Posted on Wed, Sep 7, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
Brady Hoke tells Michigan football players to ignore distractions this week
By AnnArbor.com Staff
Night games, tributes to former stars and 100,000 fans waving pom pons are nice, but none of that is on the mind of Michigan football coach Brady Hoke as the Wolverines prepare to play Notre Dame (8 p.m., ESPN).
"The big thing is we have got to play with great poise and great composure," Hoke told ESPN this week. "We've got to make sure we're thinking about our job and what we need to do. And we can't get caught up in the things that aren't important."
Comments
dave harris
Wed, Sep 7, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
I think the coach has to have some respect for his players. Most of them have been playing on some level most of their lives and have faced all sorts of situations. If they don't have enough discipline not to be distracted then something is really wrong. Players are students first, and athletes who go to college second. I have coached multiple sports on the college level and won many conference titles. The students were always told to "have fun!" by me. This whole notion that they have a "job" to do seems foolish. I would think playing against the Irish and having a Heisman alum there would be inspiration enough for any player. I wish Coach Hoke luck and a fine season, and remind him that the road to winning is littered with coaches who worried too much about distractions. No names are necessary, we all know who they are. Have fun Saturday....beating the Irish can be great fun, especially for players and the fans.
RJ12688
Thu, Sep 8, 2011 : 7:48 a.m.
Considering most of these players at getting a michigan education for free i dont think think asking them to perform on the football field is asking too much. Not to mention, telling players to have fun is nice and all... but losing isnt too much fun. And i would imagine the players feel the same way. Their education is definitely something to be taken seriously, but it all started with their ability to play ball, and that should be taken into consideration. Winning is fun, and michigan hasnt been doing much of that lately, and its time for that to change. I think it will; and at the same time these kids are going to be taught discipline and accountability along the way.. something the previous regime didnt seem to care much about.