MGoBlog: The MGoPodcast

The discussion kicks off with insights on the transfer portal, emphasizing the challenge of rebuilding the offensive line. A standout name for the upcoming season emerges: Chase Taylor. The crew dives into basketball, dissecting Michigan's loss to Wisconsin and exploring various defensive strategies. They also tackle three-point defense, noting its non-random elements and the importance of closeouts. There's critical analysis of transition plays and a debate on the aggressive physicality in both basketball and hockey, highlighting crucial officiating issues.

The hosts dive into the drama of modern sports, questioning if comebacks are becoming too theatrical. They celebrate Brandon Naurato’s contract extension while dissecting its symbolic nature. Attention turns to Notre Dame's player suspensions and their minimal impact. A thrilling recap of Michigan's recent games highlights impressive contributions from lesser-known players but reveals defensive concerns. The discussion intensifies around the concerning injury of goalie Jack Ivankovic, alongside a critique of officiating and its effects on player safety.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the transfer portal, highlighting quarterback concerns and the potential of new pickups like Taylor Tatum. Wide receiver depth takes a positive turn with commitments from JJ Buchanan and Jamie French. Defensive worries arise as multiple departures leave safety depth in question. The hosts also break down Michigan's basketball struggles, analyzing key wins and losses, before wrapping up with insights on hockey and officiating critiques in the Big Ten.

The panel dives into the excitement around the new coaching hires, praising their stability and scandal-free history. They discuss Michigan's recruiting strategy in the portal and its early challenges. A fascinating comparison is made between coaching transitions, connecting Whittingham's arrival to historical shifts in the program. The offensive outlook hints at a run-heavy approach, showcasing innovative uses of players like JJ Buchanan. Special teams and defensive strategies under the new staff also capture attention, promising a more efficient and adaptable game plan.

Michigan basketball shines with a stunning 30-point victory over USC, despite poor three-point shooting. The crew highlights Marez Johnson's breakout performance and Michigan's top rankings in the Big Ten. They discuss what a potential loss might look like, considering shooting variances and turnovers. The concept of 'KenPom time' is explored, revealing intricate lineup strategies and crunch time decisions. Transitioning to football, they review coaching changes, player development, and roster priorities, keeping fans engaged with exciting insights!

The panel delves into the potential impact of Kyle Whittingham's hiring, dissecting his age and past success at Utah. They explore the offensive and defensive coaching staff dynamics, highlighting Jason Beck's RPO-heavy offense and Jay Hill's defensive strategies. Insights into recruiting and potential changes under Whittingham are discussed, along with reflections on the coaching search and the media's influence. The hosts also preview the upcoming bowl game against Texas and share their hopes for a fresh start with new leadership.

Thing Discussed: Women's hoops talk: This is the best team in Michigan history. They're tiny up front but they've got a lot of length on the perimeter and are generating a ton of steals. Hung with the best UConn team in a minute for 3 quarters. Reading the DeBoer comments: When someone's at a terminal job he gets to hog both lanes. Our read on it is DeBoer is making the comments you make if you're going to consider Michigan AFTER the Playoff. Timeline is our enemy: if Bama beats Oklahoma Michigan will probably move on to Dillingham and Dillingham will say yes. Dillingham: Meteoric riser, great motivator, Bryce seems to like, Sam thinks his offense is explosive. Concerns are young guys have yet to make their big mistakes. A little weird, but so was Harbaugh. Very ASU with a very Arizona staff. Brohm: Seems like a solid coach, won wherever he's gone but hasn't had that 11-win season; think people are wary that his DC is Ron English (probably can't come here after the EMU stuff) and Vince Marrow, who's said some things about Michigan. Brian: So did Jim Harbaugh. Seth: But Harbaugh was right. Brian: Marrow said Harbaugh was going to the NFL, so he was right too. Think concerns are overblown. Craig makes the case for Scot Loeffler: Michigan guy from Ohio who'd leave the Eagles in a second. Adam Stenavich: Isn't the playcaller, has never been a HC or a college coordinator. Eli Drinkwitz: Not a fan. Schedule winner (they only play 8 games in the SEC and he got an easy one). Personally find him off-putting, not a cultural fit. Gone out of his way to make uneducated comments about Michigan's 2023 season: hard pass. Clark Lea: Intriguing. Offense is 100% Pavia, worried about building an OL, but Seth finds his defense fascinating, seems to be good at putting together a roster. Don't know his buyout because you can't FOIA a private school. Seth: Roster construction is going to be critical in this age. Can you recruit your needs in the portal, build an OL at home, and keep your team together? Whoever they hire the GM is going to be the next most important position. Find the best.

Chaos erupts in Michigan football with the controversial firing of Sherrone Moore, igniting discussions about hiring oversight within the athletic department. Potential coaching candidates like Kalen DeBoer and Kenny Dillingham are thoroughly analyzed for their fit. The importance of thorough background checks comes to the forefront as the hosts joke about the vetting process. On the basketball side, a thrilling recap of a 101-83 victory highlights standout performances, including Yaxel Lundenborg's impressive breakout game.

Thing Discussed: Proportioning outrage: Sherrone, the maximum. Athletics department? Don't know but suspect people knew for a long time and didn't react until they got information they had to act on. The assistant he had an affair with? We don't know—not exonerated but also let's be conscious that sharing her name and photo and history of an unfamous person irreversibly makes her famous for This, for life. It also has a chill effect on other women caught in illicit relationships with powerful men, and we have a public interest in making sure that math favors coming forward, not participating in the cover-up. What is going on here that we don't have a control mechanism? Brian: I don't trust Warde in this situation because we saw the process for Mel Pearson. No faith this was handled appropriately. Who lied to you Sam? Sam: for certain, Sherrone lied. That wasn't the only basis for his report. Michigan investigated or "looked into it" and they didn't have credible evidence until yesterday when the woman came forward. (He doesn't say this but I took it to mean she lied to the investigators originally).  Brian: Warde Manuel has done nothing in 11 years but bumble from one crises to another. Sam: A coverup did take place, between the involved parties. What could Michigan have done to reveal it? We don't know. What brought it to light was she came forward. Argument with Craig over the Wilmer Hale report over Mel Pearson: Craig doesn't like the report, argues for due process; Brian and Seth found the report credible and included you-have-to-fire-him level offenses, and Warde sat on it for months. Other Thing Discussed: Candidates Kalen DeBoer: If he'll listen. Minter: think we can work around the show-cause, might not be able to work around the fact he's in line for NFL jobs. Jeff Brohm: Proven coach, Louisville alum but would listen. Jason Eck: Former Wisconsin OL and line coach who's a cultural fit, only been a HC for 4 years and only New Mexico for one year. Think he's a Harbaugh after 1 year at Stanford. Wildcard: Jay Harbaugh. Bad ideas are bad ideas. Seth notes insanity is possible, e.g. John Harbaugh might come available. Also hiring a coach these days won't be on the AD; you bring in consultants for this sort of thing. It's a much better job than PSU right now, or the last 3 Michigan coaching searches when we were trying to replace Lloyd Carr without paying anybody, trying to find someone who will debase himself to work for Dave Brandon, or Harbaugh-or-bust with a program coming out of a Hoke low. Michigan job today is you get to pick your staff, maybe pick your AD, and inherit Bryce Underwood and a roster built for success with a top 2 or 3 (maybe even #1) NIL war chest. Will DeBoer listen? Math has changed: Alabama fans are holding him to an unreasonable standard based on what Saban did during a time when Alabama had more advantages over Michigan than they did now. Sam: Think DeBoer will listen. If not for that Playoff selection they were ready to run him out of town. People there are expecting him to have the success Saban had in a system that does not afford him the same advantages that Nick Saban had. Brohm will listen too. Sam: Loves Brent Key (also his alma mater), but how much of his success is Hayes King? Lea same thing; why not hire Diego Pavia. Floor: Jedd Fisch, is fine, not a high ceiling, or might be. He's done what we would want to see at Arizona and Washington.

In a festive spirit, the hosts kick off with holiday decorations and reminisce about mail habits. They dive into a strong defensive game by Michigan, celebrating key plays from Spence and Park. The rivalry with MSU is analyzed, noting the surprising parity and intense moments. Power plays are scrutinized, with insights on goalkeeping and missed opportunities. The discussion wraps with potential World Juniors and Olympic rosters, highlighting which Michigan players may shine on the international stage.