The Michigan Insider

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's upcoming matchup against Iowa, as both teams open Big Ten play, and discuss the keys for the Wolverines in the contest.
The begin with a look at Michigan's offense, and how the Wolverines can shake the Hawkeyes' defense loose and put players in conflict. They also look at Bryce Underwood's next step, offensive players who need to step up, what needs to work in the run game and more.
In the second half of the episode, they look at Michigan's defensive keys. They discuss the importance of the Wolverines providing pressure, the value of a four-quarter game plan, the physicality and discipline needed and other factors. They close with final thoughts on the matchup, and predictions for the game.

Michigan football enjoyed a comfortable win over UTEP to close its non-conference slate with an unblemished record, but as Kyle Whittingham acknowledged, "the gauntlet starts this week."
The Wolverines host 17th-ranked Iowa on Saturday at the Big House on Saturday as Big Ten play begins. Kickoff is set for 3:36 p.m. ET, and the game will air nationally on CBS.
The Hawkeyes are making their first trip to the Big House since 2019 and just their third since 2012. They're seeking their first conference road victory over a ranked opponent since 2015. David Eickholt of The Hawkeye Insider on 247Sports joins the show to tell us what to expect from them in the Big Ten opener.

Michigan made progress against UTEP. Now the Wolverines have to prove it against Big Ten competition. On this week’s Michigan Football Breakdown, former Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges and former defensive coordinator Ron English join The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb to dissect the Wolverines’ 52-17 win and identify what improved — and what still must get better — before No. 17 Iowa comes to Michigan Stadium. Offensively, the coaches dive into Bryce Underwood’s growth, Michigan’s expanded RPO attack, improved pass protection and Andrew Marsh’s increased involvement. Borges explains why the offensive line performed better than people think, but also why better movement, tighter combination blocks, and more consistency reaching the second level will be critical moving forward. Defensively, English highlights a dominant front and faster linebacker play, while pinpointing tackling and eye discipline as areas that still need cleaning up. Then the focus shifts to Iowa, where turnovers, explosive plays, and winning in the trenches will likely determine whether Michigan’s progress carries into Big Ten play. What’s real, what still needs work, and what has to change before the competition gets tougher? Borges and English break it all down.
(00:00) Michigan Shows Progress Despite a Sloppy Start Against UTEP
(02:10) Borges Says Michigan Accomplished Important Offensive Objectives
(05:30) Michigan Still Has to Fix the Running Game and Create More Explosive Plays
(08:29) English Says Michigan's Defense Got Valuable Work Against UTEP
(10:15) English Wants Michigan's Defense to Tackle Better
(12:22) English Breaks Down UTEP's Touchdowns and Michigan's Eye Discipline
(16:24) Borges Says Michigan's Offensive Line Played Its Best Game Yet
(21:34) English Says Michigan's Young Defensive Talent Is Emerging
(24:07) Borges and English Talk Defensive Technique and Jay Hill's Scheme
(31:03) English Warns That Iowa's Offense May Be Better Than Expected
(32:01) Borges Calls Iowa One of the Soundest Defenses He Ever Faced
(35:35) Borges Says Michigan Needs to Attack Iowa's Safeties
(38:13) Borges and English Give Their Biggest Iowa Concerns
(41:21) Borges and English Grade Michigan's UTEP Performance
(51:44)