MGoBlog: The MGoPodcast

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.

The hosts dive into an intense split between Michigan and Michigan State hockey, highlighting player performances and tactical challenges. Ivan Kovic shines with his calm goaltending, impacting game management. In basketball, they cheer on Michigan's dominant win over Rutgers, discussing key player contributions and shooting efficiency. The conversation also covers recruiting efforts, with a focus on promising signings across different positions, and evaluates the team's national standing amid competitive threats.

The hosts dive deep into Michigan's struggles against Ohio State, highlighting setbacks in both offensive and defensive play. They discuss Bryce Hunter's ineffective read options and critique Wink Martindale's predictable defensive schemes. There's praise for innovative run-game tweaks, but frustration over the lack of disguise and pressure tactics. The conversation shifts to recruiting, with big money moves on the horizon for several key players. Concerns over special teams also come to light as the team gears up for a crucial offseason.

1 Hour and 18 Minutes With David Nasternak and Alex Drain This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games. Segment 1:  NBA Cupdates and Thanksgiving food debrief. Michigan largely hammered Harvard in the first game, scoring early and often en route to a comfortable win. Nick Moldenhauer has elevated as a playmaker and Josh Eernisse continues to score. So does Will Horcoff. Hobey? Decent special teams night, just a ho-hum win Segment 2:  Different game script from the first one, Harvard came out much more energetic. Michigan kept them to the outside for the first two periods and kept Ivankovic’s eyes clean, while cashing in on high-danger chances the other way. Harvard did control play and finally broke through when Michigan’s dumb penalties gave them too many looks. Horcoff redeemed himself after terrible 3rd period penalties. Okay with an OTW to achieve the sweep. Still 3rd in NPI. Many of our old friends took the week off… should Michigan take Thanksgiving week off? Huge clash with MSU this weekend, a team riding the Porter Martone and Trey Augustine wave but looking for depth scoring.    MUSIC NHL on ESPN Theme "Smarter Than You" -- The Undertones Ice Hockey (NES) theme

Joining the discussion, Jamie Mac, a savvy college football writer and analyst, dives into the pressing issues facing the Big Ten. He breaks down intriguing matchups like Oregon-Washington and Penn State-Rutgers, highlighting bowl implications and playoff positions. The group also critiques Michigan's struggles against Ohio State, exploring underwhelming offensive strategies and defensive breakdowns. Plus, they dissect the impact of season-long progress and potential growth for the future, amidst a landscape where fan interactions with rival teams ignite heated debates.

The hosts dive into an in-depth preview of Ohio State's powerful offense, highlighting their star players and injury concerns. They discuss Michigan's strategic responses to Ohio State's two-tight end sets and elite passing efficiency. A touch of weather drama adds excitement to their predictions, with both sides confident in their chances. Transitioning to basketball, they recap Michigan's recent MTE performance, analyzing key players and their playoff prospects. A lively discussion on adjustments and counters rounds out this engaging analysis.

The hosts dive into Thanksgiving food debates before breaking down Michigan's thrilling hockey victories over Ohio State. They analyze a decisive game-winning goal, the impact of depth players, and discuss goaltending hiccups. The conversation explores Michigan's standing in the Big Ten, highlighting key metrics and rivalries. They also preview an upcoming matchup against Harvard, focusing on its formidable goalie, while celebrating a promising recruiting commitment for the 2026 class. Full of insights and lighthearted banter, the episode captures the rollercoaster of college hockey.

The hosts dive into the offensive performance against Maryland, highlighting Bryce's progression with improved routes and decision-making. They discuss the offensive line's strong showing and the potential challenges against Ohio State. Andrew Marsh's near Odell Beckham catch steals the spotlight, while Derek Moore's impact on the defense raises questions on maximizing his snaps. They wrap up with hot takes ahead of the Ohio State game, discussing injury implications and the excitement surrounding the matchup. College football highlights round out the conversation.

The hosts dive into Maryland's struggles, analyzing quarterback Malik Washington's limitations and a poor offensive line. They discuss the team's youth and how it impacts both their run and pass games, including a dismal run-blocking rank. The conversation shifts to effective players like Jalen Husky and the team's high interception rate. Transitioning to basketball, they review Michigan's turnover issues and explore a unique three-big lineup. Concerns about shooting slumps and defensive rotations are also highlighted.