Michigan Mondays — MSU Rivalry Week Hosts: TJ Ronin & Michelle | MichiganVOCFB Episode focuses on the Rutgers win recap, Tommy Carr’s emergence, Kyle Whittingham’s energy/leadership concerns, the Michigan State rivalry game preview, fan confidence (or lack thereof), coaching buyout/market issues, and portal/recruiting outlook. Michigan (5-3) hosts Michigan State (2-6) on Saturday (night game); FanDuel spread around 13.5–14 points. Opening & Weekend Vibe (≈00:01:42–00:03:00) TJ opens: “What is up, Michigan Nation?” Shout-outs to Kelshi (new/long-term sponsor) and A.T. Wolvey. Michelle: Any weekend Michigan wins and Ohio State loses is a good one. She enjoyed the USC-Ohio State game. TJ notes the win and moves on to “Little Brother” (Michigan State). Mentions Kyle Whittingham learning about a past tunnel incident/robbery. Rutgers Game Recap & Frustrations (≈00:03:00–00:14:00) Michelle’s take: Defense allowed more points than typical this season, but positives included a strong Tommy Carr performance, outstanding receivers, more tight-end involvement, and no turnovers. Less enraged than the fan base or recent weeks. If defense avoids explosive plays and sloppiness, it should have been a blowout (e.g., 28-3). Rutgers QB completed only 3-of-12 for 123 yards — the completions that landed were costly explosive plays. TJ’s bigger frustrations: Defense’s worst outing (allowed 100+ rushing yards vs. a poorly ranked offense); secondary issues (Jire Hill, Zeke Berry consistency); east-west running scheme; special teams (“a f*****g nightmare,” Carry Combs issues); Jason Beck abandoning XI personnel / between-the-tackles stuff that worked vs. Penn State. TJ compares it to the 2020 Wisconsin game — most disappointed since then, driven by Whittingham’s low-energy halftime speech (lack of enthusiasm, rage, or drive; “took a melatonin”). Whittingham’s postgame/presser comments on needing another year of S&C for the OL and the “hardest challenge” framing also land poorly. Both are “out” on Beck and Whittingham. Bob Chesney (UCLA) extension news surfaces — kills some dream-coach speculation; UCLA fans worried about attendance/Rose Bowl crowds. Time of possession favored Michigan heavily; defense wasn’t asked to do much beyond preventing explosives (only ~12 passes to defend). Key quotes/timestamps for clips: Michelle on positives + “less enraged” (~00:03:41–00:05:00). TJ on Whittingham speech / “I’m out” (~00:07:42–00:09:00). Explosive plays vs. 3-for-12 (~00:05:00–00:06:00). Tommy Carr Emergence & QB Future (≈00:14:00–00:22:00) Carr’s line: 22-of-27, 266 yards, improvisation, no turnovers, two rushing TDs (including game-winner). Decision-making and protecting the ball stand out vs. Underwood’s tendencies (sacks, reckless throws, shorter scrambles). TJ: “Tommy Carr beat Rutgers. Not Kyle Whittingham, not Jason Beck, not J-Hill.” Underwood likely does not win that game. Michelle agrees on decision-making, reads, and composure given experience level. Underwood still has better arm strength for specific situations (e.g., Hail Mary). Bryce Underwood’s leadership/character praised — supportive of Carr and team as captain; valuable regardless of future at Michigan or elsewhere. Playoff hypothetical: Win out (including OSU and Oregon) → 9-3 with quality wins could still get in given the landscape. Michelle skeptical of confidence levels. Running game still broken (Jordan Marshall, Savion Hiter not producing; OL not progressing under Jim Harding despite experience). Portal, Recruiting & Fan Comfort (≈00:19:00–00:22:00) Portal opening is uncomfortable. Worries about receivers and overall roster retention. Whittingham’s Utah track record bought time earlier, but on-field results (trenches, discipline, energy) and comments are eroding that. 6–7 penalties (90 yards) in Rutgers; cleaned up in second half. MSU game will be a major data point for everyone (players, recruits, donors). Michigan State Rivalry Week Preview (≈00:25:00–00:37:00) Spread ~14 points (actual market ~13.5 on FanDuel). Night game; TJ will be there. Fan energy is low — more fear than confidence or shit-talk. Prior losses (Minnesota, Iowa) and near-misses zapped momentum. Losing to MSU would “make their season” and be unbearable. Whittingham presser on the rivalry: Acknowledges intensity, nastiness, past tunnel altercation; “throw out the records… its own entity… we will be ready.” Both hosts find the tone flat / lacking passion. “Wake up” needed. Coach must set the tone in practice. MSU’s offense is bad (state of Michigan schools all ranked ~120th or worse offensively: Michigan 128th, MSU 134th, etc.). MSU defense ~64th total (86th rush, 50th pass) — worse than recent Michigan opponents. Numbers suggest Michigan should move the ball better than vs. better defenses, but data is noisy (Underwood vs. Carr sample). Same OL, RBs, and Beck remain. MSU will treat it as their Super Bowl; Michigan looks more beatable than recent years. Poll: 79% of respondents “out” on Whittingham. Key quotes/timestamps for clips: Whittingham rivalry presser clip (~00:28:30–00:29:30). Fan energy / fear of losing (~00:25:30–00:27:30). Michigan offenses ranking joke (~00:34:20–00:35:00). Super Chats & Side Notes Hockey goalie issues noted but secondary. Tommy Carr–Trevor Lawrence comparison (composure/pocket presence more than build or arm strength). Underwood usage going forward: No full starts unless injury; still engaged and can be used situationally. Coaches Buyouts & Market Discussion (≈00:40:00–00:54:00) Mike Norvell’s ~$50M buyout broken down (per second/minute/hour/week). Broader issue: Guaranteed multi-year mega-deals create misaligned incentives. Performance-based structure preferred (prove it in year 1, then escalate pay). Antitrust barriers prevent collective action. Fan bases (including Michigan’s) drive turnover and insecurity by calling for firings quickly, which inflates the market. Nebraska (Matt Rhule) and Oklahoma (Brent Venables) examples cited. Portal/NIL stability would help retention and reduce pressure for long contracts; congressional antitrust exemption or collective bargaining discussed as longer-term fixes. Michelle (lawyer) notes practical/legal hurdles. Whittingham’s own large buyout (~$25M mentioned) leaves donors/program in an uncomfortable spot if results don’t improve. Closing (≈00:55:00–end) Legacy recruits / crystal ball concerns (e.g., Asa/Alfie Birch leaning Notre Dame). Tommy Carr’s family ties to Michigan offer some stability hope. Final thoughts: Nervous but excited for the MSU night game. Every game is a data point. Next: Tuesday with John D’Adamo, Thursday with John Yolden, Saturday postgame (logistics TBD). Go Blue. Overall tone: Mixed-positive on Carr and the win, heavily skeptical of Whittingham/Beck energy, scheme, and long-term direction. Rivalry week feels tense rather than confident. Structured for quick reference or clip pulls. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.