The Michigan Insider

Sam Webb and Brice Marich highlight the Michigan commits that have affirmed their pledges to the Wolverines, then analyze the few that are the most vulnerable. Miami is making a strong push for Ja'Den McBurrows, while Alabama is steadily loosening Michigan's grip on explosive Top247 wideout Xavier Worthy. Sam then interviews West Bloomfield (Michi.) head coach Ron Bellamy about his star pupil Donovan Edwards' upcoming decision, the impact Michigan's subpar season and coaching rumors have had on its chances, the other prime contenders, and more.

In this episode, we look back on the Michigan football team’s 2-4 start to the season, what led to it and how preventable each factor was for the Wolverines.

We begin with another look at Michigan’s defense, one that is in line to be the worst in the Wolverines’ history. We discuss how the defense has become predictable, with teams who play Michigan annually having particular success against the Wolverines. We look at how things could have been different for Michigan.

Next, we take a look at the Wolverines’ preparation. We compare it to the first few seasons of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure, how it has changed and how badly it hurt Michigan this season when it fell behind and had to make adjustments mid-game.

We then assess the Wolverines’ attrition, as we concluded that Michigan lost 20 of 44 2019 two-deep players. We discuss how the Wolverines could have been more proactive about their losses, how big of a deal it is and more. We close by also looking at Michigan’s quarterback decision, potential overconfidence and a lack of self-reflection in the offseason.

In this episode, we pivot to basketball to discuss five things we learned from the Michigan basketball team's 3-0 start to the season.

Taking a moment to reflect on what was a very short mid-major slate for the Wolverines, we break down some of our key takeaways so far. We look at how Hunter Dickinson was able to make such a large impact so early, and what's next for the 7-foot-1 freshman.

We then look at Michigan's transfer additions, Mike Smith and Chaundee Brown Jr,, and what they have brought and will bring to the Wolverines this year. We then pivot to Michigan's bench, and diagnose the group's ups and downs so far through three games.

We close by looking at Michigan's defense, and the Wolverines' other next steps to trying to climb up to the Big Ten's top tier of contenders.

Sam Webb and Tim McCormick break down Michigan's season opening victories over Bowling Green and Oakland, highlighting the strong performances of newcomers Mike Smith and Hunter Dickinson. The duo also dissects the areas of concern from the first two contests, including the slow start by Franz Wagner. The breakdown concludes with a discussion of the meaning behind the heated challenge Juwan Howard issued to Isaiah Livers. This week's interview guest is early-eighties Michigan standout Richard Rellford.

Sam Webb, Brice Marich, and Steve Lorenz have a candid discussion about how questions about Jim Harbaugh's future at Michigan are impacting recruiting, and why the brass in Ann Arbor must address the subject if retention is the plan. The crew then breaks down the remaining targets at defensive tackle and discuss new names that could rise to the fore down the stretch.

In this episode, we discuss the biggest talking points stemming from Michigan's 27-17 loss to Penn State.

We open by discussing the fan opinion that Jim Harbaugh has lost Michigan's locker room. We look at why the Wolverines lost on so many "effort" plays, how significant that is and what that could mean to where the team is at in the season mentally.

Next, we look at the impact an expected change at defensive coordinator could have in 2021, and how many of Michigan's problems on the defensive side of the ball can be traced to the coordinator as opposed to other factors.

We then turn to the offensive side of the ball, looking at Josh Gattis' 19-game tenure with the Wolverines. We discuss the offense's youth, how excusable that is and other observations from Michigan's offense.

We then look at the validity of Michigan's injury situation as an excuse for results, and debate where Saturday's loss ranks among the Wolverines' worst performances of the season.

Finally, we close with our "air it out" section, as Lorenz shows sympathy to Michigan fans while Shaw ponders how the staples of Jim Harbaugh football have disappeared.

In this episode, we preview a fascinating matchup between Michigan and Penn State — arguably the two most disappointing teams in the country.

We begin by looking at both team’s seasons so far, and debate which team has been the bigger letdown. We then follow our traditional preview episode format, each presenting one thing Michigan should be worried about and one thing Michigan can feel good about heading into the game. 

Along the way, we discuss the Wolverines’ defense, Penn State struggles, some promising elements from Michigan’s win over Rutgers and the mental component of the contest. Then, we look at players on the spot that we’re watching a bit closer than usual, as we open up a discussion on potential personnel changes to be made in the defensive back seven and why Michigan is hesitant to play true freshmen on defense. We also further discuss Michigan’s running backs rotation and what we’re expecting from Michigan’s offense this week.

We close by looking at over-under for the matchup on both sides of the ball, and close with our hunches and final prediction for the matchup.

In this episode we tackle some of the biggest takeaways and talking points from the Wolverines’ 48-42 triple-overtime win at Rutgers.

We begin by looking at redshirt freshman quarterback Cade McNamara’s performance, and if we think that means he will start and be Michigan’s primary quarterback the rest of the way. We also look at what an apparent switch at quarterback means for Joe Milton, the repercussions for the rest of the offense and how valid McNamara’s performance was.

We then switch to the defensive side of the ball, and discuss if there’s truly any hope for Michigan’s defense after another brutal performance. We discuss if any change can be made the rest of the way, along with other factors that have led to the Wolverines' defensive demise.

We also discuss how much of Michigan's improved running game was Michigan and how much was Rutgers, and discuss fair expectations for the Wolverines the rest of the way.

Sam Webb, Brice Marich, and Steve Lorenz discuss Ja'Den McBurrows' affirmation of his commitment and the uncertainty of Jaydon Hood's. Attention then turns to the strong threat Michigan continues to pose for Florid State commitment Omarion Copper. The impact of Michigan's strong standing with five-star corners Will Johnson nd Domani Jackson on other players, namely Isaac Thompson and Dillon Tatum, is explored. So too is the Fast approaching decision of five-star running back Donovan Edwards. Finally the crew touches on the possibility of Michigan making one last run at Detroit Cass Tech standout and Penn State commitment Kalen King..

In our Rutgers preview episode, we look at whether or not the Wolverines can snap their three-game losing streak with a win at Rutgers.

We begin by each looking at one thing Michigan (and its fans) can probably feel good about, in addition to one thing the Wolverines should be concerned about. Our discussions look at Michigan’s interior line play on both sides of the ball, the Wolverines’ defense potentially getting a break, Michigan’s need to establish confidence and an identity, the Wolverines’ potential to self-combust and more.

Then, we look at players to watch in the matchup. We discuss Michigan’s new quarterback battle, a running back rotation that has been puzzlingly bad, the Wolverines’ potential for improved play on the defensive line and Rutgers’ most dangerous position group.

We close with our over-under predictions, our hunch for the game and our final predictions for the contest.