Clint Derringer
@clint-derringer.bsky.social
College/Michigan Football analytics contributor & podcast co-host for www.umgoblue.com
Sherrone has a big task in front of him: return to lofty expectations, but manage the over-excitement of new leaders and a very young QB. The offense will sputter, but we’ll see plenty of flashes to make a fun night game.
New Mexico 10
Michigan 38
#GoBlue @umgoblog.bsky.social
New Mexico 10
Michigan 38
#GoBlue @umgoblog.bsky.social
August 30, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Sherrone has a big task in front of him: return to lofty expectations, but manage the over-excitement of new leaders and a very young QB. The offense will sputter, but we’ll see plenty of flashes to make a fun night game.
New Mexico 10
Michigan 38
#GoBlue @umgoblog.bsky.social
New Mexico 10
Michigan 38
#GoBlue @umgoblog.bsky.social
SPECIAL TEAMS - Return Game: I expect WR 0 Semaj Morgan to return to prominence returning punts, and true freshman WR 4 Andrew Marsh gets a chance returning kicks. Keep an eye on whether or not U-M returns to pressuring opposing punters with creative block schemes #GoBlue
August 30, 2025 at 10:20 PM
SPECIAL TEAMS - Return Game: I expect WR 0 Semaj Morgan to return to prominence returning punts, and true freshman WR 4 Andrew Marsh gets a chance returning kicks. Keep an eye on whether or not U-M returns to pressuring opposing punters with creative block schemes #GoBlue
SPECIAL TEAMS - Kicking Game: Zvada is an important weapon for 2025 Michigan. The O carries less pressure because crossing the 50 may be scoring position. Keep an eye on the U-M punt team to see if they improve on their 38.3 yard Net Punting average (worst since 2018) #GoBlue
August 30, 2025 at 10:20 PM
SPECIAL TEAMS - Kicking Game: Zvada is an important weapon for 2025 Michigan. The O carries less pressure because crossing the 50 may be scoring position. Keep an eye on the U-M punt team to see if they improve on their 38.3 yard Net Punting average (worst since 2018) #GoBlue
DEFENSE - Pass Game: U-M will explore different combinations in the secondary, so we'll see who emerges. Because of the pass rush, the Lobos will be getting the ball out quickly, so sure tackling is the biggest key. Keep an eye on CB 10 Zeke Berry, he will be tested early #GoBlue
August 30, 2025 at 10:20 PM
DEFENSE - Pass Game: U-M will explore different combinations in the secondary, so we'll see who emerges. Because of the pass rush, the Lobos will be getting the ball out quickly, so sure tackling is the biggest key. Keep an eye on CB 10 Zeke Berry, he will be tested early #GoBlue
DEFENSE - Run Game: Michigan loses 2 1st rd draft picks at DT, and might end up better vs the run in '25. The Lobos will be outmatched up front, so I don’t expect to see this group challenged often. Keep an eye on DT 26 Rayshaun Benny, he might be the next 1st rounder #GoBlue
August 30, 2025 at 10:20 PM
DEFENSE - Run Game: Michigan loses 2 1st rd draft picks at DT, and might end up better vs the run in '25. The Lobos will be outmatched up front, so I don’t expect to see this group challenged often. Keep an eye on DT 26 Rayshaun Benny, he might be the next 1st rounder #GoBlue
OFFENSE - Passing Game: The new era is led by true freshman QB Bryce Underwood. He can make every throw, and can run too. New OC Chip Lindsey MUST threaten the whole field to keep every D honest. Keep an eye on WR 1 Donaven McCulley. He will command a lot of attention #GoBlue
August 30, 2025 at 10:20 PM
OFFENSE - Passing Game: The new era is led by true freshman QB Bryce Underwood. He can make every throw, and can run too. New OC Chip Lindsey MUST threaten the whole field to keep every D honest. Keep an eye on WR 1 Donaven McCulley. He will command a lot of attention #GoBlue
OFFENSE - Run Game: The most important “How much better, how quickly” questions are on the Offensive Line. While QB play dominated the headlines, the poor execution on OL was the biggest issue in 2024. Keep an eye on RT 54 Andrew Sprague for a glimpse of the future #GoBlue
August 30, 2025 at 10:20 PM
OFFENSE - Run Game: The most important “How much better, how quickly” questions are on the Offensive Line. While QB play dominated the headlines, the poor execution on OL was the biggest issue in 2024. Keep an eye on RT 54 Andrew Sprague for a glimpse of the future #GoBlue
2025 Benchmarks
OFF
Finish B1G Drives >2021 (4.75)
Passing Down EPA: >2021 (0.464)
Run Success Rate: >2023 (46%)
DEF
B1G Opp. Finish Drives <2022 (3.65)
Passing Down EPA: <2022 (-0.078)
Yds/Drive allowed: <2022 (24.5)
#GoBlue @umgoblog.bsky.social
OFF
Finish B1G Drives >2021 (4.75)
Passing Down EPA: >2021 (0.464)
Run Success Rate: >2023 (46%)
DEF
B1G Opp. Finish Drives <2022 (3.65)
Passing Down EPA: <2022 (-0.078)
Yds/Drive allowed: <2022 (24.5)
#GoBlue @umgoblog.bsky.social
August 30, 2025 at 10:17 PM
2025 Benchmarks
OFF
Finish B1G Drives >2021 (4.75)
Passing Down EPA: >2021 (0.464)
Run Success Rate: >2023 (46%)
DEF
B1G Opp. Finish Drives <2022 (3.65)
Passing Down EPA: <2022 (-0.078)
Yds/Drive allowed: <2022 (24.5)
#GoBlue @umgoblog.bsky.social
OFF
Finish B1G Drives >2021 (4.75)
Passing Down EPA: >2021 (0.464)
Run Success Rate: >2023 (46%)
DEF
B1G Opp. Finish Drives <2022 (3.65)
Passing Down EPA: <2022 (-0.078)
Yds/Drive allowed: <2022 (24.5)
#GoBlue @umgoblog.bsky.social
From the 10K foot view of this season, I see parallels with the 2022 defense and the 2021 offense. The defense has to replace some superstar power, but may end up a better unit overall. Offense is run first, but has to threaten though the air to loosen the box @umgoblog.bsky.social #GoBlue
August 30, 2025 at 10:17 PM
From the 10K foot view of this season, I see parallels with the 2022 defense and the 2021 offense. The defense has to replace some superstar power, but may end up a better unit overall. Offense is run first, but has to threaten though the air to loosen the box @umgoblog.bsky.social #GoBlue
Go Blue! SMASH!!!
December 31, 2024 at 9:46 PM
Go Blue! SMASH!!!
I will write up a recap this weekend, I'm going to enjoy the evening with the family. Thanks again for another fun season. Still amazing that I get to spend so much time on something I love. Thanks @pcallihan and @umgoblog.bsky.social! Keep up the good work, and SMASH! #GoBlue
December 31, 2024 at 8:36 PM
I will write up a recap this weekend, I'm going to enjoy the evening with the family. Thanks again for another fun season. Still amazing that I get to spend so much time on something I love. Thanks @pcallihan and @umgoblog.bsky.social! Keep up the good work, and SMASH! #GoBlue
A lot of room to grow, but Michigan proved the foundation of the program is still very strong. Another win led by the defense. Wink deserves a lot of credit, but how about Esposito, Morgan, and Jean-Mary the assistants?!? They’ve come together nicely as a staff @UMGoBlog @pcallihan #GoBlue
December 31, 2024 at 8:33 PM
A lot of room to grow, but Michigan proved the foundation of the program is still very strong. Another win led by the defense. Wink deserves a lot of credit, but how about Esposito, Morgan, and Jean-Mary the assistants?!? They’ve come together nicely as a staff @UMGoBlog @pcallihan #GoBlue
December 31, 2024 at 8:31 PM
December 31, 2024 at 8:24 PM