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Tag: Wolverines

  • Men’s Basketball Returns Home for Wolverines Saturday


    PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers men’s basketball returns to Jersey Mikes Arena for the first time since January 13 as the Scarlet Knights will host Michigan at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX with Kevin Kugler and the 5th selection in the 1992 NBA Draft, LaPhonso Ellis, on the call.

    Rutgers returns to Jersey Mike’s Arena after four straight contests away from the venue. That stretch included three true road games (at Nebraska, at Penn State, at Northwestern) and a home game at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

     

    The Scarlet Knights enter the game at 11-10 overall and 4-6 in Big Ten play following a 79-72 victory at Northwestern behind a virtuoso performance from freshman Ace Bailey. The Scarlet Knights stand within a crowded pack in the league standings as one of eight teams between 4 and 6 wins.

    RU has won three of the past five games. The team is looking for its first stretch of four wins in six games since opening the season with a 5-1 mark.

    Rutgers shot 57.1 percent from the field against the Wildcats, the best shooting performance in a Big Ten game since 2023. The mark from three-point range was also 57.1 percent, which was the best in a Big Ten game since 2022. Ace Bailey keyed the offense, as he posted 37 points on 13-of-20 shooting, 5-of-8 from 3-point, 6-of-6 from the free throw line, six rebounds and three blocks.

    Bailey became the first Division I freshman to log multiple 35-point games on the road since Trae Young in 2017-18. His 37-6-3 stat line has been reached just three times this season (twice by him) and just nine times by a freshman since 2007 and only previously by players ultimately selected No. 1 or No. 2 in the NBA Draft (Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, Ben Simmons, Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Edwards). It was the most points by a visiting player at Welsh-Ryan Arena

    Bailey’s January stretch in Big Ten play has been red hot, starting with a 39 point outburst against Indiana. Bailey has posted 194 points in eight January Big Ten games, averaging 24.3 points per game in that stretch. He also averages 9.2 rebounds per game in that eight-game stretch. In his last six games, Bailey has made 26-of-29 free throws (89.6%). In his last four games, Bailey has made 15-of-25 three-pointers (60%).

    Bailey has the two highest scoring games in Big Ten play this season (39 at Indiana, 37 at Northwestern). He’s made 13 field goals in a league game three times, while the rest of the conference has only done it three times. It was his third game this season of 30+ points  and 10th game of 20+ points. Bailey’s averaging 22.1 points per game in league play, best in the league. He also moved up to 10th nationally overall in points per game.

    Bailey and Harper each have two games this season with 36+ points. Only one other freshmen this season has scored 36+ points in a game this season (Cooper Flagg, 42 points vs. Notre Dame).

    They are the only pair of two freshmen from the same team to score 36 or more points in a game twice in a season since 2004. The only players to have 3 or more games of 36+ points since 2004 are Michael Beasley (2007-08, four times, Kansas State), Kevin Durant (2006-07, four times, Texas), Rodney Stuckey (2005-06, three times, Eastern Washington) and Trae Young (2017-18, five times, Oklahoma).

    RU, who has never averaged more than 69 points per game under head coach Steve Pikiell is averaging 76.6 points per game this season. Rutgers has averaged over 76.5 points per game just 14 times in the school’s 111-year history (and not since 1992-92). The last time RU averaged over even 70 points per game was 2013-14 (71.1 ppg). RU has averaged over 70 points per game for a full season just that one time since the start of the 2001-02 season.

     

    Freshmen Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper are approaching historic ranks for their scoring output among Rutgers’ freshmen, each among the top scoring seasons by a true freshman Scarlet Knight.

    Bailey (394 points) surpassed Geo Baker last game and is just one point behind Hollis Copeland for entering the top five of all RU true freshmen scorers. Dylan Harper (354 points) stands just one point behind Ricky Shields and four points behind Baker.

    Rutgers True Freshmen Season Scoring Leaders: Total Points

    1. Mike Rosario (08-09): 517

    2. Phil Sellers (72-73): 506

    3. Corey Sanders (15-16): 430

    4. Quincy Douby (03-04): 412

    5. Hollis Copeland (74-75): 395

    6. Ace Bailey (24-25): 394

    7. Geo Baker (17-18): 358

    8. Ricky Shields (01-02): 355

    9. Dylan Harper (24-25): 354

     

    Under first-year head coach Dusty May, Michigan enters the matchup at 15-5 overall and 7-2 in the conference. UM is just 5-5 away from home however (3-2 in road games, 2-3 at neutral sites). The Wolverines have lost two of their last three games (overtime at Minnesota, home win over Northwestern, 27-point loss at No. 11 Purdue). Prior to that, was a five-game winning streak and a 14-3 start to the season that saw them ranked as high as No. 14 in the country.

    Vlad Goldin leads the team in scoring at 15.7 points per game, one of five Wolverines in double-figures (Tre Donaldson, Danny Wolf, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Nimari Burnett are all between 10.7 and 12.9 points per game). Wolf leads the team with 9.8 rebounds, while Donaldson has a team-high 85 assists.

    The team is keyed by a pair of 7-footers inside. Both Goldin (33 blocks) and Wolf (29 blocks) are in the top-10 in the league in rejections. Goldin shoots 63.5% from the field, in the top-10 nationally, while Wolf’s 7.55 defensive rebounds per game are also in the top-10 nationally.

    As a team, Michigan shoots 49.9 percent from the field, averages 17.9 assists and 83.2 points per game. All three rank in the top-25 in the country.

     

    Michigan leads the all-time series 16-4. However, RU has won three straight games and four of the past six contests in the series since 2022 after the Wolverines won the first 14 games. The current three-game winning streak has come at three separate venues (2023 Big Ten Tournament at the United Center in Chicago, Crisler Center in February 2024, Jersey Mike’s Arena in February 2024). The Scarlet Knights won by a 30-point margin in the last meeting, the largest margin of victory in the all-time series. Prior wins included a second half comeback for a 69-59 win at the Crisler Center, and a defensive effort in the Big Ten Tournament, where RU limited UM to 19 percent shooting in a 62-50 win. Rutgers has held Michigan under 60 points in each of the past three games.
     

    • Fourth straight win over Michigan

    • Five wins in the past seven games against Michigan

    • Four wins in the past six games

    The game against Michigan is the first of a three-home games in four span. RU remains at home to host No. 18/20 Illinois on Wednesday Feb. 5. After a trip to Maryland, the Scarlet Knights are back home on Feb. 12 to host Iowa.



    The men’s basketball team is gearing up for their highly anticipated home game this Saturday against the Wolverines. After a successful road trip, they are excited to showcase their skills in front of their loyal fans once again.

    The team has been working hard in practice and is ready to take on their opponents on their home court. With a winning record so far this season, they are confident in their abilities and are determined to come out on top.

    Fans can expect an intense and exciting game as the team looks to continue their winning streak. The players are counting on the support of their fans to help them secure another victory.

    Don’t miss out on the action this Saturday as the men’s basketball team returns home to face off against the Wolverines. Get your tickets now and show your support for the team as they aim for another triumph on their home court. Let’s go team! #GoTeam #HomeGame #WinningStreak

    Tags:

    mens basketball, wolverines, college basketball, home game, saturday game, basketball team, sports event, athletic event, university basketball, michigan basketball, game day, sports fans, team spirit, homecoming, basketball game, sports competition

    #Mens #Basketball #Returns #Home #Wolverines #Saturday

  • Live thread and updates as the Wolverines clash with the Boilermakers


    Michigan men’s basketball travels to Mackey Arena for a pivotal clash with Purdue on Friday, Jan. 24. Tip-off from West Lafayette is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and the game will air on FOX with Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson on the call.

    The Boilermakers are two-time defending Big Ten champions and reached the NCAA Tournament championship game last April. Despite the loss of National Player of the Year Zach Edey, Matt Painter’s squad was the preseason pick to win the conference, with guard Braden Smith nominated as the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year. Friday’s game, and the return contest at Crisler Center on Feb. 11, could be deciding factors in the Big Ten race and for NCAA Tournament seeding.

    Here’s what to know about Purdue: 

    Purdue’s season so far

    The Boilermakers are 15-5 (7-2 Big Ten), and they are ranked ninth in KenPom and 11th in the AP Top 25. After starting the season 7-1, including notable victories over Alabama and Ole Miss, Purdue lost three of four — at Penn State, and neutral court against Texas A&M and Auburn. They then won seven straight, including a 104-68 shellacking of Nebraska, before falling at home to Ohio State on Tuesday.

    The 11 remaining conference games for the Boilermakers include a pair against Michigan and road games at Michigan State and Illinois.

    KenPom projects Purdue to finish 22-9 overall (14-6 Big Ten), tied with Illinois and Michigan, and one game behind the Spartans in the conference standings.

    Key factors for Michigan against Purdue

    Use your size advantage: It’s unusual to enter a game against Purdue with a size advantage, but Michigan has it. The Boilermakers are 145th nationally in average height to Michigan’s 5th. Starting center Caleb Furst, a 6-foot-10 senior, is not much of an offensive threat. When Painter slides Trey Kaufman-Renn to the ‘5,’ that’s a four-inch advantage for Vlad Goldin. Purdue is an average rebounding team and has one of the lowest defensive block rates in the country. Kaufman-Renn does draw fouls at one of the highest rates in the country, so avoiding foul trouble among the frontcourt will be important. But size isn’t everything: As Vlad Goldin said earlier this year, smaller bigs with athleticism and experience — like Kaufman-Renn — do give him trouble defensively: “I don’t like guarding people like him — people who know their body. … It’s hard to guard people who know what they want to do,” Goldin said.

    Be more disruptive on defense: This will be one of the biggest tests to date for the Michigan defense. Not only is Matt Painter an excellent coach, but his offense runs through Braden Smith, an experienced player and owner of the highest assist rate (46.8%) in the country. The Boilermakers aren’t a team that runs iso ball; they use a multitude of sets and move the ball effectively until they find an open shooter. This is an opportunity for Michigan’s bigger guards — 6-foot-5 Rubin Jones, 6-foot-5 Nimari Burnett — to use their length to clog passing lanes and force turnovers. U-M also has the ability to switch ‘1’ through ‘4’ and should be able to do so successfully against Purdue. If the Wolverines can effectively slow the Boilermakers’ pick and roll, it’ll force them to work harder for open shots.

    Players to watch for Purdue against Michigan

    Braden Smith: The Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year is playing to those expectations. He’s averaging 15.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 8.9 assists in his junior season. That follows a season in which he set a conference record with 292 assists while being the only player nationally to average 12.0 points, 7.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds. Smith is rarely going to attack a defender off the dribble, but he has excellent court awareness and a solid pull-up game. He doesn’t commit fouls and is elite when he gets to the free throw line. Aside from Kaufman-Renn, one of his biggest beneficiaries is Fletcher Loyer, who is shooting 46.3% on 3-pointers, of which nearly all (92.1%) are assisted.

    Trey Kaufman-Renn: The 6-foot-9 junior is Purdue’s highest-usage player and has made the most of those opportunities, averaging 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 30.2 minutes. He’ll play the ‘4’ and the ‘5,’ and though he’s not much of a 3-point threat with just seven attempts this season, he’s shooting 77% at the rim. He’s also able to generate his own offense — 39% of his makes at the rim are unassisted, as are 43.9% of his other 2-pointers. He draws 6.2 fouls per 40 minutes, among the highest rates in the country, but makes free throws at just a 60.2% clip.

    What Dusty May said about Purdue 

    “Braden Smith, he’s a surgeon. His ability to make his teammates better, to make the right play. … He never looks tired. He never gets sped up. You rarely see him make even a solid decision; he makes good decisions repeatedly. He knows what he’s looking at. His ability to think the game and manipulate your defense. I could go on and on and on.”

    Kaufman-Renn “looks like one of the best bigs in the country and one of the most efficient bigs in the country,” May said, and the Michigan coach is “blown away” by Loyer’s development throughout his career in West Lafayette.

    “We’d better have our hand signals ready. We better be poised. We’d better meet every pass. We’d better have our fakes and footwork on point,” May said. “It’s as tough an environment as there is in the country to play in.”

    Michigan vs. Purdue odds

    KenPom lists Michigan as a four-point underdog, giving the visitors a 35% shot at pulling off the upset. Bart Torvik set the line at Purdue -3.2.

    As of Friday morning, the sportsbooks say Purdue is 4.5-point favorites over Michigan with the over/under set at 151.5. 

    How to watch Michigan vs. Purdue basketball

    Who: No. 21 Michigan Wolverines at No. 11 Purdue Boilermakers

    When: Friday, January 24 at 8:05 p.m. ET

    Where: Mackey Arena (West Lafayette)

    TV/Streaming: FOX | Gus Johnson (play-by-play) and Jim Jackson (analyst)

    Radio: Learfield Michigan Sports Network

    Follow the FREE live thread for updates from the TMI staff! 



    LIVE THREAD: Michigan Wolverines vs. Purdue Boilermakers

    Welcome to the live thread for the highly anticipated matchup between the Michigan Wolverines and the Purdue Boilermakers! Follow along for live updates and commentary as these two powerhouse teams go head-to-head on the gridiron.

    Kickoff is just moments away, so grab your snacks and get ready for an exciting game!

    Stay tuned for live updates, key plays, and analysis as the Wolverines clash with the Boilermakers. Let’s see who comes out on top in this epic showdown! #GoBlue #BoilerUp

    [Updates will be posted in the comments section below]

    Tags:

    • Live updates Wolverines vs Boilermakers
    • Michigan vs Purdue game updates
    • Wolverines Boilermakers live thread
    • Big Ten football game live updates
    • Michigan football updates
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    • Wolverines vs Boilermakers score updates
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    #Live #thread #updates #Wolverines #clash #Boilermakers

  • Northwestern Wildcats at No. 20 Michigan Wolverines Preview: Gut check time


    The Michigan Wolverines were bound to slip up at some point, but few would have predicted it to be against the worst team in the conference. Now, Dusty May must rally his squad and prevent one loss from turning into two. With a 5-1 record and some tough road games out of the way, Michigan is still in a strong position in the Big Ten, but Thursday’s loss served as a reality check that raises some serious questions.

    Back home on Sunday, the Wolverines must find a way to respond against the Northwestern Wildcats. This is another team near the conference’s cellar, and it could be the perfect opportunity for Michigan to show that the upset in Minneapolis was a fluke. Struggle again, though — even in a victory — and any talk of a Big Ten title will quickly fade. This is where May can prove he is not his predecessor.

    Northwestern Wildcats (11-6, 2-4) at No. 20 Michigan Wolverines (13-4, 5-1)

    Date & Time: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m. ET
    Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
    TV/Streaming: BTN

    Northwestern is just 2-4 in conference play, but those two wins came over teams in the KenPom top 25: Illinois and Maryland (both in overtime). This team is not expected to compete at the top of the Big Ten, and may even miss the conference tournament, but losses to teams like Purdue and Michigan State are understandable. Metrics put the Wildcats around 50th nationally and they clearly have the ability to pull off an upset.

    The Wildcats won by 14 in Evanston last February, outscoring Michigan 31-18 over the final 15 minutes. That victory marked Northwestern’s first win in the past eight (!!) meetings between these two teams. The prior occurrence was back in 2018, but the Wolverines followed that up with five straight wins to close out the regular season, winning the Big Ten Tournament, and reaching the Final Four…so basically the opposite of last year.

    One Big Question: Is this team deep enough?

    Michigan did not lose on Thursday solely because of offensive struggles, and in many ways, the performance was just fine. However, an off night from Nimari Burnett, an inefficient outing from Vlad Goldin, and a combined five points from Roddy Gayle and Rubin Jones proved too damaging when added together. The Wolverines have some bright stars, but the team will run into issues if multiple rotation pieces struggle, as the rotation just is not that deep.

    Northwestern has a top-30 defensive efficiency, and while it has not been quite as effective in conference play, strong efforts against Illinois and Maryland, two solid offenses, should be a cause for concern. The Wildcats may not be elite in any one specific area, but they boast an active defense that does not give up easy looks…and they can force turnovers, which is obviously an ongoing red flag. This is another team with a slow tempo, meaning Michigan will need to stay patient and get everyone involved.

    One Thing to Watch: Know the plan

    Northwestern is dead last in three-point percentage (27.1) in conference play and is fine avoiding the long ball. Instead, the Wildcats are more than happy to attack the rim, as much of their production against Maryland came from inside (similar to Minnesota’s performance against Michigan). The Wolverines have shown solid interior defense for most of the season, but players like Brooks Barnhizer and Nick Martinelli can generate plenty of offense.

    Since Michigan does not force many turnovers and can struggle on the defensive glass, forcing tough shots is its best chance at success. After Minnesota posted 1.20 PPP, there may be some questions to address on this end of the floor. Five of the Wolverines’ six Big Ten opponents have topped 1.00 PPP, and their defense is trending toward league-average in conference play. The stingy eFG rate (46.5) is beneficial, but May’s group has had to rely on denying good shot quality. Michigan must force Barnhizer and Martinelli into tough looks and hope they do not fall at an abnormal rate.



    As the Northwestern Wildcats prepare to face off against the No. 20 Michigan Wolverines, it’s clear that this game will be a true test of both teams’ grit and determination. With both teams looking to bounce back from recent losses, this matchup is shaping up to be a crucial moment in their seasons.

    The Wildcats are coming off a tough loss to Nebraska, where they struggled to find their rhythm on both offense and defense. However, they have shown flashes of potential throughout the season and will be looking to put it all together against a ranked opponent like Michigan.

    On the other side, the Wolverines are also looking to rebound after a disappointing loss to Michigan State. With their ranking on the line, they will be eager to prove themselves against a tough Northwestern team.

    This game is sure to be a battle of wills, with both teams fighting for a much-needed win. It’s gut check time for both squads, and the outcome of this game could have a significant impact on their seasons moving forward.

    Tune in to see who comes out on top in this high-stakes matchup between the Northwestern Wildcats and the No. 20 Michigan Wolverines.

    Tags:

    Northwestern Wildcats, Michigan Wolverines, college football, Big Ten, NCAA, game preview, rankings, match-up analysis, key players, predictions, gut check time, sports showdown, top 25 teams, conference rivals.

    #Northwestern #Wildcats #Michigan #Wolverines #Preview #Gut #check #time

  • Michigan Wolverines vs USC Trojans College Basketball Preview

    Michigan Wolverines vs USC Trojans College Basketball Preview


    For anyone coming over from the end of football season: welcome! With the calendar turning to 2025, the Michigan Wolverines are diving (back) into conference play with a 10-3 overall record and plenty of optimism. Dusty May’s team has endured some frustrating defeats — losing three games by a combined five points — but has impressed overall, on the border of the Kenpom top 10 and potentially a legitimate contender in the Big Ten.

    The Wolverines secured a pair of solid victories in the two-game conference opening stretch and now look for another road win in their first game against one of the four newcomers. The USC Trojans are struggling, and this is a contest Michigan needs to win, especially with UCLA waiting on Tuesday as the second part of this trip to Los Angeles. 2025 could be a big year for Michigan basketball, but that requires avoiding slip-ups against lesser competition.

    Michigan Wolverines (10-3, 2-0) at Southern California Trojans (9-4, 1-1)

    Date & Time: Saturday, Jan. 4, 8 p.m. ET
    Location: Galen Center, Los Angeles, CA
    TV/Streaming: FOX

    The Trojans have nine wins on the season but have lost to the three best teams they have faced: Saint Mary’s, New Mexico, and Oregon. While USC dominated its second Big Ten opponent, Washington, the Huskies are among the conference’s weakest teams. USC is not faring much better, and even on the road, this should be one of Michigan’s most manageable games for the rest of the season.

    While these new conference foes have a rich football history, the same cannot be said for basketball. That might change following realignment, as the Trojans have made the NCAA Tournament in three straight seasons, and four of the past eight, and the Wolverines are clearly on the rise. FOX appears to think so, selecting this for primetime on the big network; Michigan will actually play eight of its final 18 games on either FOX or CBS.

    One Big Question: Will the offense stay hot?

    The Wolverines ended 2024 on a tear offensively, even with an abysmal three-point performance against Oklahoma. Over the holidays, Michigan rediscovered its long-range shooting touch, and a 62.7-percent clip inside the arc ranks second nationally. Turnovers occasionally remain an issue, but this offense has still been feasting, amassing over 1.20 PPP in its last three games.

    USC has decent length but lacks substantial size, making Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin the keys yet again. While the three-point barrage against Western Kentucky was exciting, Big Ten defenses typically make that approach tougher. The Trojans have defended the three-point line reasonably well and use their athleticism to challenge wings, but they lack an answer for Michigan’s seven-footers. If the Wolverines run their offense through Wolf and Goldin, they should keep up their impressive scoring.

    One Thing to Watch: Weird in-betweeners

    USC’s unique profile will be evident on the offensive end as well. Eric Musselman has introduced positionless basketball to Los Angeles, emphasizing ball movement among his athletic roster. The Trojans do not rely heavily on threes but find shooters well, though their lack of size limits second-chance opportunities. However, USC features a borderline top-100 offense nationally, well below recent opponents like Arkansas and Oklahoma.

    The Wolverines struggled defensively against those two SEC squads but tightened up to stifle Purdue Fort Wayne (No. 70 offense per Kenpom) and Western Kentucky. While USC does not boast the same high-end talent as the Razorbacks or Sooners, its athleticism and willingness to attack could pose challenges, and a hot shooting night from the Trojans would make this game uncomfortable. How Michigan is able to force tough shots and adapt to USC’s versatile lineup will serve as an early litmus test for 2025.



    The Michigan Wolverines and USC Trojans are set to face off in an exciting college basketball matchup that is sure to be a showdown of two powerhouse programs. Both teams have had successful seasons so far and are looking to continue their winning ways in this highly anticipated game.

    The Wolverines, led by head coach Juwan Howard, have been playing exceptional basketball this season and currently boast a strong record. Their talented roster, including standout players such as Hunter Dickinson and Eli Brooks, have been instrumental in their success on the court. Michigan will look to rely on their strong defense and efficient offense to secure a victory against their tough opponent.

    On the other side, the Trojans, under the guidance of head coach Andy Enfield, have also been impressive this season. USC has shown their ability to compete with some of the best teams in the country and have a well-rounded team that can score from all areas of the court. Players like Evan Mobley and Tahj Eaddy have been key contributors to their success and will be crucial in their efforts to come out on top in this matchup.

    This game is sure to be a thrilling battle between two talented teams and is a must-watch for any college basketball fan. Be sure to tune in as the Michigan Wolverines take on the USC Trojans in what promises to be an exciting and competitive game.

    Tags:

    Michigan Wolverines, USC Trojans, College Basketball, Preview, NCAA, Matchup, Game Analysis, Player Stats, Team Comparison, March Madness, Basketball Rivalry, Big Ten vs Pac-12, College Hoops, Sports Betting, Tournament Preview

    #Michigan #Wolverines #USC #Trojans #College #Basketball #Preview

  • Wolverines eyeing two transfer portal wide receivers

    Wolverines eyeing two transfer portal wide receivers


    While preparing for their clash with Alabama, head coach Sherrone Moore and new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, have been pursuing wide receiver upgrades via the transfer portal. Michigan has already secured a commitment from 6-foot-5 former Indiana receiver Donaven McCulley, but they are looking to add 2-3 more experienced receivers before it is all said and done. Two names that have recently been garnering some attention are Yale WR David Pantelis and Clemson WR Troy Stellato.

    David Pantelis

    Yale wide receiver David Pantelis is taken down by Holy Cross’ John Smith.

    Holy Crossyale 09 / Photo/Steve Lanava / USA TODAY NETWORK

    According to On3’s EJ Holland, Pantelis is looking to visit Michigan after the recruiting dead period ends. The 5-foot-11 200-pound senior had an amazing campaign for Yale this year. He compiled over 1,000 yards, 69 catches and 11 touchdowns in 11 games. Moving from Ivy League competition to B10 level competition will be a bit tricky, but Pantelis has experience and could easily slide in for some slot receiver snaps or assist on punt and kick return team duties. Educationally it should not be an issue transferring credits from Yale to Michigan.

    Troy Stellato

    Clemson wide receiver Troy Stellato (10) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter Sep 30, 2023; Syracuse, New York, USA; at JMA Wireless Dome. / Ken Ruinard- staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

    Unlike Pantelis, Stellato tells On3’s Peter Nakos that he is looking to visit Michigan but is “working through some transfer credit issues right now”. The 6-foot 190-pound Junior has battled nagging injuries over his three-year career at Clemson. His career stats of 65 catches, 600 yards and two touchdowns are not eye-popping but when healthy he is a great addition to any WR room.

    – Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI –

    Kalen DeBoer answers on Michigan landing two Alabama transfers in front of Sherrone Moore

    Michigan Football confirmed opt-outs ahead of ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Alabama

    Sherrone Moore reveals a shakeup with the Michigan starting O-line against Alabama

    5 Michigan Football players to watch against Alabama in ReliaQuest Bowl

    For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:





    The Michigan Wolverines football team is on the lookout for new talent as they eye two transfer portal wide receivers to bolster their offense for the upcoming season. With the transfer portal providing a plethora of options for teams to improve their rosters, the Wolverines are not wasting any time in pursuing top talent.

    One of the wide receivers the Wolverines are reportedly interested in is a highly touted prospect with exceptional speed and route-running abilities. His big-play potential could add a dynamic element to Michigan’s passing game and provide a reliable target for their quarterback.

    The second wide receiver being targeted by the Wolverines is a physical and athletic playmaker who has shown the ability to make tough catches in traffic. His ability to create separation and make plays after the catch could provide a much-needed boost to Michigan’s receiving corps.

    With these two talented wide receivers potentially joining the Wolverines, fans can expect an even more explosive and dynamic offense next season. Stay tuned for updates as Michigan continues to pursue these top transfer portal targets.

    Tags:

    1. Wolverines football
    2. Transfer portal
    3. Wide receivers
    4. Michigan Wolverines
    5. College football transfers
    6. NCAA football
    7. Transfer news
    8. Big Ten football
    9. College football recruiting
    10. Michigan football recruiting

    #Wolverines #eyeing #transfer #portal #wide #receivers

  • Which Wolverines are sitting out ReliaQuest Bowl?

    Which Wolverines are sitting out ReliaQuest Bowl?




    The ReliaQuest Bowl is just around the corner, but unfortunately, some key Wolverines players will be sitting out the game. Find out which players will be missing from the lineup and how it might affect the team’s performance in this year’s bowl game.

    Tags:

    1. ReliaQuest Bowl news
    2. Wolverines football updates
    3. Wolverines players resting
    4. College football injuries
    5. Michigan Wolverines lineup
    6. Rested players in ReliaQuest Bowl
    7. Wolverines roster changes
    8. College football updates
    9. Michigan football news
    10. ReliaQuest Bowl player absences

    #Wolverines #sitting #ReliaQuest #Bowl

  • Alabama Football vs. Michigan: What you need to know about the Wolverines’ offense

    Alabama Football vs. Michigan: What you need to know about the Wolverines’ offense


    To be very clear up front: Michigan’s passing offense this season was an absolute disaster.

    With that said, there’s going to be a lot of unknown coming into the ReliaQuest Bowl, as the Wolverines have a new offensive coordinator and a number of starters have either opted out.

    Following a win over Ohio State and the finale of the 2024 regular season, Michigan coach Sherrone Moore fired his offensive coordinator, Kirk Campbell, after averaging 22 points per game (112th in the country). With Campbell calling the shots, the Wolverines only averaged 133 passing yards per game and more interceptions than passing TDs on the season. While they were decent at rushing (161 yards per game, 4.4 yards per carry), it wasn’t enough to make them much of a threat at all on offense, and Campbell got the axe.

    While Michigan hired Chip Lindsey to be their new OC for 2025, for now, TE coach Steve Casula is acting as interim OC. While Casula will likely do some things different, I wouldn’t expect any big changes in the Wolverines’ scheme.

    On his style of offense

    Well, Michigan’s offense is Michigan’s offense. You know, like relative to our roster, the play caller, kind of where we were as a program. The offense, the bones of the offense have been the same for a while now. But, you know, every game, every roster, every group of dudes that are available and planned kind of dictate the approach that you take. And we’re really focused. When Coach Moore first met with the team, because we were getting ready for this game, the biggest focus was just getting better at the fundamentals of football. So we’ve really kind of like been in the weeds focusing on that. But, yeah, like getting ready for a specific defense, getting ready with a specific set of, you know, skill players and offense alignment, all that kind of stuff definitely dictates and determines kind of who you are and what you do. But Michigan’s offense is Michigan’s offense.

    Assuming the scheme is still fairly similar to what we saw all season, the Wolverines tend to use a lot of pistol and shotgun with 2-back sets, and TE Max Bredeson acts as a starting “fullback” for many formations. Much of the offense is based on inside zone, HB dive, and trap plays – essentially, interior rushing. It’s a pretty varied rushing scheme built to get second level-lead blocks, and will churn out 5 yard rushes over and over, targeting different holes.

    If those don’t do the job, they’ll default to throwing a slant or curl at the 1st down line and hope for a new set of downs. They’ll mix in some PA boot plays throughout, and that’s pretty much the extent of the passing game.

    The rushing game has mostly come from Kalel Mullings, who has 948 yards as the lead back and did a lot of damage as a big, powerful runner. His running mate, Donovan Edwards, has 589 yards as more of a change of pace rusher…. And they’ve both opted out.

    So now, Benjamin Hall and freshman Jordan Marshall, who have combined for all of 21 carries this season, will be taking up the torch. Marshall was a fairly highly rated recruit but missed most of the season with injury, so there’s some excitement around him. Still, the Wolverines are breaking in totally new rushers here.

    For passing, the QB situations has been a revolving door. Davis Warren started the season and was a disaster, so he got replaced with Alex Orji. Orji is a decent rusher, but was awful at throwing, so he got replaced with Jack Tuttle, a 7th year senior journeyman backup. Tuttle played a few games before medically retiring after a concussion, and Davis Warren wound up getting the job back. Warren finished the season with 4 TDs to only 1 interception over the final 1⁄3 of the season, so there was some improvement there.

    Warren is expected to still be the starter in the bowl game. Orji has entered the transfer portal but is still practicing with the team and (I think) will be in the game. Freshman Jadyn Davis is also getting a lot of talk for having made a lot of progress over the December practices – so don’t rule out him getting to play.

    At WR, Michigan has a bunch of interchangeable names that have thus far offered very little.

    You never want your receivers to be mentioned in between all of the service academies…

    Tyler Morris has 248 yards and Semaj Morgan has 134. There are no other receivers with double-digit catches. Now Morris has entered the transfer portal so he won’t even be playing. The OC talked a lot about two true freshmen in Channing Goodwin and I’Marion Stewart who have made a lot of strides in December and could have their chance to shine, but neither had any catches in 2024.

    At TE, Colston Loveland was by far and away the #1 receiver for the Wolverines with 582 yards on 56 catches, and TE Marlin Klein was the 4th receiver with 12 catches for 101 yards. Loveland has opted out, though, so Klein will have to step up. There’s also a lot of hope for Hogan Hansen, who’s been the #3 TE this year and flashed at times, so don’t be surprised if he picks up a good bit of volume.

    You can bet that Michigan will look to run the ball up Alabama’s throat. While the Tide’s secondary has generally been suffocating and the defense has been exceptional at snuffing out outside rushes and screens, they have shown some susceptibility to interior rushing — though most of that has been couple with QB rushing threats. They’ll have some moderate success on the ground, mixing in the fullback with some QB option looks.

    I could also see one of these new TEs, RBs, or WRs get a busted play or two as Alabama doesn’t have a good scouting report on any of them.

    Still, I think it’s an offense that will routinely stall in the redzone and be totally unable to recover from any negative plays, and probably about 13 points is all I expect them to score (assuming the Alabama offense doesn’t gift them points off of turnovers or anything, like the Oklahoma game).



    As Alabama football gears up to face off against Michigan in the upcoming game, fans are curious about what to expect from the Wolverines’ offense. Here’s what you need to know:

    1. High-powered passing attack: Michigan’s offense is led by quarterback Cade McNamara, who has shown impressive accuracy and decision-making this season. He has a strong arm and is capable of making big plays down the field, so Alabama’s secondary will need to stay on their toes.

    2. Dynamic receiving corps: The Wolverines boast a talented group of wide receivers, including Cornelius Johnson and Mike Sainristil, who have been reliable targets for McNamara throughout the season. They have the speed and agility to create mismatches against the Crimson Tide’s defense.

    3. Strong running game: Michigan also has a solid ground game, led by running back Hassan Haskins. Haskins has the power and speed to break tackles and pick up chunk yardage, so Alabama’s front seven will need to be prepared to stop the run.

    4. Balanced offensive attack: The Wolverines have shown a balanced offensive approach this season, mixing in both the pass and the run effectively. This versatility could pose a challenge for Alabama’s defense, as they will need to be ready for anything.

    Overall, Michigan’s offense presents a formidable challenge for Alabama, and the Crimson Tide will need to be at the top of their game to come out on top in this matchup. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting and high-scoring game between these two powerhouse teams.

    Tags:

    Alabama Football, Michigan Wolverines, Wolverines offense, college football, SEC vs Big Ten, quarterback match-up, college football playoff, offensive strategies, player analysis, game preview, game analysis, key players, team statistics, offensive performance, game prediction.

    #Alabama #Football #Michigan #Wolverines #offense

  • Western Kentucky at Michigan Wolverines College Basketball Preview

    Western Kentucky at Michigan Wolverines College Basketball Preview


    The Michigan Wolverines needed to get back in the win column after two narrow neutral-site losses and did so in a big way against Purdue Fort Wayne. Though the Wolverines were big favorites, a 31-point win over a top-150 KenPom team is not insignificant, and now they get a chance to put on an encore performance against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers to close out the non-conference schedule.

    Like the Mastodons, WKU is a quality mid-major team, sitting 110th in KenPom. Michigan will be expected to roll in Ann Arbor again, but this is a good chance to end 2024 on a positive and keep growing ahead of a two-game stint in Los Angeles to start the new year. The Wolverines have infamously stumbled for three years in a row immediately following Christmas, so a win Sunday would show this program is different.

    Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (9-3) vs. Michigan Wolverines (9-3)

    Date & Time: Sunday, Dec. 29, 8 p.m. ET
    Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor, MI
    TV/Streaming: BTN

    The Hilltoppers started 0-2 but have since won nine of the last 10, with their lone loss coming at Kentucky. None of those nine wins are overly impressive, with no other games featuring Power Five competition. Still, this is solid team that is coming off a Conference USA tournament championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance; Steve Lutz used that success to earn the Oklahoma State head coaching job, leaving assistant Hank Plona to take over.

    The last meeting between these two teams was in the Fifth Place Game of the 2007 Great Alaska Shootout. That was a rough season for the Wolverines in John Beilein’s inaugural campaign, but it was one of WKU’s best ever with a magical run to the Sweet Sixteen. Obviously not a lot of relevance from a meeting 17 years ago, but hey, there is some history at least!

    One Big Question: Has the mentality changed?

    Last weekend’s win over PFW was everything Dusty May wanted to see: highly efficient offense (1.27 PPP), shutdown defense (0.83 PPP), and no relapse after getting out to a big lead. That last point is key after all of the slumps the Wolverines have endured during games this season and certainly was a possibility in a late-December buy game following some bitter defeats. The risk remains on Sunday in the dreaded contest between holidays.

    WKU is not particularly strong offensively but does have one of the country’s fastest tempos. The Hilltoppers are prone to steals and do not do well in the paint (both making buckets and offensive rebounding), so as long as the defense can prevent easy looks in transition this should be another manageable opponent; any breakdowns will likely be effort and focus-based.

    One Thing to Watch: Bring it

    Nearly everything was working for Michigan last weekend, but I love how it was the fourth straight time with two-point shooting over 50 percent. Feasting in the paint is clearly the team’s strength, and I want to see the bigs challenge a Hilltoppers’ group that is top-50 nationally in interior defense. Much of this has to be competition driven, and it is difficult to see the visitors matching up to the Wolverines’ size, but May’s squad is still in habit-forming mode.

    Big Ten play is notoriously physical, and Michigan’s identity will need to be centered around Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin. The two have blossomed into a beautifully lethal combo, and these are the types of games they can really take over. The goal in this one is simply to wrap up the non-conference slate without a major blemish, but there is no reason why this cannot be an exclamation point as the calendar turns to 2025.



    The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are set to face off against the Michigan Wolverines in an exciting college basketball matchup. Both teams are coming off of strong performances and will be looking to continue their winning streaks.

    The Hilltoppers have been led by standout guard Charles Bassey, who is averaging a double-double this season with impressive numbers on both ends of the court. Western Kentucky will need Bassey to continue his dominant play if they hope to pull off an upset against the Wolverines.

    On the other side, the Wolverines have been led by a balanced scoring attack, with multiple players averaging double figures in points. Michigan will look to continue their strong team play and solid defense to secure a victory at home.

    This matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both teams bringing their A-game to the court. Fans can expect a fast-paced and competitive game as these two talented teams battle it out for the win. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action as Western Kentucky takes on Michigan in what is sure to be a thrilling college basketball showdown.

    Tags:

    • Western Kentucky
    • Michigan Wolverines
    • College basketball
    • Preview
    • Game analysis
    • Matchup breakdown
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    • Michigan basketball
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    #Western #Kentucky #Michigan #Wolverines #College #Basketball #Preview

  • Wolverines ‘physically outplayed’ Ohio State

    Wolverines ‘physically outplayed’ Ohio State


    Immediately following Michigan’s 13-10 upset of then-No. 2 Ohio State, and the aftermath that took place at midfield, questions were immediately raised as to why the Buckeyes neglected to use the best weapons they had on offense — their wide receivers.

    Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly were at the center of nationwide criticism for their offensive strategy, but Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and the Wolverines’ defensive front deserve credit for holding OSU to their lowest regular season scoring output since 2011.

    How did the Wolverines do it?

    “We were really confident in the game plan,” Martindale told reporters on Saturday, as Michigan prepares to face Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. “And, you know, our whole message was all week, let’s take them to the deep end in the fourth quarter. And we knew then that we could take over the game defensively.”

    Day and Kelly rigthfully came under fire for their insistence in trying to run the football, with a banged-up offensive line, between the tackles against the heart of Michigan’s defense — Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.

    However, Martindale and the Wolverines were able to dictate some of that with the defensive looks they presented Ohio State, sacrificing numbers against the run in order to prevent big plays over the top through the air. Michigan needed Graham, Grant, the rest of the defensive line and the linebackers to hold up against the run despite the Buckeyes having a numbers advantage. They did just that, and after the Wolverines got a few good licks in on OSU quarterback Will Howard, the rest was history.

    “I know there’s been a lot of speculations about this and that…but, you know, all credit to the players,” Martindale said. “The game always has been, always will be about them. I come out with that on Twitter because that’s what it was. We just physically outplayed them.

    “When your best players are playing their best, that’s when you have a lot of success. And you saw that with Makari’s hit on the quarterback. Earnest’s hit on the quarterback that was sort of hidden, that no one saw because it was on a read sweep play. He got it pretty good. And after that, [Howard] started getting a little nervous back there. So, you know, the guys had a great rush plan. Lou had a great rush plan. And Kevin with the four upfront. LaMar and BJ did a great job with the coverage aspect of it. Just sticking to our game plan. And, you know, it was a lot of fun to watch.”

    After Ohio State exploded for 42 points against a Tennessee defense that was also very stout during the 2024 season, more questions were raised as to how Michigan was able to hold the Buckeyes in check. Martindale’s further explanation wasn’t overly complicated.

    “We felt good going into the game of how we were going to attack them and give them some different looks that they weren’t used to,” the defensive coordinator said. “And then when they started getting used to it, we went to a different look. And, you know, it kept them, you know, guessing and reaching the entire game. But you could see, you know, that Tennessee game, what kind of explosive offense it was. I mean, they’re a very talented group. And it was just, you know, our day that day. And I’m glad we had it.”

    – Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI –

    For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:



    In a stunning upset, the Michigan Wolverines dominated the Ohio State Buckeyes in a physical battle on the gridiron. The Wolverines’ defense shut down the high-powered Buckeyes’ offense, holding them to just 10 points in a decisive victory.

    Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised his team’s physicality, stating, “We knew coming into this game that we had to outplay Ohio State in every aspect of the game, and that’s exactly what we did. Our defense was relentless, our offense was efficient, and our special teams made key plays when it mattered most.”

    Quarterback Cade McNamara led the charge for the Wolverines, throwing for over 200 yards and two touchdowns, while the running game racked up nearly 300 yards on the ground. The offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, giving McNamara plenty of time to find his receivers downfield.

    The Wolverines’ victory over the Buckeyes marks a turning point in the rivalry, as Michigan finally gets the monkey off their back and secures a spot in the Big Ten Championship game. Fans in Ann Arbor are celebrating the win, as the Wolverines look to make a statement in the College Football Playoff race.

    Overall, Michigan’s physical play and dominance on both sides of the ball proved to be too much for Ohio State to handle, as the Wolverines emerged victorious in a game that will be remembered for years to come.

    Tags:

    1. Wolverines vs Ohio State
    2. College football rivalry
    3. Michigan Wolverines
    4. Ohio State Buckeyes
    5. Big Ten football
    6. Physical dominance in football
    7. Wolverines football news
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    10. Wolverines vs Buckeyes rivalry

    #Wolverines #physically #outplayed #Ohio #State

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