Maize n Brew
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What they’re saying Week 10: MSU in ‘deepest hole ever’ according to one national writer
The Michigan–Michigan State rivalry hits the Big House this Saturday with the Wolverines favored by nearly two touchdowns over an injury‑riddled Spartans. The Athletic calls MSU’s program the "deepest hole ever" after scandals and leadership turnover, while new AD Dan Bartholomae says the situation isn’t Coach Pat Fitzgerald’s fault and vows support. Fitzgerald, now 2‑6 with no conference wins, faces a third‑string quarterback line despite a $20 million roster investment. Michigan, eager for a signature win, leans on a physical game plan highlighted by O‑line dominance, recalling that 49 of the last 56 meetings were decided by rushing yards. Analysts warn an upset could be on the cards, especially after freshman Tommy Carr’s solid debut.
Michigan Basketball falls to UConn in national championship rematch
No. 16 Michigan fell 85-77 to No. 4 UConn in a national title game rematch on Friday at the TD Garden. After a double‑digit halftime deficit (30‑43), Michigan rallied in the second half, highlighted by Trey McKenney's 22 points and three crucial triples, but UConn answered with runs to maintain the edge. Key contributors were JP Estrella (19 points, 9 rebounds) for Michigan and Braylon Mullins (23 points) for UConn. The Wolverines improve to 1‑1 and head home to host Marquette on Wednesday, while the Huskies secure revenge from their previous championship clash.
3 takeaways from Michigan Basketball’s loss to UConn
Michigan fell 85-77 to UConn in an early‑season non‑conference showdown, exposing three key issues. The Wolverines shot a dismal 7‑of‑28 from three while allowing UConn to hit 9‑of‑22, giving the Huskies a halftime lead fueled by Braylon Mullins' hot threes. Guard play also faltered: Elliot Cadeau managed only eight points and Trey McKenney went 0‑of‑7 early before a 22‑point second‑half surge. Coach Mike Boynton Jr. now faces a steep climb to tighten perimeter shooting and backcourt consistency if Michigan hopes to revive its tournament aspirations.
Friday Discussion: Is the Michigan-MSU football rivalry dead?
The Michigan Wolverines host Michigan State Spartans Friday for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, sparking a debate on whether the rivalry is dying amid the new 24‑team College Football Playoff. With both Pat Fitzgerald and Kyle Whittingham struggling in their early tenures, the Spartans have lost six of the last eight meetings, while Michigan enjoys a four‑game winning streak. The article examines how expanded playoff access lessens the impact of a rivalry loss and questions if geographic feuds can survive the new era. Readers are invited to weigh in on the future of this storied matchup.
Uniform combo revealed for Michigan Football vs Michigan State
Michigan announces its “Big Game Blues” uniform for Saturday’s rivalry against Michigan State. The Wolverines will wear an all‑blue ensemble—blue jerseys, pants and blue accents—continuing the look popularized in recent Ohio State matchups. Fans are urged to join the “Blue Out” by dressing in blue. The article includes a tweet preview and highlights the cold‑weather, big‑game feel of the traditional uniform.
Michigan Mailbag: Does Kyle Whittingham understand the importance of the MSU game?
Michigan rebounds from a 5-3 win over Rutgers as head coach Kyle Whittingham prepares for his first Michigan State rivalry matchup on Nov. 7. The blog highlights defensive lapses against Rutgers, injury concerns for Dom Nichols, John Henry Daley, and Rod Moore, and stresses the need to cut penalties against the Spartans. Fans question Whittingham’s handling of the rivalry and his offensive staff, noting that his comments downplay the game’s significance. Meanwhile, MSU’s new coach Pat Fitzgerald is portrayed as ready to exploit Michigan’s uncertainties, setting up a tense Big Ten showdown.
Out of the Blue: Michigan Football vs Michigan State Preview
In the latest Out of the Blue podcast, hosts Jared and Andrew break down Michigan’s upcoming clash with rival Michigan State, the season’s most pivotal matchup. They discuss the game’s stakes for both programs, examine how MSU’s injury list could affect the outcome, and question whether any "Fitzmagic" remains in East Lansing. Listeners can submit questions via [email protected] and tune in on iTunes, Google Podcasts, PodBean, or Spotify.
No. 16 Michigan vs. No. 4 Connecticut Preview: A reloading rematch
Michigan (No. 16, 1‑0) returns to TD Garden to face No. 4 Connecticut (1‑0) in a rematch of last April’s championship, but both squads are reloaded. Coach Dan Hurley’s Huskies, bolstered by transfers Nik Khamenia (14 points, 6 rebounds) and Na’jai Hines (12 points, 12 rebounds), aim for early‑season revenge, while Michigan’s new frontcourt—JP Estrella and Moustapha Thiam—must prove they can compete against UConn’s top‑10 two‑point defense. Key storylines include a potential McKenney‑Braylon Mullins showdown, Cadeau’s playmaking role, and whether Michigan’s outside shooting can break a methodical UConn tempo. The game, slated for Friday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. ET on TNT, could shape March seeding for both teams.
Michigan State at Michigan Preview: Paul Bunyan’s disappointment
Michigan hosts Michigan State on Nov. 7 in a rivalry that feels muted as both teams slide below .500 in conference play. Michigan (5-3, 2-3), led by quarterback Tommy Carr's 22-of-27, 266‑yard passing night, needs a win to stay bowl‑eligible, while State (2-6, 0-5) fights for pride under first‑year coach Pat Fitzgerald. Michigan’s offense shows flashes but remains 98th in rushing, whereas its defense stays elite. The Spartans struggle with a 79th‑ranked run defense and a battered offense, missing key players like injured QB Cam Edwards and running backs. With Michigan holding a four‑game winning streak in the series, the game could decide bowl hopes for the Wolverines and redemption for the Spartans.
Roundtable: Michigan Football vs Michigan State
Maize n Brew’s roundtable breaks down Michigan’s narrow 27-24 win over Rutgers and looks ahead to Saturday’s clash with Michigan State at the Big House. Staff members praise freshman QB Tommy Carr’s poise but warn the offense’s run game and special‑team woes—highlighted by kicker Trey Butkowski’s missed field goals—remain concerns. Defensive lapses, including an 80‑yard Rutgers pass, also need fixing before the rivalry. The panel predicts a tight game, emphasizing the stakes for both first‑year head coaches and the quest for bragging rights after five straight Wolverine victories.
No. 5 Michigan upsets No. 2 UConn for best win in program history, 77-66
Michigan women’s basketball shatters history by beating No. 2 UConn 77‑66 on Nov. 5, 2026, securing the program’s first win over a top‑4 opponent after a 0‑31 streak. Junior wing Te’Yala Delfosse tops the box score with a career‑high 22 points and nine rebounds, while the Wolverines’ No‑2 zone stifles National Player of the Year Sarah Strong, holding her scoreless in the first half. Michigan’s hustle—nine offensive boards and seven points off forced turnovers—keeps the lead despite a late UConn surge, and All‑American guard Olivia Olson adds five points in the final minutes to seal a nine‑point advantage. The victory marks a new era for the Wolverines as they ascend into elite women’s college basketball.
Takeaways from No. 5 Michigan’s statement win over No. 2 UConn
No. 5 Michigan stunned No. 2 UConn 77‑66 at Crisler Center on Nov. 5, 2026, handing the Huskies their first loss of the season. The game featured 14 lead changes and a thrilling back‑and‑forth, with Michigan pulling away in the fourth quarter. Freshman forward Te’Yala Delfosse led the way, posting a career‑high 22 points and nine rebounds, while senior duo Olivia Olson (10 points) and Canadian guard Syla Swords (multiple threes) added crucial scoring. Michigan’s aggressive 2/3 zone forced turnovers and showcased the program’s rise toward elite status, setting the tone for a home‑and‑home series with the perennial powerhouse.
Alex Whittingham learning about MSU rivalry, shares own rivalry experiences
Linebackers coach Alex Whittingham says Michigan’s new roster is soaking up the intensity of the Paul Bunyan Trophy clash. He credits former Michigan lineman Jon Jansen for briefing the staff, and highlights graduate transfer Aisea Moa’s insider view from his recent stint at MSU. Whittingham also draws on his own rivalry pedigree—from beating BYU in Utah’s “Holy War” to NFL showdowns between the Chiefs and Raiders—while noting a chaotic 2018 Raiders‑Chiefs game where a busted restroom flooded the locker room. Fired up for Saturday night, he says the preparation is shaping the team’s excitement for the rivalry game.
3 bold predictions for Michigan Football vs Michigan State
The Maize n Brew preview predicts a turbulent showdown between Michigan and Michigan State on Nov. 5, 2026. Despite Michigan’s top‑3 total‑defense ranking and talent edge, the article warns of sloppy play and a struggling kicking unit—kicker Trey Butkowski has missed four field goals in two weeks. Three bold forecasts follow: Michigan will outgain the Spartans in total yardage, will miss three or more field goals, and, surprisingly, will lose a close 20-17 battle. The piece highlights recent back‑to‑back losses, coaching concerns, and the rivalry’s high stakes, prompting fans to decide if the Wolverines can avoid another one‑score defeat.
Recruiting Roundup: Michigan to host 5-star CB for 2nd time this fall
Michigan’s recruiting radar sharpens as five-star cornerback Nasir Richardson returns for a second visit this weekend, eyeing the Wolverines after a warm reception from coach Jernaro Gilford and his father. Meanwhile, four-star linebacker Skylar Alston will announce his commitment on Nov. 8, with Michigan among his top six choices, and in-state offensive lineman Braden Chaffin, a recent Stanford commit, takes an official visit to Ann Arbor. The Wolf‑pack aims to solidify its 2028 class amid growing competition from Miami and other programs.
Michigan Basketball focusing on improved rebounding ahead of UConn game
Michigan (No. 16) opened the season with a 79‑71 win over Oakland but was out‑rebounded 44‑42, surrendering 21 offensive boards. Coach Mike Boynton Jr. blamed the lack of guard rebounding and warned that UConn—an elite KenPom rebounding team—will exploit it Friday. With starter center Moustapha Thiam sidelined by flu, forward JP Estrella grabbed 12 rebounds before fouling out. Boynton stressed every player must box out, especially guards Roddy and Trey, who posted one and four defensive rebounds respectively. The Wolverines aim to tighten their glass work ahead of the primetime showdown against UConn’s dominant frontcourt.
Michigan Football’s Blake Frazier reveals how he learned he was being moved from LT to RT
Michigan offensive lineman Blake Frazier reveals he learned of his sudden switch from left tackle to right tackle just a day before the UTEP game, after Andrew Sprague’s injury forced the change. He describes the steep learning curve in pass protection and the need to adjust footwork, while noting he’s now more comfortable after five games on the right side alongside guard Brady Norton. Frazier also discusses Michigan’s struggling run game, citing movement issues and a modest improvement in the 161-yard effort against Rutgers. Looking ahead to the Michigan State rivalry, he stresses in‑state bragging rights and his personal goal to never lose to the Spartans, while embracing a larger leadership role.
‘He’s a natural playmaker’: Michigan Football is confident in QB Tommy Carr’s development
Freshman quarterback Tommy Carr sparked Michigan’s 28‑21 road win over Rutgers on Oct. 31, delivering a season‑high 320 yards, 22‑of‑27 completions and three touchdowns while scrambling for the game‑winning score. Coaches and teammates, including head coach Kyle Whittingham and tight end Hogan Hansen, praised his poise, decision‑making and natural playmaking ability, noting his calm under pressure and knack for extending plays. Carr’s breakout performances, following a comeback win at Penn State, signal strong development potential as Michigan looks to the future with confidence in their new starter.
Jon Jansen spoke to Michigan Football about ‘magnitude’ of MSU rivalry
Former Michigan offensive lineman Jon Jansen briefs the Wolverines on the “magnitude” of the Michigan‑State rivalry ahead of Saturday’s Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Jansen, a 1997 national champion, All‑American and 1998 Big Ten Lineman of the Year, stresses the game’s hostility, physicality and the importance of winning the rushing battle. Players like tight end Hogan Hansen and defensive tackle Trey Pierce echo his warning that the contest will be a four‑quarter physical grind and the biggest game of the season. Michigan enters the matchup on a four‑game winning streak and hopes to keep the line of scrimmage advantage alive.
Kyle Whittingham gives encouraging updates on key injuries
Coach Kyle Whittingham says Michigan’s defense will regain two key pass rushers—senior DE John Henry Daley and junior DE Dom Nichols—ahead of the Michigan State rivalry after a 21‑point loss at Rutgers. He also announces an open competition for the kicking job, noting sophomore Trey Butkowski’s 60% field‑goal rate. Freshman QB Tommy Carr earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week with 266 passing yards, a TD and two rushing scores, though he admits to missed deep throws to speedy receiver Andrew Marsh. Whittingham praises Carr’s film‑room work and stresses continual improvement as the Wolverines eye the Paul Bunyan Trophy.
1 Fact, 1 Fiction: Michigan and Michigan State for the Paul Bunyan Trophy
Michigan’s defense finally cracked, giving up over 20 points to Rutgers, while freshman quarterback Tommy Carr sparked an offensive surge. Yet the Wolverines still rank near the bottom of the Big Ten in passing, leaving OC Jason Beck on thin ice ahead of the Paul Bunyan Trophy clash. The Spartans, despite a winless conference record, boast a solid defense (50th in yards, 66th in points allowed) and hope to turn the rivalry into a low‑scoring upset. Both coaches warn against treating the game as routine, but Michigan’s recent four‑game winning streak and deeper roster could be neutralized if the offense stays flat. The article dissects the factual coaching pressure versus the fictional complacency surrounding the matchup.
CFP rankings 2026: Where Big Ten teams rank in first playoff top 25
The College Football Playoff committee releases its first Top 25, placing six Big Ten schools inside the rankings: Indiana #4, UCLA #8, Ohio State #12, Iowa #19, USC #20 and Oregon #23. UCLA leads the conference at 8‑0, while Indiana sits at 9‑1. If the season ended now, Indiana and UCLA would claim the two Big Ten playoff spots, with UCLA slated to host BYU. Betting odds favor Indiana (+1000) and Ohio State (+1300) for the title, while ESPN’s FPI gives Indiana an 84.3% chance to make the playoff.
2027 three-star OL Sidney Rouleau decommits from Michigan Football
Three-star offensive lineman Sidney Rouleau has decommitted from Michigan after originally signing in March. The 6‑foot‑5, 265‑lb Canadian visited Syracuse during Halloween weekend, and the Orange are reportedly pushing for his switch to the ACC. Michigan’s staff is moving on, with interior linemen Conner Rutherford and Braden Chaffin slated to visit Ann Arbor ahead of the Michigan State game. The Wolverines now have three OL commitments—Jakari Lipsey, Lincoln Mageo and Louis Esposito—and 21 total recruits for the 2027 class.
How many wins will Michigan Football have in November?
Michigan enters November at 5-3 and faces four crucial games. ESPN Analytics give the Wolverines a 78.9% chance vs. Michigan State, 21.2% at Oregon, 57.5% vs. UCLA, and only 10.4% at Ohio State. Fans are polling how many November wins the team will secure, with two victories emerging as the most realistic projection. The article also highlights coach Kyle Whittingham’s reaction to the 20-19 loss to Iowa and invites readers to join the weekly SB Nation Reacts survey.
Wolverines in the NFL: Blake Corum scores again, Josh Metellus makes 13 tackles
Blake Corum extends his scoring streak, ripping a 23-yard TD in the Rams’ 24‑9 win over the Chargers and finishing with 73 rushing yards. Fellow Wolverines Josaiah Stewart (six tackles, one sack) and Josh Wallace (four tackles) also contribute on defense. In Detroit, former Michigan linebacker Josh Metellus leads with 13 tackles and a pass breakup as the Lions hand Minnesota a 19‑15 loss. The roundup also notes other ex‑Wolverines making impacts this week, from Ben Bredson’s guard start in Tampa Bay’s shutout to Josh Uche’s sack for Miami, highlighting the Wolverines’ league‑wide presence in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season.
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