The latest episode of the Big House Bleachers podcast, co-hosted by Michael Smeltzer and Matt Hartwell, delves into several key topics in the world of Michigan sports.
The episode begins with an in-depth discussion about Michigan basketball head coach, Juwan Howard. Howard, who was recently recovering from heart surgery and serving in an assistant head coach capacity, faced a controversial situation involving an altercation with strength and conditioning coach Jon Sanderson. Despite rumors of potential termination or suspension, the administration found no significant wrongdoing, and Howard was medically cleared to resume his role as head coach. This was timely, as he led Michigan to a 17-point victory over Eastern Michigan.
The conversation then shifts to Michigan football, highlighting right guard Zak Zinter’s selection as a unanimous All-American. This led to a vibrant and thorough discussion where Mike and Matt selected their all-Michigan teams, covering each position from the 2021 to 2023 seasons. These years were significant for Michigan, marked by three consecutive Big Ten championships. While agreeing on most positions, the co-hosts found themselves in spirited debates over a few key areas.
To conclude, the episode touches on the tactical move by Nick Saban in hiring former Michigan linebacker coach George Helow right before a crucial Rose Bowl matchup between Michigan and Alabama on January 1st. This strategic decision by Saban adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming game.
