The Michigan Insider

First, we diagnose what Michigan’s panic level should be following its 0-2 week in road games at Minnesota and Iowa. We weigh the explainable setbacks such as how difficult the Wolverines’ schedule has been, the impact of Isaiah Livers’ injury and what probably could have been considered a young roster in transition. We also break down which issues aren’t necessarily as forgivable, such as Michigan’s transition defense, post defense, road shooting woes and even potentially energy according to one player.

Our discussion then turns to what’s next, as we look at a winnable five-game stretch for the Wolverines, and how Michigan can capitalize and redefine its season.

Finally, we close by looking at Juwan Howard’s recruiting, why he has had success so far, and what to make of the Wolverines’ 2020 recruiting class so far.

Tim McCormick interviews Michigan point guard and captain Zavier Simpson about the growth of his game, his evolving leadership style, Juwan Howard, and more. Plus, Tim and host Sam Webb discuss the defensive strategy that has had led to career highs in points for several opponents this year, whether changes to that strategy are forthcoming, Eli Brooks’ struggles, and preview the rematch with Iowa.

Hosts Tim McCormick (@TimMcCormick40) and Sam Webb (@SamWebb77)

The first, most pertinent issue that we address for Michigan’s to-do list is look at its lone assistant coaching vacancy. We recap our discussion from last week on what direction the Wolverines should go to replace departed safeties coach Chris Partridge. We also break down why the apparent retention of outside linebackers coach Anthony Campanile can be beneficial to Michigan, and how it changes what the Wolverines are looking for in their 10th assistant.

Next on our list, we look at potential transfer portal targets, and explain why we both hone in on the defensive line. We discuss one major defensive tackle target, and explore some of the young defensive linemen the Wolverines might want to bring some depth and experience around.

We next look at the upcoming quarterback battle between Dylan McCaffrey and Joe Milton. We debate when Michigan should come to a decision, what to watch for in the battle, the significance and what to expect in terms of transfer fallout when an eventual winner is selected.

Breaking down some smaller options, we look at defensive adjustments that should be made, how Michigan re-equips its secondary and offensive line, the importance of second-year defensive standouts, players the Wolverines must find more usage for and the opportunity in 2021 recruiting to hit the ground running.

In a more news-focused football podcast, we dissect two recent going-ons with the Michigan football team.

First, we break down the Wolverines’ loss of safeties coach and special teams coordinator Chris Partridge. We break down what made Partridge such an impressive recruiter, other things he brought to the table as a position coach and what made it compelling for him to leave to become a defensive coordinator. We discuss what characteristics Michigan should be looking for in Partridge’s replacement, and offer some of our opinion of key candidates or areas that the Wolverines are looking at.

Then, we discuss a hotly contested debate on the 247Sports message board this week about how and why Michigan is getting out-recruited by Ohio State and others. In doing so, we look at how the Wolverines’ recruiting approach has changed over the years, what issues Michigan is facing on the recruiting trail and what the Wolverines are doing and can do to close the recruiting gap.

Checking in on the No. 19 Michigan basketball team, we look at some of the key topics surrounding the Wolverines’ recent double-overtime win over Purdue. We look at a potential change to the starting lineup, what the pros and cons are about Michigan’s “three-guard” lineup, why it worked against the Boilermakers and how it should be used moving forward.

We also take a look at a growing concern of opposing big men racking up points on the Wolverines in the wake of Travion Williams’ 26-point, 20-rebound effort. We discuss the pros and cons of Michigan sending help in the post for Jon Teske, and look at what the Wolverines’ strategy should be heading to Minnesota.

We also break down other key issues surrounding the team, including Michigan’s road woes and a daunting schedule ahead.

Tim McCormick interviews former Michigan and current Cleveland Cavaliers head coach John Beilein about his transition to the NBA, the program he built in Ann Arbor, Juwan Howard, and more. Plus, Tim and host Sam Webb break down Sunday's loss to Michigan State, this week's games versus Purdue and Minnesota, and the addition of Top 100 forward Terrance Williams, the Wolverines current standing with five-star shooting guard Josh Christopher.

Hosts: Tim McCormick and Sam Webb

Tim McCormick interviews former Michigan center Moritz Wagner about the strong start to his NBA career,his memorable run in Ann Arbor, little brother Franz following in his footsteps, and more. Plus, Tim and host Sam Webb preview Sunday's match up with Michigan State, discuss the addition of transfer Brandon Wade, and give their respective versions of the Wolverines' all-decade team.

Hosts: Tim McCormick and Sam Webb

Ahead of the No. 14 Michigan football team's matchup against No. 13 Alabama in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl, Michigan beat writer Zach Shaw breaks down three things he learned in his time covering the Citrus Bowl, two big questions he still has and offers his one prediction for the game.

In terms of things he learned, Shaw points first toward Michigan's seemingly serious approach, why that matters and how it has differed slightly from previous seasons. He also reveals why he feels like the offense is more fired up than he expected, and some of the key comments in that regard. Finally, he breaks down a defense, particularly in the backfield, that feels like it has a lot to prove.

In his remaining questions, Shaw offers a glimpse into why he is skeptical of Alabama's motivation level after a few conversations with Crimson Tide reporters. He also discusses the biggest perceived mismatch in the game, pitting Michigan's shorthanded defensive line against Alabama's elite offensive line.

Finally, Shaw explains the significance a Michigan upset could have, but why he doesn't think it will ultimately happen.

Tim McCormick interviews former Michigan forward Duncan Robinson about his breakout season with the Miami Heat, his thoughts on Juwan Howard as a coach based on their time together in Miami, how Howard compares to John Beilein, and more. Plus, Tim and host Sam Webb discuss the role Colin Castleton could play in the team’s success, the commitment of four-star center Hunter Dickinson and how he’ll fit into the mix in the coming years, and whether there is enough room to fit the other prospects that Michigan is trending with into this year’s class.

Hosts: Tim McCormick and Sam Webb

Tim McCormick interviews Wolverine forward Charles Matthews about his career at Michigan after transferring from Kentucky, rehabbing the torn ACL. he suffered during a pre-draft workout for the Boston Celtics, his Chicago connection with Juwan Howard, and more. Plus, Tim and host Sam Webb discuss Michigan's losses to Illinois and Oregon, possible remedies for recent offensive woes, and possible breakout performances by Brandon Johns and Franz Wagner. 

Hosts: Tim McCormick and Sam Webb