MGoBlog: The MGoPodcast

Jamie Mack, a contributor at JustCoverBlog.com, joins the discussion to dive into recent Big Ten drama. The conversation heats up as they debate Wink Martindale's controversial game plan against USC and whether he deserves to be fired. Mack provides insights on Indiana's stunning upset over Oregon, while also analyzing Penn State's struggles and Michigan State's collapse against UCLA. They wrap up with a look at standout performances from Nebraska and Ohio State, revealing the ever-shifting landscape of the Big Ten.

This week, the hosts preview USC's revamped offense, focusing on Jaden Maieva's rising star and Makai Lemon’s impressive stats. They explore Michigan's defensive strategies against USC's two-tight end setup and the challenges posed by the Trojans' injury-plagued offensive line. The conversation shifts to USC's defensive shortcomings and how this matchup could lead to a high-scoring shootout. Predictions for the game wrap up the discussion, alongside insights into key Big Ten matchups to watch.

The hosts kick off with a lighthearted banter about K-pop before diving into Michigan's football strategies. They dissect the team’s performance against Wisconsin, praising the offensive design and noting the challenges of youth on the line. The discussion heats up as they debate controversial holding calls and breakdowns in pass protection. Listeners will enjoy insights on what Michigan should do to tackle the upcoming USC matchup, including exploiting their smaller defense. The segment wraps up with fond reflections on Rod Moore's impactful return to the field.

Hosts delve into the thrilling ups and downs of Michigan hockey, dissecting their recent games against Mercyhurst. They discuss the challenges of back-to-back events, preview the upcoming NHL season, and debate team dynamics in the Big Ten. The conversation highlights key roster changes and coaching shifts, particularly for Minnesota and Penn State. With a focus on outstanding shot metrics and team depth, they explore whether the Big Ten can secure a national title amid its competitive landscape.

2 hour and 18 minutes The Sponsors Thank you to Underground Printing for making this all possible. Rishi and Ryan have been our biggest supporters from the beginning. Check out their wide selection of officially licensed Michigan fan gear at their 3 store locations in Ann Arbor or learn about their custom apparel business at undergroundshirts.com. Our associate sponsors are: Peak Wealth Management, Matt Demorest - Realtor and Lender, Ann Arbor Elder Law, Michigan Law Grad, Human Element, Sharon's Heating & Air Conditioning, The Sklars Brothers, Champions Circle, Winewood Organics, Community Pest Solutions, Venue by 4M where record this, and Introducing this season: Radecki Oral Surgery, and Long Road Distillers. 1. Offense vs Wisconsin Starts at 1:00 Are Michigan fans turning beet red or was it just hot? This game looks better on rewatch and followed the preview fairly closely. Bryce Underwood took a leap forward in this game, he has the occasional accuracy issue and isn't testing the middle of the field, but he's starting to hit guys downfield. Andrew Marsh and Donaven McCulley also took a huge lea. This is encouraging considering Goodwin was barely targeted, Semaj has been having catching issues, and Frederick Moore is off the team. You can rotate most positions but not the wide receivers. Russel Bellamy has been getting unfairly judged for the receivers. Wisconsin has a very good rush defense and Michigan put up pretty good numbers. Underwood needs to get the ball out a little quicker. Sprague will grade out negatively but he generally does it well when he knows the right assignment. The offensive line is young, they need some time to get better. Lindsey plays off the screen game really well. Has Michigan gotten a holding call all year on defense? [The rest of the writeup and the player after THE JUMP]  2. Defense vs Wisconsin Starts at 39:33 10 points from the opposition but three came from a sad field goal. They barely got to 200 yards of offense until "kill the clock mode". Rod Moore being back instantly makes this defense much better. Don't rotate him and just keep him on the field all game? Zeke Berry is back from injury, he missed a tackle but was otherwise fine. This defense seems like they miss a lot of tackles but we're comparing it to the best defense in recent school history. Jimmy Rolder was in his element, one time he almost picked up a fullback and threw him. Michigan goes cover zero in a situation that makes no sense. Everyone in the stands keeps turning towards Seth when this happens. Brandyn Hillman is reckless which is helpful sometimes, sometimes it hurts you. Please don't be weird against USC. 3. Hot Takes, Game Theory, and Special Teams Starts at 1:05:20 Takes hotter than Michigan Stadium this Saturday. Michigan missed a 27 yard field goal, was it the hold? They did (just barely) block a punt and almost blocked a second one. Hollenbeck was blasting them in this game. What is up with Semaj's punt returns? Is he being told not to take any chances? Should you run a QB sneak on 4th and inches near your own red zone? Luke Fickell is Brady Hoke. They weren't trying to win the game in the 4th quarter, you can't have a six minute field goal drive in this situation. Seth is about to start charting an umpire's spatial awareness. 4. Around the Big Ten with Jamie Mac Starts at 1:34:02 UCLA 42, Penn State 37 UCLA has been awful all season but they looked like the #7 team in the country in Pasadena. James Franklin partially blamed the travel. Coming into this weekend, UCLA never led in any of their four games. In this game they never trailed. Tim Skipper has as many wins over top 10 teams as James Franklin. Penn State was a playoff team but now they have to beat Ohio State to have a chance, Was this the biggest Big Ten upset ever?  Nebraska 38, Michigan State 27 In most weeks this would be the funniest game of the week. Michigan State ran for 2.3 YPC and Chiles threw two interception into Nebraska chests. Their backup looked pretty good so is there a QB controversy?  Washington 24, Maryland 20 Maryland took a 20-0 lead but road Washington dominated October Maryland. Washington is still without their best defensive end, linebacker, and defensive back. Mike Locksley is 0-10 coming out of bye weeks.  Illinois 43, Purdue 27 The Purdue offense is actually functional. Each QB threw for over 300 yards.  Northwestern 42, ULM 7 One day we'll have something to say about Northwestern, but not today. Ohio State 42, Minnesota 3 They let Julian Sayin cook. MUSIC: "Cobra"—Geese "God's Country"—Thomas Dollbaum "How To Kill Houseplants"—Spacey Jane “Across 110th Street”—JJ Johnson and his Orchestra   

Comedian Jason Sklar, one half of the Sklar Brothers, shares his insights on Ann Arbor's comedy scene and upcoming shows. He humorously critiques the recent changes in Wisconsin's football strategy under Phil Longo, emphasizing how it clashes with the team's identity. Sklar also dives into the ethics of performing in high-profile international gigs like those in Riyadh, sparking a lively discussion about morality in comedy. Expect laughs and keen observations on both sports and the comedy world!

The discussion kicks off with a preview of Michigan vs. Wisconsin, analyzing injuries and offensive strategies. Insightful takes on Penn State's Drew Allar and OSU's improved offensive line follow. The hosts delve into the basketball team's Final Four aspirations, highlighting Dusty May's rigorous coaching style. Unique practice tactics involving physical challenges are explored, emphasizing rebounding and teamwork. They also assess roster depth and shooting potential, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Summer updates kick off the discussion, with the hosts sharing baseball woes before diving into Michigan Hockey's roster changes. They analyze returning and incoming forwards, spotlighting the potential impact of freshman talents and transfers. The hosts delve into the team's defensive depth, navigating the crowded lineup and exploring goaltending prospects. With a non-conference schedule on the horizon, they set expectations for a bounce-back season and a possible NCAA tournament run.

Matt D. joins as a basketball analyst with extensive scouting expertise, breaking down Michigan's revamped roster and the impact of transfer Elliot Cadeau's creativity on the team's dynamics. They discuss how backup guards like LJ Kaysan and Roddy Gayle will fit into the system, evaluating the potential of freshman Trey McKinney. Jamie Mack later analyzes the Big Ten landscape, providing insights on college football performances and further context around key matchups. The conversation flows seamlessly between basketball strategies and college football highlights.

Greg Crippen shines as a standout center, showcasing his stretch-blocking skills. Young defensive players like Trey Pierce and Cole Sullivan are stepping up, with discussions around simplifying play-calling. The podcast delves into the offensive schemes, highlighting how outside zone runs suit Michigan's team dynamic. There's also a lively debate on the upcoming Ohio State vs. Washington matchup, considering skill positions and team strengths, while pondering future guard placements in the line-up. Plenty of insights to keep fans engaged!