The Michigan Insider

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)

Michigan shook off a sloppy start and eventually delivered the domination expected in a 52-17 win over UTEP, but what did the performance reveal about the Wolverines heading into Big Ten play? The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb and Josh Newkirk break down Bryce Underwood’s encouraging step forward as Michigan put more on his plate with RPOs and dropback passing, plus the emergence of Andrew Marsh and J.J. Buchanan as a dangerous receiving tandem. They also examine the continued ball-security concerns, a reshuffled offensive line, and a running game that finally found its footing after halftime. On the other side of the ball, Michigan’s defense overcame a few early breakdowns before overwhelming UTEP, with the Wolverines’ increasingly impressive front-seven depth taking center stage. And after young standouts like Tommy Carr got their chance to flash late, Webb and Newkirk assess where Michigan made real progress, what still needs cleaning up, and what it all means with a much bigger test against Iowa looming.
(01:17) – Bryce Underwood Shows More Passing Progress
(05:19) – Getting Andrew Marsh the Football Was Clearly a Priority
(13:07) – Michigan’s Defensive Line Hype Looks Real
(19:47) – Webb Believes Tommy Carr Is Going to Be a Player
(22:57) – Michigan Finishes Non-Conference Play 3-0

In this episode, Zach Shaw and Steve Lorenz break down the Michigan football team's matchup with UTEP, and focus on what the Wolverines will want to show in their final non-conference tune-up before Big Ten play begins.
They open with a look at Michigan's offense, and weigh the importance of improving its run game or pass game in a matchup where both will likely find success. They then turn attention to which players should receive extended runway in this game, be it to find a rhythm, gain collegiate experience or iron out depth.
In the second half of the episode, they look at the defense. They discuss the need to generate and develop depth at multiple positions, and discuss which players they're most excited to see more of on Saturday. They close with their predictions and final thoughts for the game.