Brady Hoke on a 10-victory season, beating Ohio State, bowl games and more
Michigan football coach Brady Hoke and the Wolverines are headed to a bowl game. But which one?
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The regular season is over, and there still is plenty to discuss when it comes to Michigan football.
Brady Hoke will meet the media today, two days after the Wolverines ended a seven-season losing skid against Ohio State with a 40-34 victory at Michigan Stadium. He won 10 games in his first season as Michigan's coach, he has a new rival in Urban Meyer at Ohio State, his team is in position for an interesting bowl game and more.
We'll provide updates in this file throughout the press conference.
Brady Hoke has left the building. Below are highlights from his weekly press conference with player comments below those, starting with Mike Martin, then David Molk:
Brady Hoke: On Saturday night, "I was recruiting down at the Chop House ... with recruits."
Brady Hoke: On his conversation with Luke Fickell after the game. "I just thought he did a heck of a job all season. Tough situation."
Brady Hoke: On how the offense has changed at different points in the season. "Everyone defends you a little differently."
Brady Hoke: Said Brendan Gibbons' 43-yard field goal at the end of the game was huge. "He's grown and he's learned."
Brady Hoke: On if he gets satisfaction from being mentioned as candidate for Big Ten coach of the year, "Any type of awards that are given whether its the Heisman Trophy or best taper taping ankles ... it is never one person or one guy, it's everybody involved in the program."
Brady Hoke: On Robinson's pass to Drew Dileo. "I don't know. I thought it was number one Drew made a tremendous (catch)."
Brady Hoke: On having younger guys paired with older teammates as mentors. "When you force it, it doesn't work, so it kind of has to emerge on its own."
Brady Hoke: Said he expects Brennen Beyer to be ready for the bowl.
Brady Hoke: On handling bowl practices. "When we start will dictate what day you play what day you leave. ... As a group, we'll work fundamentals and technique when we get back on the field."
Brady Hoke: On his players straddling the line between cocky and confident. "What's the term today, 'swag'? I don't even know what that means. You have to be confident in your abilities."
Brady Hoke: On whether program has taken a large step forward this season, "We'll find out. ... The one thing I can tell you is the biggest disappoint is that we didn't win a conference championship, and that's an expectation here."
Brady Hoke: On BCS, whether he's figured out what he wants to happen in various conference championship games to give his team the best chance at a BCS bid. "I don't have that kind of time."
Brady Hoke: On how the bit of downtime will be spent. Said much time will be dedicated to recruiting. "That's the lifeblood of your program. We had (recruits) in on officials (visits) this weekend, and will continue to work in that regard."
Brady Hoke: On Urban Meyer coaching Ohio State. "Neither of us are going to play a down."
Brady Hoke: On being congratulated after win. "There are text messages that I haven't even read yet, to be honest. It's great to be congratulated, but we're not done yet." Mentioned team fell short of its goal of being able to play for conference championship and there are still "improvements to be made."
Brady Hoke: "I think (Denard Robinson) grown and matured as a Michigan quarterback."
Brady Hoke: "It's great to play well enough to win. ... I think our guys responded well, as a team I've said it before they really complement each other."
David Molk: "There's a lot of good things that happened this year, but at the same time there room for improvement that will be achieved in the years to come."
David Molk: On evaluating his own play. "In judging myself, I think I did well, but it's never good enough."
David Molk: On whether Brady Hoke should be Big Ten coach of the year. "He deserves it. I love him. He's a a great coach. ... He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly."
David Molk: "Going into this season I didn't know what to expect. ... I didn't know where it would go it could have gone in two directions. ... It played out well."
David Molk: "I expect great thing to come of this program."
David Molk: On the Ohio State rivalry. "It's a game that whoever plays in it you never forget it."
David Molk: "This is a growing offense, and this is something that's going to grow for years to come."
Mike Martin: On fans rushing the field. "I kind of expected it to be a little crazy. ... That was cool, and it was a lot of fun to do after."
Mike Martin: "Coach Hoke kept talking about playing hard (in the Ohio State game) for the seniors. ... It was special to win in Ann Arbor."
Mike Martin: "I think about the journey that these guys especially my class has been through. We've been through the mud and back. ... We lost some guys along the way, for whatever reason. That's why I love the phrase, from Coach Schembechler, 'Those who stay will be champions.'"
Mike Martin: Said he hopes the defense can improve on its pass rush heading into the bowl game.
Mike Martin: "(Ohio State) did a little more play action than what we thought they were going to do."
Mike Martin: Said he thinks Quinton Washington and Will Campbell are capable replacements on the defensive line for the graduating seniors. "I have full faith that those guys will fulfill the expectations (of the defensive line)."
Mike Martin: On ending career on a high note after three tough years. "It's special. I have no regrets, my three years up to this point have really made me better as a person and as a player."
Mike Martin: Said he will not cut his hair before the bowl game, which is in full afro mode.
Mike Martin: On his interest in the games this weekend having an effect on Michigan's bowl prospects, "Wherever we end up is where we end up, and we'll be happy about it."
Comments
OldBittyBates
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.
Ohio still hasn't learned their lesson. They believe if you toss around enough money (like the 6 million a year they gave Coach Meyer), this will be enough to fix every problem. The totally ugly Darth Vader hit em below-the-belt mentality displayed by that University makes it difficult for my delicate Michigan eyes to watch. The arrogance shown by Ohio school leadership totally disgusts me. Gee and his athletic department manager should have been fired when Tressel left. I sincerely hope Urban's new team gets its pants kicked while scheming behind the end zone goal posts.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.
Actually, more striking evidence that tosu has not learned its lesson is the fact the Fickel allowed the vest ti address his team last week. If tosu "got it" the vest wouldn't be allowed on campus, mush less allowed to have contact with the football team. Good Night and Good Luck
rightmind250
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.
Ok, I have to admit, Brady Hoke was a good hire for the UM. He has brought a much needed toughness back to a team that was very soft under Richrod. What I don't understand is Brandon's feminization of the UM program and nobody in the fan base caring. It's time to man up Michigan. 1) Get rid of the yellow t-shirts. Nobody looks manly in yellow, Could you imagine Hoke and Mattison taking the field in size xxx yellow sweatshirts? The blue was classic. The fan base says"Go Blue", not go yellow 2) What's up with the "Sweet Caroline", that is about as embarassing a song to play at your stadium as I can think of. Grown men in yellow t-shirts with their arm around each other swaying to the tune of "Sweet Caroline"? And while you are at it get rid of the cliche, "Don't stop believing". Very lame. You are an embarassment to the rest of the B10. Grown men singing along to this song. Wake up Brandon, Michigan has some very cool rockers, Ted Nugent, Kid Rock........... Could you imagine 115,00 fans jumping to "JumP Around" like they do at Wisconsin? Now that would be cool. How about the Motor City Madman's "Cat Scratch Fever" or Kid Rock's "Balls in your Mouth"? 3) Brandon, get rid of the bangs, dude. You look like some accident from the 80's. Get a buzz cut or something.
riverraisin
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 2:12 a.m.
And the relentless playing of 'Hang on sloopy' isn't embarassing? You know...1960's bubble gum music? Glittery silver and bright red isn't...well, I'll just say..feminine? Please, 250...look in the mirror.
heartbreakM
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.
Could not agree with you more about this piped in music. Sweet Caroline? Penn State plays that song and Michigan doing it is copy-cat stuff. The band plays it--that's fine, but piping it in? How about NO piping in music and letting the band entertain the crowd!! That works great, especially with the change this year of "microphoning" the band.
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
Cutty240. Hmmm, I WAS impressed by the ohio passing attack, but I also realize that ohio went to 'max protect', to hold off the UM rush. Conversely, I was pleased with the way the UM defense totally stuffed, the vaunted ohio running game. So, what did Herron end up with bud, 37 yards?! Supposedly, this was a collection of 4 and 5 star linemen. Yet I observed them underperforming, for a coaching staff, that did not change when Tressel was canned. On the other side of the coin, the unheralded, UM offensive line, gave Robinson all day, to make passes, AND, still carved up the ohio defensive front, on the ground! Face it, BOTH, Fitz Toussaint and Denard Robinson, ran the ball down your throat. This was the turning point in the game, in the second half, as the bucks were shut out in the third quarter, and managed only 10 points in the half, ....just sayin'. I thought that 'the drive', with 7 minutes left in the game, was a masterpiece!. Bo would have been proud, as UM ran off 5 minutes, and scored a touchdown, not once, but twice, before the officials, stepped in, to preserve the buckeye chances. You and I, BOTH know, that Fitz, WAS IN! I hear now, that Urbie, may be coming in, down there. Fine, bring him on. We already have the defensive co-ordinator, from his NC teams. Meanwhile, I hope the NCAA sanctions crush the program, and eliminate bowl appearances for the 2012 and 2013, teams. Finally, I sat across from the ohio band, and in the second half, we could NOT hear them at all, as the UM crowd, totally rocked the BIG HOUSE! You just don't have enough tubas. Add about 20 more, will ya? Love it!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
"Finally, I sat across from the ohio band, and in the second half, we could NOT hear them at all, as the UM crowd, totally rocked the BIG HOUSE! You just don't have enough tubas. Add about 20 more, will ya? Love it!" ROFL. Our seats must be within spittin' distance. And agree--the tosu band could not be heard for the entire second half. The crowd did a GREAT job. GN&GL
um_61
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
The turn around we have seen is rooted in Brady Hoke applying what he learned from Bo. The legacy is the foundation. In this account, I believe Brady should be already thinking about raising his successors accordingly, not just win season by season but by building the program for the future.
Mick
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
Hey Cutty240, are you related to Rightmind250? Is there a 260 out there somewhere? I guess my comments have done a 360!
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:17 p.m.
As many on here know, while I would not have hired RR, four years ago, I supported him while he was here, as the UM coach. (I think that is critical, even if you do not necessarily agree with a coach's philosophy.) People who attacked and undermined RR, while here, are not really UM fans. When Hoke came in, I understood the logic, but questioned his ability to handle the job. (recall he had a losing record coming in.) Nevertheless, I supported Hoke as the UM coach, once here. Eleven games in, he has shown me, he IS the right coach for my alma mater. This team, with one game remaining, has been a success. The job that Hoke has done, (and his assistants), is remarkable. But what I like the most, about Hoke, is that he refuses to pat himself on the back, and he refuses to say that the players 'have arrived'. Yes, he IS positive, but he will always find room for improvment. He does NOT throw a kid, or a coach, 'under the bus', to save his own neck, when that individaul fails on a given play. He stresses team unity and respect for one another. He is constantly demanding higher and higher levels of accomplishment, and improvement. I like this guy because he puts team, before self. Bo would been VERY proud of Hoke, the coaches, and the players, saturday...but he would also have had some jabs, for Hoke, probably over a cigar, somewhere. I've noticed how he responds to questions, and how he handles the kids, on the field, in the 'pressure of the game'. He is always postive, while still 'coaching them up'. UM fans, our program is in good hands, not because Brandon wants us to believe that, but because we have witnessed it 'first hand', in good times, and bad. Contrast this, with the shoddy way, that osu has treated Luke Fickel, and the 'circus' surrounding Urban Meyer. The buckeye program has been exposed for the shameful corruption, of Jim Tressel, and the misplaced priorities and lack of integrity, from the very top of the university, to the players themselves.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
"People who attacked and undermined RR, while here, are not really UM fans." LS, You really need to get off this kick. I submit to you that smart fans understood exactly where he was taking the team, on and off the field, and it was not to a good place. I submit to you, then, that it was possible to be a fan of the team and want the former coach gone. At the end of the day, you have no business deciding who and who are not Mihcigan fan, just as you have no business attributing their opposition to him to some weird imagined motive on your part (e.g., he was "blue collar". Last time I checked, so were Bo, Mo, Lloyd, and Brady). Do yourself and the rest of us a favor and drop it. We've had a 10-2 season and beat OSU, Nebraska, and Notre Dame. Let's enjoy it, eh? Good Night and Good Luck
heartbreakM
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 8:09 p.m.
LS: One thing I'm curious about with you: If you are loyal to your institution, and think that the institution made a bad or horrible choice, how does that make you not really a "UM" fan to point out what a bad choice the person is/was? The institution actually trumps the individual in my opinion, and I think smearing those who are and were critical of the coach or any individual running the place is not quite right. I care more about the health of the University of Michigan, and in my opinion, the choice for coach was a horrible decision, and everything he did proved that to me. I never wavered in my support for UM or its players or team, but also never wavered in my belief that the longer the former coach was retained, the worst it would be for the institution (both UM and football). You and I have much different beliefs on this, but I think we are both UM fans and loyal alumna. I think the Ohio situation is interesting--a high profile fast talking coach with a lot of me-first attitude, coming in to save a program. Sounds familiar? Will it have similar outcome? At least Meyer is a proven winner, unlike our old coach, but I would not go there if I was Ohio.
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
MRunner73. I think you are right on. In the end, RR was just not going to succeed here. So I hope that RR does very well at Arizona....he is after all, still a Michigan man. It'll be interesting to see if Zook resurfaces. I think Zook can recruit, but I'm not sure he can relate to the kids. I had thought that ohio would rehire Tressel, after the NCAA sanctions were handed out, and Fickel would just assume his former spot. Meyer may well turn out to be a disapointment down there. If so, he'll discover that there IS a LOT of pressure in Columbus. Those people are 'nuts', and I don't mean, buckeye nuts.
MRunner73
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
I was a very strong Rich Rod supporter until half time in the Gator Bowl. I realized the worst was not over. Rich Rod said that after the 37-7 loss to ohio last year but it was as bad on New Year's Day, 2011. I supported Rich Rod because of the players, who gave it 100% for the Head Coach. It is my understanding that immediately after the Gator Bowl, even some of Rich Rod's players were having second thoughts. One last point, I feel Rich Rod would have went the way of former HC Ron Zook at IL, who went 18-38 in the Big 10 in 7 years. Your assesement of the Luke Fickell situation is spot on. It is great to be a Michigan fan.
58-44-6
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:08 p.m.
Next years offense QB- Shoelace FB- Stephen Hopkins RB Fitzgerald Toussaint WR- Darryl Stonum WR- Roy Roundtree TE- Brendan Moore OT- Taylor Lewan OT- Michael Scofield OG- Patrick Omameh OG- Ricky Barnum C- Rocky Khoury
Matt Patercsak
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
if brionte dunn comes to Michigan, he would certainly have an impact and change things up schematically. fitz will start, but dunn would be an I-formation specialist behind fullback hopkins who will undoubtedly be in beast mode
Mick
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
Oops, my bad, you did mention them, I need to pay better attention next time, sorry
Mick
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
Don't forget the OL like Lewan, Omameh, Barnum, et al
58-44-6
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.
Next years defense DE- Craig Roh DT- Will Campbell DT- Quinton Washington DE- Jibreel Black LB- Jake Ryan MLB- Kenny Demons LB- Desmond Morgan CB- J. T. Floyd CB- Blake Countess SS- Jordan Kovacs FS- Thomas Gordon should be better than this years with a year more of Mattison and Hoke
Matt Patercsak
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 10:04 p.m.
i think ondre pipkins will be a force as well. there will be a lot of freshman that will crack the rotation next season. more perhaps than this season. joe bolden is one to watch
58-44-6
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.
We did it , we beat Ohio , I have to change my name to 58-44-6 Next year 2 wins against Ohio The GOAT
cutty240
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.
I'm tired of hearing about YOUR Defense,its Terrible.You couldn't stop Notre Dame,Michigan St. Iowa,and Ohio State The Worest Offense Team in Ohio States History.But you one 2 out of the 4 Because Rich got Denard Robibison there.Like the Previous poster said,Rich had it set to win,Rich might have run the table,with your Cup Cake Teams you play and 8 home games.You saw what The Coaches thought of your win over Ohio State in the poll,NO MOVEMENT AT ALL.I'm sure you saw the BCS Rankings too.At large Bid. Yea Right.Enjoy it while you can,because you will never win 10 games again. Not as long as Hoke is your Coach.Urban Meyer is at Ohio State.I don't care if you like him or not,but he is Better than Sweather Vest ever thought about being.
mun
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.
"Rich had it set to win,Rich might have run the table,with your Cup Cake Teams you play and 8 home games." Not with the way Rich Rod played (or more precisely DIDN'T PLAY) defense.
mun
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
Urban Meyer dominating the Big 10 is no guarantee. First of all, Ohio will be on probation from tattoo gate and have reduced scholarships as well as a bowl ban. Secondly, Urban will not be able to engage in SEC practice of grey shirting, since the Big 10 doesn't allow it.
Mick
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 9:47 p.m.
If he doesn't cheat then yes he is better than the Vest, but make no mistake about it, Tressel was a good coach despite his cheating, I'll bet you any amount of money he won't have as good a record as Tressel did in his 10 cheating filled years. Besides, Urban had some questionable things going on in Gainsville and that ain't no legend either.
LHCarr
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
At-large bid...count on it. Try proofreading next time please. That was painful to read.
RudeJude
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
You sound a little frustrated, maybe you're feeling a little BLUE after Saturday, after watching Ohio lose on a defensive stand like that. And who expected Michigan to get a bump in the polls from beating what was a 6-5, now .500, Ohio team with a recent loss to Purdue? Urban Meyer gets one shot at Michigan a year, maybe two if both programs are doing well enough to meet in the Big Ten championship game. His reach goes only so far. Enjoy the Little Caesars Bowl, though, and hang in there! 362 days and counting. : )
golfer
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.
gee must be a ous fan. as they say do not look in the past. do not look into the future. if you look now it is michigan 1 osu 0. take that to the cleaners.
BornInA2
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
heartbreakM
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 6:51 p.m.
Huh???
GoBlue1984
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
I've been very critical of the firing of Rich Rodriguez, and honestly, I do believe he would have turned this program around like Hoke has. However, I'm very happy to see Brady Hoke as the head coach and I believe that he will be a force to be reckon with for many years at Michigan. It is undeniable that Michigan's defense had a resurgent year and I give a lot of that credit to the coaching staff brought in. Michigan is back. It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine!
Nic schweigert
Tue, Nov 29, 2011 : 1:15 a.m.
I agree with you MRunner. What makes you think rich rod would do any better the next year. His offense may have been ok, shut down by decent to good defenses though. And his defense got worse and worse thru his tenure. Showed no signs of any type of improvement between the butt stomping handed out by tsio and then the disguistigness that was the bowl game. Offense sells tickets but you need defense and the past three years they couldn't even tackle fundamentally. All I can say is thank you spaghetti monster in the sky for Brady Hoke
MRunner73
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 7:48 p.m.
Former IL Head Coach Ron Zook is a good example of what Rich Rod would have done in the conference after 7 years (if RR was given 4 more years), an 18 and 38 record. Zook had a few great moments but could never sustain them. That's my humble opinion of the subject. At least we both agree, Hoke is the man for Michigan and the future is bright.