The Michigan Insider

40 Episodes
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By: 247Sports, Michigan Football, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan, Michigan athletics, College Football

The Michigan Insider is combining all three of its podcasts, The Wolverine247 podcast, The Michigan Recruiting Insider, and the Michigan Basketball Insider into one mega-podcast. All your Michigan podcast needs in one place.

Michigan-Northwestern preview: Keys for the Wolverines coming out of bye week
Last Thursday at 10:42 PM

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Alejandro Zuniga break down the Michigan football team's matchup at Northwestern, what the Wolverines need to show after a second bye week and how they expect the game to go. 

They begin with a look at the offense, which will be aiming to show a more efficient passing attack than in its previous two games. They discuss some specific facets in the passing game they will be looking to see improvement out of, and players they want to see step up. They also discuss the importance of Michigan testing out its r...


Michigan offensive breakdown with Al Borges (2nd bye week) - Northwestern preview; B1G outlook
Last Thursday at 8:07 AM

In this week's episode, Al Borges and Sam Webb previewed Michigan's upcoming game versus Northwestern. They highlight the importance of Bryce Underwood's improvement coming off the bye. Borges shares a potential game plan that includes quick-rhythm throws and RPOs. He also details a menu of run plays that have been successful against Northwestern's stout defense. Borges notes the trouble the Wildcats' defense could pose with their pass rush and varied coverages. The discussion then turned to the effectiveness of under-center versus shotgun formations for play-action. Borges predicted a close win for Michigan, with a score of 30-27.

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Michigan defensive breakdown with Vance Bedford (2nd bye week) - Northwestern preview; B1G outlook
Last Thursday at 8:02 AM

In this week's episode, Vance Bedford and Sam Webb previewed Michigan's upcoming game versus Northwestern. They discussed Michigan's defensive preparations for the matchup, emphasizing Vance's concerns about the Wildcats' physical running game and West Coast offensive concepts. He highlighted Northwestern's ability to exploit defensive gaps and the importance of proper alignment and assignment for defensive linemen, particularly against Northwestern's 12 personnel. Vance predicted Michigan would need to score at least 28 points to win. The episode closed with his thoughts on the top teams in the Big Ten, especially Ohio State, providing broader context for the upcoming matchup.

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Michigan football vs. Northwestern preview: Behind Enemy Lines
Last Wednesday at 11:38 PM

Michigan football has exited its second bye week and sets its sights on the Northwestern Wildcats this weekend at Wrigley Field.

Gavin Dorsey, publisher and writer for Northwestern Roundtable, joins Behind Enemy Lines to preview the 'Cats. One win away from bowl eligibility, Northwestern has an improved offense and a typically stout defense. This episode breaks down the keys factors and key players as Michigan meets the Wildcats in The Friendly Confines.

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Michigan Basketball Insider - Wolverines impressive out of the gate
11/10/2025

In this week's episode, Sam Webb and former Wolverine Tim McCormick discuss Michigan basketball's strong start, spotlighting its 121-78 win over Oakland. Tim relays Greg Kampe's praise for Michigan's talent, size, and adaptability. They zero in on the team's passing skills, especially with point guard Elliot Cadeau and center Aday Mara, and mention Trey McKenney’s positive minutes at backup point guard versus Oakland. The conversation moves to the team's expected improvements in physicality and rebounding, with Tim noting practice routines like weighted big man drills and no-foul scrimmages. They wrap with previews of games against Wake Forest and TC...


Steady Droppin Dimes - Is Bryce Underwood's development on track?
11/08/2025

In this week’s episode of Steady Droppin Dimes, Sam Webb, Tyrone Wheatley, and Daniel Horton examine Bryce Underwood’s progress nine games into his freshman season, addressing concerns regarding Michigan’s passing offense following two subpar performances and increasing fan dissatisfaction with offensive output. The team further explores a significant NIL issue: the extent to which Name, Image, and Likeness deals impact playing rotations within collegiate athletics. The discussion then turns to college basketball, considering whether Michigan can be regarded as a national championship contender. Lastly, in the wake of the NFL trade deadline, the panel assesses the curren...


Michigan offensive breakdown with Al Borges (week 9) - Purdue recap; bye week preview
11/06/2025

In this week's episode Al Borges and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's offensive performance in its 21-16 victory over Purdue. Borges highlighted five missed throws that could have been significant plays, attributing some to Bryce Underwood's learning curve. He praised Jordan Marshall's performance, noting his 12 first downs and three touchdowns. Shifting back to Underwood, Borges emphasized the importance of reps and confidence-building drills. He also mentioned the impact of turnovers and the need for more quick rhythm throws. The conversation included insights on Underwood's mechanics, the influence of game conditions, and the potential benefits of the bye week for improvement.<...


Michigan defensive breakdown with Vance Bedford (week 9) - Purdue recap; bye week preview
11/06/2025

In this week's episode, Vance Bedford and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's defensive showing in its 21-16 win over Purdue. While they praised key defensive stands, they also noted repeated mistakes from earlier in the season. Bedford criticized the Wolverines for playing down to Purdue's level, especially calling out the defensive line for being out of position and causing poor run defense. However, he highlighted Wink Martindale's "sound" strategy to protect young, injury-replacement linebackers, and also praised captain Ernest Hausmann. Wrapping up the segment, Bedford concluded with a call for fundamental improvement, particularly in pass defense, during the bye week.<...


Michigan-Purdue recap: Strengths and concern points from the Wolverines' narrow win over Boilermakers
11/04/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Alejandro Zuniga discuss the good and bad for the Michigan football team coming out of its uneven 21-16 win over Purdue.

They open with a look at the offensive side of the ball, discussing Justice Haynes' surgery, Jordan Marshall's star emergence, the multi-faceted issues plaguing Michigan's passing offense, and the top of the Wolverines' offensive bye week to-do list.

In the second half of the episode, they look at Michigan's defense and special teams in the win. They discuss some minor struggle points in coverage and the pass-rush, some...


Steady Droppin Dimes - Season 3: Introducing new co-host, Tyrone Wheatley!
11/01/2025

The new season of Steady Droppin Dimes is finally here. Sam Webb and former Michigan point guard Daniel Horton are back, and with a new co-host, former Michigan great, NFL 1st round pick, 10=year pro, and current Wayne State head football coach Tyrone Wheatley!! The Michigan legend, shares his journey from high school to Ann Arbor, to the NFL and coaching. He recounts his unique hiring by Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. The discussion also covers the impact of NIL deals on college sports, the challenges of balancing donor expectations with winning, and the potential for corruption in sports betting...


Michigan Basketball Insider: Biggest concerns that could limit potential national title run
11/01/2025

In this week's episode, Sam Webb and Former Wolverine Tim McCormick continue their preview of the 2025/26 Michigan basketball season in another LIVE edition of The Michigan Basketball Insider.  They express concerns about turnovers, noting that the team had 20 in their exhibition game against Cincinnati and 22 against St. John's. Tim highlighted the absence of a reliable backup to Elliot Cadeau, and the need improved ball security for the team whole. They discussed the possible expanded role for LJ Cason and the questions about his game entering year two. The conversation the conversation then turned to expectations for Aday Mara, Will Tsc...


Michigan-Purdue preview: Keys, predictions for the Wolverines against the Boilermakers
10/31/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Alejandro Zuniga preview the Michigan football team's home matchup against Purdue. They look at keys for the Wolverines on both sides of the ball, factors to watch and make predictions for the game. 

They open with a look at Michigan's offense, facing a slumping Boilermakers' defense. They challenge the Wolverines to alter their passing game, and give the young pass game meaningful reps and opportunities to grow. They also look at Purdue's weak points on defense, including tackling, big plays and coverage. They close the first half with offensive prop bets.


Michigan football vs. Purdue preview: Behind Enemy Lines
10/29/2025

The Purdue Boilermakers visit Michigan Stadium in search of their first Big Ten win of the season. In this episode of Behind Enemy Lines, you'll learn everything you need to know about the Boilermakers before Saturday night's game.

Under new head coach Barry Odom, Purdue is 2-6 overall and 0-5 in the Big Ten. There's no go-go offense like Odom ran at UNLV, so what should the Wolverines expect from the two QBs (Ryan Browne and Malachi Singleton), and who are the other names to know? Defensively, the Boilermakers have allowed more plays of 40-plus yards than...


Michigan offensive breakdown with Al Borges (week 8) - MSU recap; Purdue preview
10/29/2025

In this week's episode Al Borges and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's offensive performance in its 31-20 victory over Michigan State. They highlighted impressive schematic adjustments in the run game, and detailed the struggles in the passing game. Borges attributed five failed plays to effective MSU coverage, while identifying various other factors contributing to Michigan’s other passing difficulties. He noted that only one RPO was thrown out of 16 called and pointed out the inability to turn protection to account for nickel blitzes. That focused discussion on approaches that will foster comfort in the pocket for in freshman quarterback Bryce Un...


Michigan defensive breakdown with Vance Bedford (week 8) - MSU recap; Purdue preview
10/29/2025

In this week's episode, Vance Bedford and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's defensive performance in its 31-20 victory over Michigan State, and previewed the upcoming game against Purdue. Bedford praised the defensive line, giving defensive ends an A- and defensive tackles a B-. He also highlighted Jimmy Rolder's standout game and Jyaire Hill's strong performance at corner. He the warned the secondary about unexploited holes and missed assignments on the backend. He also discussed Michigan's blitz rate, which has been dramatically reduced from one of the highest in the country, to seemingly one of the lowest the last two weeks...


Michigan-Michigan State recap: Inside the Wolverines' fourth straight win in rivalry
10/28/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's 31-20 win over Michigan State, what the Wolverines showed in the game, and what it means for the rivalry moving forward.

They open with a look at the offense, which was as run-dominant as Michigan has been all season. They discuss the run game's success, especially in the second half, as well as the shortcomings on multiple fronts in the passing game.

In the second half of the episode, they look at Michigan's defense, which was dominant for most of the g...


Michigan Basketball Insider: 2025/26 Season Preview; Michigan best in Big 10? Headed to Final Four?
10/25/2025

Sam Webb and Former Wolverine Tim McCormick preview the 2025/26 Michigan basketball season in the special LIVE edition of The Michigan Basketball Insider. Tim highlights the team's impressive talent, depth, and versatility. He highlighted Yaxel Lendeborg as the best player in the Big 10, Morez Johnson a "severe lob threat" that reminds him of "a young Jalen Duren", and a passing "savant" at point guard in Elliott Cadeau.

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Michigan-Michigan State preview: Keys for the Wolverine to hold off Spartans, win fourth straight in rivalry
10/24/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's upcoming game at Michigan State, looking at the keys for the Wolverines and prominent storylines in the matchup.

They open with a look at Michigan's offense, and what needs to be done against the Spartans' struggling defense. They discuss the Wolverines picking up where they left off in last week's simplified, higher-efficiency passing game, players they would like to see more of if the game goes as expected and other factors to watch from each position group.

In the second half of...


Michigan defensive breakdown with Vance Bedford (week 7) - Washington recap; MSU preview
10/23/2025

Vance Bedford and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's defensive performance, highlighting the team's accountability and improvements against Washington after a disappointing loss to USC. Bedford praised the defensive line for their effective play, giving them an A, and noted the linebackers' contributions, awarding them an A-minus. The secondary faced challenges, particularly in zone coverages, earning a B-. Bedford emphasized the importance maintaining focus versus Michigan State's mobile quarterback Aidan Chiles. He predicted a 35-17 win for Michigan, stressing the need for a strong defensive performance to complement the offense.

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Michigan offensive breakdown with Al Borges (week 7) - Washington recap; MSU preview
10/23/2025

In this week's episode Al Borges and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's offensive performance in its 24-7 victory over Washington, and preview the upcoming matchup with Michigan State. Borges praised Bryce Underwood for his growth as a pocket passer and continued RPO proficiency. The offensive line received a B+ grade, paving the way for Jordan Marshall's 133 yards on the ground and surrendering just six pressures. Borges also noted the young players' growth, particularly the tight ends Zack Marshall and Deakon Tonielli and running back, and the potential for future success. He detailed the performance of Blake Frazier at left tackle...


Michigan football vs. Michigan State preview: Behind Enemy Lines
10/22/2025

The latest installment of the Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry has arrived! The Spartans and Wolverines will battle for Paul Bunyan on Saturday night in East Lansing.

Is this game a last stand for MSU coach Jonathan Smith? What has and hasn't gone well throughout his year-and-a-half tenure? And, most importantly: What are Michigan State's strengths this season, and what are the areas Michigan can exploit against a team that has started 0-4 in Big Ten play?

On this week's episode of Behind Enemy Lines, Michigan State beat reporter Stephen Brooks gives us the inside...


Michigan-Washington recap: Takeaways from Wolverines' bounce-back win
10/19/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's 24-7 win over Washington, what stood out on both sides of the ball, and what it all means for the Wolverines moving forward.

They open with a look at Michigan's offense, which cruised to 417 yards on 6.1 yards per play, and arguably was more productive than 24 points would suggest. They discuss strong performances from Bryce Underwood, Jordan Marshall, Zack Marshall, Andrew Marsh and the offensive line. They break down what worked in play-calling, areas to improve in opponent territory and other observations from Underwood's...


Michigan defensive breakdown with Vance Bedford (week 6) - USC recap; Washington preview
10/17/2025

In this week's episode Vance Bedford and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's defensive performance in its 31-13 loss to USC, focusing on the issues that held the unit back, and previewing the upcoming matchup with Washington.

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Michigan offensive breakdown with Al Borges (week 6) - USC recap; Washington preview
10/17/2025

In this week's episode Al Borges and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's offensive performance in its 31-13 loss to USC, focusing on the issues that held the unit back, and previewing the upcoming matchup with Washington.

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Michigan at the season's midway point, Washington preview
10/17/2025

In this double-length episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team midway through its 2025 season, and preview the Wolverines' home tilt against Washington.

They open with a look at Michigan's offense. They discuss what has and has not met preseason expectations on the offensive side of the ball, a lackluster showing at USC, what must improve in the second half of the season and what some of the offensive keys are against the Huskies.

In the second half of the episode, they take stock in Michigan's defense. They discuss surprise letdowns...


Michigan football vs. Washington preview: Behind Enemy Lines
10/15/2025

Michigan football faces a talented Washington Huskies offense at the Big House this Saturday (12 p.m., FOX). UW's offense is led by a trio that has been as good as advertised this season: QB Demond Williams Jr., RB Jonah Coleman and WR Denzel Boston. Is that enough to overcome multiple injuries on the offensive line?

Chris Fetters of DawgMan/247Sports gives us the inside scoop on the Huskies on this episode of Behind Enemy Lines.

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Michigan defensive breakdown with Vance Bedford (week 5) - Wisconsin recap; USC preview
10/10/2025

In this week's episode Vance Bedford and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's defensive performance in its 24-10 victory over Nebraska, highlighting the stellar play of Rod Moore, and the necessary improvements that unit still has to make ahead of Saturday's matchup with USC,

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Michigan offensive breakdown with Al Borges (week 5) - Wisconsin recap; USC preview
10/10/2025

In this week's episode Al Borges and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's offensive performance in its 24-10 victory over Wisconsin, focusing on the issues that held the unit back (like protection and drops) and how they might be addressed)

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Michigan-USC preview: Keys for the Wolverines in pivotal road matchup
10/09/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz preview the No. 15 Michigan football team's road trip to Los Angeles, where it will take on USC in a pivotal Big Ten matchup.

They open with a look at what the Wolverines' offense but do against the Trojans. They discuss a potential vulnerability in USC's run defense, where Michigan's pass game must grow, and what it can take from last weeks breakthrough over Wisconsin. They also look at players who must step up, Bryce Underwood's next step, the offensive line's progress and do offensive prop bets for the game.<...


Michigan football vs. USC preview: Behind Enemy Lines
10/08/2025

Michigan football travels to Los Angeles for a pivotal game against the USC Trojans. Led by Jayden Maiava and a bevy of talented skill-position players, USC will represent one of the U-M defense's biggest tests of the season.

Connor Morrissette of USCFootball.com joins Behind Enemy Lines to break down the Trojans. He shares the big names to know, the pertinent injuries, and how the Wolverines might leave this clash of blue-blood programs with a season-defining win.

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Michigan-Wisconsin recap: Takeaways from the Wolverines' 24-10 win
10/07/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team’s 24-10 win over Wisconsin, and what it means for the Wolverines moving forward.

They open with a look at Michigan’s offense, which struggled in the first half, but came alive to the tune of 300 yards in the second half. They discuss which half was more important, two strong showings from the Wolverines’ wide receivers, the continued success of Justice Haynes, Bryce Underwood’s development and why it took until week five for Andrew Marsh to earn a start.

In the seco...


Michigan-Wisconsin preview: Keys for the Wolverines in homecoming matchup
10/03/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's matchup against Wisconsin, and keys for the Wolverines to move to 4-1 on the season.

They open with a look at the keys for Michigan's offense. They discuss the Badgers' run defense and pass-rush, why Michigan may be able to run the ball well anyways, passing to set up the run, potential shakeups in the wide receiver room and an ascending offensive line. They also make prop-bet picks for the offense in the game.

In the second half of the episode...


Michigan defensive breakdown with Vance Bedford (bye week) - Big 10 recap; Wisconsin preview
10/02/2025

In this week's episode Vance Bedford and Sam Webb reacted to the outcomes big gams across the Big 10 during Michigan's bye week- Vance focused significant attention on USC's loss to Illinois in anticipation of Michigan's upcoming matchup with the Trojans in two weeks. He highlighted concerns about stopping USC's explosive offense and the ongoing need to improve stopping the power and counter run plays. He emphasized the importance of stopping the run and showing the ability to pressure with four to facilitate fewer blitz calls. He praised the play of freshman corner Jayden Sanders' potential and expressed hope for...


Michigan offensive breakdown with Al Borges (bye week) - Big 10 recap; Wisconsin preview
10/02/2025

In this week's episode Al Borges and Sam Webb .reacted to the outcomes big gams across the Big 10 during Michigan's bye week- They analyzed Penn State's loss to Oregon, highlighting Dante Moore's better playmaking abilities over Drew Allar. They reviewed USC's surprising loss to Illinois, noting the Illini's' effective run game and the Trojan's defensive struggles. They also recapped Ohio State's victory over Washington. The conversation then shifted to the Maize & Blue, at which point Borges detailed evidence of Bryce Underwood's development. He predicted a 35-17 win over Wisconsin, stressing the need for Michigan to establish the run and...


Michigan football vs. Wisconsin preview: Behind Enemy Lines
10/01/2025

The Wolverines and Badgers meet this weekend for the first time since 2021, and a lot has changed in Madison since then.

Badger247's Nick Osen joins "Behind Enemy Lines" to explain why Luke Fickell has struggled, and he breaks down what Michigan should expect from an injury-plagued offense, a stout run defense and more as Wisconsin desperately seeks a statement win at the Big House.

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Michigan defensive breakdown with Vance Bedford (week 4) - Nebraska recap; Bye week preview
09/26/2025

In this week's episode Vance Bedford and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's defensive performance in its 30-27 victory over Nebraska, highlighting the dominant pass rush that swarmed Husker quarterback Dylan Raiola for seven sacks. Bedford criticized the defense's run fits and pass coverage and identified those as the mot important issues to address during the bye week. He emphasized the need for better situational football. Bedford also mentioned the potential of young players like Jayden Sanders and Shamari Earls. The episode also offers an early look-ahead to the upcoming matchups with Wisconsin and USC.

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Michigan offensive breakdown with Al Borges (week 4) - Nebraska recap; Bye week preview
09/26/2025

In this week's episode Al Borges and Sam Webb discussed Michigan's offensive performance in its 30-27 victory over Nebraska, highlighting the explosive rushing attack that pounded the Cornhuskers into the ground. The discussion focused on the effectiveness of the outside zone play, which contributed 199 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Borges praised the offensive line's development and Bryce Underwood's poise. They also discussed the potential of receivers like Donovan McCulley and Andrew Marsh to be impact players, and the need for continued development of the passing game.

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Michigan-Nebraska recap: Takeaways, reaction to the Wolverines' Big Ten road win
09/22/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the good and bad on both sides of the ball from the Michigan football team’s 30-27 win over Nebraska.

They open with a look at the offensive side of the ball. They discuss the Wolverines’ dominant ground game, Justice Haynes’ star power and the offensive line’s best performance in the last two seasons. They also look at a quiet showing in the passing game, drops in the wide receiver room and what Michigan’s to-do list should look like on offense entering a bye week.

In t...


Michigan-Nebraska preview: Keys for the Wolverines in second road test
09/19/2025

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz preview the Michigan football team’s matchup at Nebraska, breaking down the keys to the game and their score predictions for the contest.

They open with a look at the keys for the Wolverines’ offense. They discuss the importance of establishing the run game to open up the pass game, the value of getting the tight ends involved more than in previous games, Bryce Underwood’s value in the run game and in buying time to make plays downfield and other key factors.

In the second half of the...


Michigan vs. Nebraska preview: Behind Enemy Lines
09/18/2025

Big Ten play has arrived as Biff Poggi leads the Michigan Wolverines into a road showdown with Nebraska. The 'Huskers have a former five-star QB, the nation's top pass defense, and a desperate need to win a signature game under Matt Rhule. Husker247's Brian Christopherson joins the show to break down what the Wolverines should expect this weekend in Lincoln.

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