranks in the pantheon of great point guards is a ridiculous exercise. Tim and Sam close the podcast with a thorough breakdown of the #8-#9 matchup between St. Bonaventure and LSU, and what a matchup with each would look like for Michigan in the second round.