Michigan
Charlie Pappalardo: Michigan remains an enigma
If you asked me today what the ceiling for the Michigan softball group is, I really couldn’t inform you.
Going into the period, you might make a couple of rather secure presumptions regarding the Wolverines based upon current fads. If you stated that they would certainly win the Huge 10 routine period, area 3rd or much better in the Big 10 competition and also however enjoy the Female’s University Globe Collection from residence a couple of weeks later on, I don’t believe any person would certainly have reacted with amazement.
However months right into the period, something really feels various regarding this Michigan group — and also not in an excellent way.
Marking down in 2014 when they played an added 20 meeting video games, the Wolverines haven’t shed greater than 5 video games in the Big 10 because 1995. And also since today, with 10 meeting video games continuing to be, they’ve currently gone down 6.
Presumably rational to take this reality and also suggest that Michigan’s having an off year. That there’s no other way it wins the Huge 10. That it will certainly nearly unquestionably not organize a local competition which it will certainly disappoint its preseason objective of a Female’s University Globe Collection in June.
Yes, the Wolverines are fairly having a down year. They will certainly not win the Huge 10 routine period. As well as holding a local competition is most likely out of the image.
However that disagreement alone does not have subtlety.
Due to the fact that Michigan isn’t having a hard time contrasted to previous outcomes as a result of an absence of skill. Nearly fairly, the Wolverines have an even more skilled lineup than in 2014’s Huge 10 Champion group.
They preserved nearly their whole schedule, including their elderly right-hander Alex Storako and also graduate left-hander Meghan Beaubien. They’ve included 2 extremely solid batters in graduate outfielder Kristina Burkhardt and also graduate 2nd baseman Melina Livingston together with a sports fresher course that reinforced their protection.
As well as at factors this weekend break versus Maryland, this was placed on display screen. On Friday, the Wolverines took the 2nd video game with a significant overtime triumph, and also on Saturday, Michigan won 9-2 on the stamina of 14 hits and also a full video game from Beaubien.
However at the very same time, in the weekend break’s opener the Wolverines turned up stationary, shedding 5-1 in a hideous video game in which 10 joggers left on base.
Skill isn’t the problem for Michigan, yet placing every one of the assemble and also obtaining them to stick is.
This is why occasionally Michigan looks remarkable. When Storako and also Beaubien get on, and also the batters bat also simply to their standards, the Wolverines threaten. In February, they defeat No. 20 UCF and also trounced No. 8 Kentucky, 8-0. As well as simply 2 weeks back, they won their last video game versus No. 10 Northwestern by 5 runs.
Michigan indisputably has raw skill. Nonetheless, this hasn’t led to uniformity. The Big 10 is by no indicates a giant softball meeting. For many groups, being 6-6 in Huge 10 play suggests mediocrity. Absolutely nothing extra, and also absolutely nothing much less.
However this Michigan group is an enigma.
It has the devices to be leading, and also occasionally looks the component, yet there’s no uniformity.
This previous weekend break exhibits this. The Wolverines appear of the collection plainly appearing like the much better group. However at the very same time, they played one unsightly video game that pressed them better behind Nebraska, the Big 10’s present leader.
It’s an odd sensation. Michigan won the collection. Yet at some basic degree it still strikes me as a loss. As well as I leave the weekend break a growing number of overwhelmed regarding that the Wolverines are.
Its has actually been 33 years because Michigan has actually experienced 4 weeks of meeting play without brushing up a challenger. However I do not think that this indicates the Wolverines’ period will certainly wind up being a dissatisfaction.
Due to the fact that the variety of feasible results for this group is significant.
If today you intended to make a disagreement that Michigan will certainly have a hard time to make the NCAA competition, I’d pay attention. As well as alternatively, if today you informed me that you totally thought the Wolverines will certainly make the Globe Collection, I wouldn’t call you insane.
The gamers are securely broadcasting on the side of positive outlook.
“If you don’t rely on Michigan, I don’t recognize what to inform you,” fifth-year 3rd baseman Taylor Bump stated. “We’re gonna appear, and also we’re gonna prevail.”
As well as possibly they will. However presuming whether they implode in the local or go on a tear to the Globe Collection really feels extra like a gambling game than anything else.
Michigan
Michigan State Spartans Insider Podcast: Are the Spartans Big Ten Contenders?
Michigan State men’s basketball seems to be back.
For the past few years, the Spartans seemed to have fallen behind in the Big Ten, scrapping and clawing just to keep their tournament streak alive when the regular season began winding down.
It wasn’t the standard that had so long been in place for Michigan State basketball, a team that had regularly been competing for the conference title year in and year out.
Finally, it seems the Spartans may have gotten back to that point. Michigan State is currently tied for first place in the Big Ten and will likely head into 2025 11-2.
On this episode of the Michigan State Insider Podcast, our Aidan Champion and host Bryan Anthony Davis discuss whether the Spartans truly are conference contenders again.
You can watch the episode below:
Below is a partial transcript from Michigan State coach Tom Izzo’s opening statement from his press conference that followed the Spartans’ win over Florida Atlantic last Saturday:
Izzo: “Man, nothing’s easy. I really like that team. We said it on film. We actually did a pretty good job on a couple guys. [Baba] Miller, one. The big kid inside got in some foul trouble, did a decent job with him. I thought Jeremy [Fears Jr. ] did a hell of a job on [Leland] Walker. I really like Walker, too. But Miller is a good player. We did not do a good job on [Tre] Carroll. He was really good. And I think he is really good. I think that team has a chance to win a lot of games. This will probably be a good test for us. It wasn’t good when you’re going home for Christmas, because there was a couple sleepless nights on these guys. I told some of you I thought they were good. And yet, we started out the second half 4-of-17. Missed a gazillion layups — putbacks for Szymon [Zapala] and Jax [Jaxon Kohler], of all people. And they really — 4-of-17, I don’t know how we. I’m trying to figure out how we scored 86 points. But again, we shot pretty well from the free throw line. We offensive rebounded, we didn’t turn it over too much. I mean, it was a good win for us; I didn’t like the way it was played at all the time. I thought we got stagnant with the ball. But I was really impressed with Jeremy. And Coen [Carr] will probably never shoot another 3, so he can lead the history of Michigan State — it will be 100%. … I appreciate our fans appreciating him. And you saw our players. Last time I saw an eruption like that was when Steven [Izzo] hit a shot. That was pretty cool. I think that tells you a lot about how they feel about each other. And that was really important to me and, I think, to our coaching staff. So, Coen, no doubt, was the star of the game. Jaden came around the second half and did some good things.”
Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
Michigan
Michigan hires analyst with ties to Andy Reid, Jim and John Harbaugh
Michigan has added an analyst to its staff with decades of experience in the NFL and NCAA. Michigan has hired Juan Castillo, who served as UCLA’s offensive line coach in 2024.
Castillo, 65, was with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1995-2012, where Andy Reid was head coach for the majority of those seasons. Castillo served as offensive line coach during a stretch of the Reid era when the Eagles made the NFC Championship Game five times. Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was also on the Eagles staff from 1998-2007, Castillo’s relationship with Harbaugh led to him joining the Ravens staff from 2013-16, first as run game coordinator (2013) and then as offensive line coach (2014-16) before heading to the Buffalo Bills in 2017-18 as offensive line coach and run game coordinator.
John Harbaugh isn’t the only Harbaugh Castillo has worked for. Castillo was also on former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff at Michigan in 2019 as an offensive analyst. After Castillo’s lone season at Michigan he went on to be the Chicago Bears offensive line coach in 2020 and 2021, then the Washington Commanders in 2022 and 2023 as offensive line coach and run game coordinator, with his most current stop being offensive line coach at UCLA in 2024.
While Castillo has coached a variety of positions in his career, his bread and butter is clearly coaching the offensive line. Castillo, 65, will likely be working closely with Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome. In June of 2024, the NCAA made a big rule change, lifting restrictions on football analysts and allowing any staff member to provide “technical and tactical instruction” to student-athletes. In short, Castillo will be able to provide on-field instruction and coaching at practices. Castillo’s presence should be beneficial to Michigan’s offensive line and to Grant Newsome, who’s considered an ascending coach at 27 years old.
Michigan
Spartans Wrapped: A Recap of 2024 Michigan State Basketball
With the year winding down, let’s reflect on the rollercoaster 2024 for Michigan State Basketball.
Michigan State started the new year with optimism, even with a record of 8-5. It seemed like the Spartans had recovered from the nightmare start to the season with a win over No. 6 Baylor in Detroit.
However, once Big Ten play got into full swing the Spartans regressed to the team they were at the beginning of the season.
After back-to-back road losses to Northwestern and Illinois, the Spartans were at rock bottom, 1-4 in conference play and 9-7 overall, on the wrong side of the tournament bubble with two months remaining.
On Jan. 30, Michigan State beat the Michigan Wolverines 81-62, clinching Coach Tom Izzo’s 700th win as head coach.
By the middle of February, The Spartans proved they could hang with the best in the conference after beating No. 10 Illinois 88-80 at the Breslin Center.
Then the Spartans regressed again, losing three straight games by less than 7 points. Their season would conclude with a frustrating loss to two-time Naismith Player of the Year, Zach Edey, and the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers.
Despite a 30-point effort from Walker, Michigan State lost their final regular season game to the Indiana Hoosiers, 65-64. Finishing the regular season 18-13 and 10-10 in conference play.
The Spartans needed at least one win in the Big Ten Tournament to feel confident about their chances of making the NCAA tournament for the 26th straight season under Tom Izzo.
They would avenge their regular season loss against the Golden Gophers, beating them in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament and solidifying a trip to March Madness.
After starting the season as the No. 4 team in the country, the Spartans ended with the No. 9 seed in their region, a far fall from contention for a national title.
But Michigan State handled the No. 8 seed Mississippi State out of the SEC. With the first-round win, the Spartans were rewarded with playing the No.1 seed North Carolina Tar Heels.
The Spartans came out hot, taking an early 12-point lead; it looked like another vintage Izzo upset in March until the Tar Heels woke up. Eventually, North Carolina caught fire from range and took care of Michigan State, ending a wild season for the Spartans in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Izzo came under fire for his squad not living up to expectations. Many fans criticized his reluctance to use the transfer portal as a reason why the Spartans floundered.
So over the summer, Izzo changed his recruiting philosophy and dipped into the portal. He didn’t pick up big names but found players like forward Frankie Fiddler from Omaha and center Syzmon Zapala from Utah State.
The overall sentiment from critics was that these additions wouldn’t be enough to replace the departing talent from seniors like Hall and Walker. As well as losing guard A.J. Hoggard and center Mady Sissoko to the portal.
But Izzo stayed the course, trusting that his young squad would develop over the course of the season.
There were a lot of questions heading into the 2024-25 season and the picture wasn’t so clear early on.
Especially after scraping by with a close win against Bowling Green and getting crushed by Kansas in the Champions Classic, there wasn’t much hope for Michigan State to get back to the top of the sport.
Then there was a turning point for the mood of fans at the Maui Invitational. Izzo made a few lineup adjustments and perimeter shots started to fall. After beating North Carolina in the third-place game, the Spartans reached a high that hadn’t been felt in a while.
The development of the 2023 recruiting class entering their second season and the rise of freshman Jase Richardson have flipped the expectations for this team.
Michigan State continued to impress, taking care of business against mid-majors. The Spartans re-entered the AP Top 25 for the first time in over a year in early December and currently sit at No. 18 in the country with a record of 10-2.
Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
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