The Blue Wall with Michael Smeltzer

Michael Smeltzer breaks down the lessons learned from Michigan's first battle of 2024. The game wasn't always pretty but Michigan managed a 30-10 win against Fresno State. From the quarterback rotation to the surprisingly inconsistent play of Will Johnson, this recap has everything you need heading into week 2 against Texas. linktr.ee/wolverinechron

Eli Owens is a smashmouth tight end from Alcoa, Tennessee who has drawn comparisons to current Michigan player Max Bredeson. On this episode of The Blue Wall, host Michael Smeltzer and Eli Owens talk about recruiting strategies, the Ohio State rivalry, and what it's like facing a potential redshirt in college. Eli will surely be a fan favorite in Ann Arbor with his humble playing style and confident personality. For more follow Wolverine Chronicle on all platforms: linktr.ee/wolverinechron

Attention Michigan fans, we've got a good one! I'm excited to introduce to you running back Jasper Parker. Jasper is not only a stud on the field who reminds me of Hassan Haskins, but he is also clearly an impressive young man off the field. In this interview, he shared with me his aspirations of becoming a leader at Michigan who will be remembered for years to come. linktr.ee/wolverinechron

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In the most recent episode of "Big House Bleachers," hosts Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell delve deep into the triumphant performance where Michigan overwhelmingly defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 42-7, marking a 5-0 start for Michigan football. The pair enthusiastically breaks down how Michigan executed a balanced and dominant offense and defense, expertly maneuvering both through the air and on the ground against the Cornhuskers. They bestow the "This Guy Right Here" Player of the Game Award and share moments that made them exclaim, "sheesh," highlighting the impressive plays and strategies exhibited throughout the game. Michael and Matt also spotlight several unsuspecting heroes who have emerged for the Michigan football team during the initial five games. Looking forward, the duo discusses the challenges and expectations for Michigan's upcoming nighttime road game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, anticipating another exhilarating clash. FANATICS: fanatics.93n6tx.net/3eEV7X

In the latest rib-tickling and enlightening episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast, our host Michael Smeltzer joins forces with Andy Bailey and Jared Stormer from the renowned Out of the Blue podcast to bring to you a unique concoction of humor and insights into Michigan football. They kick things off with their individual “sheesh” moments from the sports world, then the trio delves deep into a fresh segment focusing on the Michigan football team and the habitual overreactions of fans. In a humorous twist, Andy, Mike, and Jared expose their positive overreactions, quoting moments that had them proclaim, “hang the banner,” and for their negative ones, instances where they felt, “the sky is falling.” The banter doesn't stop there; you'll be regaled with anecdotes and discussions featuring Mike Sanristill, Samaj Morgan, Donovan Edwards, Blake Corum, and J.J. McCarthy, amongst others. So, gear up for a plethora of laughs and perceptive conversations in this remarkable episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast. Whether you're a die-hard Michigan football aficionado or just in need of some top-notch sports commentary, this episode is your ticket to a world where humor and insight collide! FANATICS: fanatics.93n6tx.net/3eEV7X

In the latest episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo of Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell, listeners are in for a thrilling dive into the world of Michigan football. This episode kicks off with Michael and Matt's passionate initial reactions to Michigan's Week 3 victory over Bowling Green, dissecting the key plays and standout performances that contributed to the win. One of the highlights of the show is when the hosts unveil the coveted "This Guy Right Here" Player of the Game award, shedding light on the standout player who made a significant impact. Their unique and entertaining take on player recognition adds a fun twist to the podcast. But that's not all – Michael and Matt delve into some of the hottest college football topics, offering their takes and insights on the burning questions of the sport. They're not shy about sharing their excitement over a spectacular catch by a Michigan wide receiver, leaving listeners exclaiming "sheesh." In addition to the on-field action, the hosts also check in on their offseason agendas and predictions for Michigan football players, providing a fascinating look at how these players are progressing and whether their preseason support was well-placed. As true college football enthusiasts, Michael and Matt also take a close look at other Week 3 games in the Big Ten and across the college football landscape, including a spotlight on Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. Wrapping up the episode, the hosts offer an insightful preview of Michigan's Week 4 matchup with Rutgers, acknowledging that this might just be the Wolverines' toughest test until November. It's a captivating and informative episode that no Michigan football fan should miss! FANATICS LINK: fanatics.93n6tx.net/3eEV7X

Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell delve into the details of Michigan's Week 2 victory against UNLV at the Big House in Ann Arbor. The duo provide an in-depth analysis of the Wolverines' offensive line, examining both their strengths and areas of potential improvement. The spotlight is also cast upon the defensive pass rush, ensuring no significant play goes unnoticed. The hosts expand their horizons to the broader football scene, both within the Big Ten and nationally. Noteworthy is the unexpected victory of the Texas Longhorns over the formidable Alabama, a shocking twist that has surely sent ripples throughout the college football community. Additionally, they touch upon the Colorado Buffaloes' impressive momentum, as they celebrate a second consecutive win, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering if this is the start of a new chapter for the team. One of the episode's highlights is the beloved "This Guy Right Here" segment where Michael and Matt award game balls to standout players, recognizing their exceptional performances and contributions on the field. As always, the hosts also gaze into the future, previewing the upcoming face-off with Bowling Green. With Michigan set to debut their brand-new lights for this night game, excitement is palpably building among the Wolverine faithful. Fanatics Link: fanatics.93n6tx.net/3eEV7X

In the latest episode of "The Big House Bleachers" podcast, cohosts Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell kick off the 2023 Michigan football season with a bang! Dive into their in-depth review of the week 1 matchup, where Michigan triumphed over East Carolina with an impressive score of 30-3. The duo celebrates the standouts by handing out "This Guy Right Here" honors and delves into the moments that had them exclaiming, “Sheeesh!” from the first week of college football action. They don't stop there; listen in as Mike and Matt dish out grades for each of Michigan's position groups, ponder over some baffling "What's The Deal" moments, and take a closer look at Big Ten matches. Rounding it all up, they highlight games from around the nation, with special focus on the unexpected upset of TCU by Colorado, steered by head coach Deion Sanders. And for the avid fans eagerly awaiting next week's showdown, the pair gives a sneak peek into the upcoming Michigan vs. UNLV matchup set to unfold in Ann Arbor. It's an episode you won't want to miss! Fanatics Link: fanatics.93n6tx.net/3eEV7X

Fanatics Link: fanatics.93n6tx.net/Jz2gqr In the latest episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast, co-hosts Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell gear up for Michigan's week one face-off against East Carolina. The duo delves deep into Coach Jim Harbaugh's unorthodox decisions surrounding his interim coaching staff during his upcoming three-game suspension and the implications of Sherrone Moore missing out on one game. The excitement reaches a fever pitch as Matt and Mike rave about the Big House's fresh scoreboards and lights, especially the upcoming disco and strobe-style illuminations set to dazzle fans during the night game against Bowling Green. This update symbolizes Michigan's embrace of contemporary times. The hosts don't stop there: they go on to forecast the conference champions across all Power 5 conferences, speculate on potential college football playoff contenders, and estimate the number of Wolverines we might see in the next NFL draft. Rounding off the episode, the focus shifts back to the imminent East Carolina clash, the thrilling opener for Michigan's 2023 season set for September 2nd at Michigan Stadium. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/wolverinechron

On this episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast, Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell are back with their signature energy. Dive into the renowned "sheesh" segment where they laud former Michigan star Ronnie Bell's dazzling performance with the 49ers and spotlight some 2024 Michigan commits who are already making waves in their high school games. As Michigan debuts in the number two spot in the AP poll, the duo unpacks what Jim Harbaugh dubs as the "Michigan Method." Plus, don't miss their latest segment, "Rate the Smoke," where they decipher training camp chatters to determine which ones hold weight. Will Jaydon Hood make it to the linebacker rotation? Is Alex Orji set to return kicks? And just how big of an impact can we expect from the freshman wide receivers? Tune in to get the lowdown on all things Michigan Football!

In the latest episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast, Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell delve into the hottest topics surrounding Michigan football this week. First up, they tackle the contentious suspension of Jim Harbaugh. While initially it appeared Harbaugh would face a four-game suspension in 2023, recent developments suggest otherwise, with him set to coach the entire season. However, the NCAA's investigation looms large, potentially bringing bigger repercussions in the future. The duo express their concerns over the NCAA's stance, barring Harbaugh and his legal counsel from sharing their side of the story regarding alleged recruiting violations. In another twist, the latest coaches poll has Michigan at the surprising #2 spot, leading to a spirited debate between Mike and Matt about its implications and the teams they expected to see there. Lastly, they spotlight the new recruit, three-star cornerback Jeremiah Lowe, an exciting addition to Michigan's promising roster. Catch all this and more in this engaging episode. https://linktr.ee/wolverinechron

In the most recent episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast, hosts Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell shook up their originally planned depth chart discussion to delve deep into the seismic shift of conference realignment that took college football by storm. They were joined by the well-informed Trevor McCue from Maize and Blue Review. 1. Conference Realignment The shift to the Big Ten for the likes of Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA in 2024 caught everyone by surprise. This means a complete revision of the 2024 Big Ten schedule and potential renegotiations for the 12-team college football playoff. The Big 12 will be welcoming Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado. Unfortunately, Cal, Oregon State, Stanford, and Washington State currently find themselves in conference limbo. Speculations are rife about the potential movements of notable teams like Notre Dame, Clemson, Florida State, and Miami. It's evident that the landscape of college football is in a state of flux. 2. Initial Roster Reactions Cole Cabana's impressive weight gain of 18+ pounds has fans excited about his prospects, especially with him now weighing close to Donovan Edward's playing weight. A jersey number conundrum arises with both Amorion Walker and Jaden McBurrows listed at #1. Who gets the coveted jersey? James Turner's mustache certainly caught attention, adding a dash of flair to Michigan's kicking game. Significant weight drops by Derrick Moore (22 lbs) and Kenny Grant (17 lbs) show serious commitment from the players. 3. M&BR Depth Chart Discussion Matt and Michael took this opportunity to put Trevor in the hot seat, quizzing him on various position groups. Some key takeaways include: QB: Questions about the backup quarterback arise, and Alex Orji's potential role on the team is a hot topic. RB: Speculations surround whether or not Cole Cabana and Benjamin Hall will redshirt. WR: Debates stir about who'll get more receiving yards between Roman and CJ and identifying the third option at wideout. TE: Freshman Zack Marshall's involvement and Colston Loveland's potential for a breakout season akin to Jake Butt's are discussed. O-Line: The most likely sleeper to break into the 5 man-starting lineup is a point of contention. D Tackle: Comparisons between Kris Jenkins and Mazi Smith in pass-rushing situations spur debate. LB: The possibility of Ernest Hausmann overshadowing Michael Barrett by season's end is speculated. Secondary: Who will line up opposite Will Johnson? The episode was packed with insightful discussions, making it a must-listen for all Michigan Football fans. The current state of college football, with its unforeseen changes, ensures that the next season will be one to watch closely!

In the latest episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast, co-hosts Matt Hartwell and Michael Smeltzer dive into some hot topics surrounding Michigan football. They waste no time addressing the controversy surrounding head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is facing a possible four-game suspension due to an incident known as "Burgergate." The hosts share their thoughts on the situation and its potential impact on the team. Next, they shift their focus to the quarterback situation and Harbaugh's high praise for incoming freshman JJ McCarthy. Harbaugh considers McCarthy a "once in a generation type quarterback," sparking discussions on how this might shape the team's offensive strategy in the upcoming season. The podcast then delves into the perennial debate about "The Game" against Ohio State. While Ohio State's coach Ryan Day suggests moving the game's schedule, Harbaugh asserts that Michigan will play it whenever it's traditionally scheduled, emphasizing the Thanksgiving tradition that has become synonymous with this rivalry. Keeping an eye on player health, Harbaugh expresses confidence in the team's overall well-being. Running back Blake Corum's dedication to the team's success is highlighted, with Corum willing to carry the ball as many times as necessary to secure victories. The rivalry with Michigan State takes center stage as they discuss the heated atmosphere surrounding the game. Noted sports commentator Mike Valenti's warning to Michigan fans about potential danger in East Lansing creates a significant buzz among the hosts. The episode wraps up with a lively discussion comparing the Big Ten team rankings. Hartwell and Smeltzer share their insights on where Michigan stands in comparison to other conference teams. Tune in to the latest episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast for an engaging and insightful analysis of all things Michigan football. From roster updates to heated rivalries, Matt and Michael have got you covered. Go Blue!

In the latest episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast, co-hosts Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell had an insightful discussion with Clayton Sayfie from 'The Wolverine', focusing on the Michigan football team's prospects for the upcoming 2023 season. The podcast began with light-hearted banter, Michael Smeltzer playfully ribbing Clayton Sayfie about On3's ranking of Michigan's promising quarterback commit, Jadyn Davis. Michael Smeltzer jestingly attributed the lower ranking to Clayton since The Wolverine is part of the On3 network. The friendly jabs added a dash of humor to the discussions, setting the stage for more serious deliberations about Michigan's future in the upcoming season. Moving on to the concerns every Michigan fan holds close to heart, the trio started dissecting various aspects of the forthcoming season. The conversation spanned from potential breakout stars to players that might struggle to live up to the hype, reflecting the wide-ranging spectrum of expectations attached to the team. One of the most intriguing debates revolved around which Michigan players will exceed expectations in the 2023 season. Each participant had his pick, creating a lively discussion around potential breakout stars, an aspect that certainly fuels the excitement of every Michigan football follower. Conversely, they also examined the other side of the coin, exploring the players who might face challenges in meeting expectations. As every sport sees its share of surprises, these conjectures add to the suspense as we await the unfolding of the upcoming season. The episode didn't shy away from taking a deep-dive into the season's strategy either, with the trio talking about potential 'trap games' on Michigan's schedule. Identifying these potential pitfalls can be key to a team's success and shows a deeper understanding of the challenges that lie ahead for Michigan. Considering the future beyond the immediate season, they pondered over the possibility of which assistant coach might climb the ranks to secure a head coaching position next year. This speculation sheds light on the career trajectories of these professionals who form the backbone of the team. Their predictive gaze also extended to potential All-Americans from Michigan, providing a glimpse of the shining talent that may arise from the team. Lastly, they speculated on who might be the first Michigan player to be drafted in next year's NFL draft - a topic that is sure to spark excitement among fans and players alike. The latest episode of The Big House Bleachers podcast was a captivating amalgamation of jokes, insightful analyses, and in-depth discussions. It successfully shed light on Michigan's football future while keeping fans engaged with its fun banter and thoughtful speculations.