MGoPodcast 14.15: The TCU Vikings

MGoBlog: The MGoPodcast

1 hour and 50 minutes

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1. TCU Preview: Offense

starts at 1:00

Don't buy the "They ain't played nobody" line; TCU's schedule was the same, also Michigan beat Ohio State, a Playoff team, 45-23 on the road. Spread offense with Duggan pulling out magic. Has a deep ball down, has some good deep threats in huge receivers Quentin Johnson, the star, TE Jared Wiley who's 6-7, and Savion Williams who's 6-5. Plus a standard slot and a good running back. The OL doesn't get much push; they're all the same 6-5/300 too-stiff-for-tackle guard, give up pass rush, but don't let Duggan loose. Man up Johnson on Johnston or play lots of zone? Seth thinks man; Brian thinks zone.

2. TCU Preview: Defense

starts at 35:20

It's the 404 Tite, with ISU's three-safety three-high look that temps you into passing. Positionless defense is tough on reads but breakable if you plow through it; Michigan might want to go many-TEs and push the gap out to the edge versus smaller force defenders. DL want to take on doubles, Michigan moves those kinds of DTs. LBs are not the most athletic sorts; would be great if Edwards's hand is healthy enough to make him a passing game threat again.

3. TCU Preview: Special Teams and Heuristics

starts at 1:02:33

Their slot is also a dangerous returner; just kick it out of the endzone. Meh Aussie punter, very good kicker who rarely misses and has a career long of 54. Michigan hopes Brad Robbins was hurt when their punt efficiency went off a cliff later in the season. Their season was Vikings-esque, pulling out all of the games that could have swung either way, benefiting from things like Texas not hitting any open deep shots. Discussion on the meta of Playoff competition, TCU being at the lower end of teams to make it. 2015 MSU was the outlier; every other Playoff team is at least good. Ryan Day scenarios.

4. Hot Takes and Hoops vs North Carolina

starts at 1:22:46

Hard to beat UNC when your best player is a no-show. The quadruple technical was some weenie-ass officiating, Seth's still mad at Hunter for doing that when fouls on either center are the game. Good to see Bufkin turning into a real star, good to see Jett can shoot over any wing. What to do now? Kinda have to roll with what they got and hope TW and HD can pick up their games.

MUSIC:

• "Surfing in Iceland"—Goth Babe
• "New Beginning"—Automatic
• "Ain't That Enough"—The Teenage Fan Club
• “Across 110th Street”