Rebuilding? Michigan football coach Brady Hoke isn't buying it
Brady Hoke disagrees that Michigan is in rebuilding mode: "We're Michigan. We have kids who know they're Michigan. So, I don't put any stock into that."
Paul Beaty | AP Photo
CHICAGO -- The beleaguered Michigan football program has hired a well-respected coaching staff. It has several starters back at key positions. Its 2012 recruiting class is ranked in the top two according to three major analysts.
Clearly, the Wolverines’ resurgence back into national prominence is under way.
Right?
Not at all, according to first-year Michigan coach Brady Hoke.
"I don’t think we’re rebuilding. Period,” Hoke said before a record attendance of reporters at the Big Ten media days in Chicago. “We’re Michigan. We have kids who know they’re Michigan. So, I don’t put any stock into (the notion we’re rebuilding)."
Well, OK then.
Michigan’s defensive woes are well documented, after the unit posted school futility records three consecutive seasons.
The Wolverines were 7-6 last season, which sounds bad -- unless it’s compared to the 8-16 mark of the previous two years.
Michigan was 6-18 in Big Ten play during that three-year stretch.
BIG TEN MEDIA DAYS
-
Rebuilding? Brady Hoke isn’t buying it
-
Hoke ready to start fall camp and find a featured running back
-
Notebook: Kellen Jones' departure; J.T. Floyd, Troy Woolfolk ready to practice
-
Darryl Stonum's future with Michigan football team is undecided
-
Michigan works to have radio deal in place before football season
-
Denard Robinson on Big Ten players to watch list
But for Hoke, the Wolverines never left the nation’s elite despite sputtering under former coach Rich Rodriguez.
“This might sound arrogant, and if it is, it is,” Hoke said. “We’re Michigan, OK? We have a global education. We’re the winningest program in the history of college football. We have a tremendous staff of guys.”
That’s how he’s selling the Michigan program to recruits.
It helps explain why he’s been so prolific on the recruiting trail despite the fact he’s in his first BCS head coaching job, has yet to begin his first season in Ann Arbor and has a career sub-.500 record.
The Wolverines already have 20 commitments, the most in the Big Ten, and another greyshirt pledge from cornerback Jeremy Clark. The latest commitment, Sione Houma, is the third-ranked fullback in the country according to ESPN.
Hoke said he plans to add five or six more recruits to the class.
“We’re a long ways from having a class,” he said. “We have to do a great job of embracing those guys and do a good job of, ya know, five or six left that we need to be a little picky on.”
It’s not just about the rankings, either.
Hoke said he is recruiting guys who fit the mold not only of his pro-style offense and 4-3 defense, but also the physical style of Big Ten play.
“The lifeblood for all of us, no doubt, is the guys you bring in your program,” he said. “ We've really tried to focus on the guys that fit the mold of Michigan with the integrity and character that we want to have.
“Those guys out on the road, they work it and they do a tremendous job. But first and foremost, it's Michigan.”
Hoke said he’s put special emphasis on building a solid foundation in the trenches.
He already has commitments from the Nos. 4, 8, 12, 34 and 59 offensive line recruits in the country, according to Rivals.
“We want to be physical at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” he said. “When you look at Michigan throughout the years, that’s how we’ve played the game."
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Jay Smith
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.
Hoke message sounded arrogant but it was the right message. Saying that we're rebuilding is allowing the current roster to give less than 100%. It is also telling the current roster that they're not good enough to play. Although the debacle on defense the past 3 years is telling, I would argue that this game is about scheme first then players and a 3-3-5 is a prevent defense. Not a scheme that you should ever run except with one second left on the clock and the opponent has the ball at their own 40. So to me, Brady was speaking directly to his current roster, new recruits and Michigan's widespread fan base and alumni. I don't see how he dis-respected any other team in the Big Ten. Maybe Fickell should have taken notes and restored some lost dignity as well by claiming that they are THE Ohio State.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 2:16 a.m.
@Gobucks: Bottom Line: It has been more than ten years since O-Lie-O State won a football game without cheating. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
Both schools made the same mistake, GoBucks. My alma mater discovered its mistake sooner than yours did. Good Night and Good Luck
Lorain Steelmen
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.
Go Bucks ...I'm curious what part of Ohio you are from? FWIW, Tressel brought 'intensity' back to the buckeye program, and a single minded-ness about 'the Michigan Game'. We can't take that away from him. And while I never cared for Tress, personally, I have a feeling that Luke Fickell, (if he's allowed to stay), WILL, run a tough, clean program. As a fellow bigten rival, I'd tell you to stay true to your university. Its' bigger than Tressel. I'm lookin' forward to "THE GAME' again this year, so from a Michigan rival, 'Hang in there'...Good luck, to you.
GoBucks
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.
I can't disagree with you. Tressel has brought shame on my university.
Mick52
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 7:12 p.m.
I never considered Michigan rebuilding either. All along I have posted I expect at least 9-3 this year be the coach BH or RR. Last years team was stocked with first and second year players that did get a whole lotta game experience and this year that defense has to improve with many less missed tackles and the offense has to stop with the turnovers.
Blu-dogg97
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 4:47 p.m.
@gobucks you see you don't even understand Michigan football in the first place! When Brady says "we are Michigan" or "This is Michigan" It has Nothing to do with that school in ohio, or msu !! Brady has been in the trenches ! this is not his first rodeo!! The delusion is in c-bus right now and its rampant ! Perhaps your selective memory doesn't recall that game last year at Camp Randall !! Your bucks were soundly beaten by Wiscky , and you claim they will be better this year ! now thats delusional at its best..Come November there will be 110,000 plus witness's in AA that will refute your claim.. HAIL YES THIS IS MICHIGAN !!
Blu-dogg97
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 7:54 p.m.
how childish you sound !
GoBucks
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
By the time our game rolls around in Nov., Hoke will be so rattled by his defeats at the hands of MS, Iowa, and Nebraska, that I might even feel sorry for them. But, I do admit to enjoying that lil guy run around the UM backfield. Perhaps during the half time of your ND game, he might even change outfits with that ND midget and hop around a bit to entertain the Go Blue fans. I expect your Hoke's ego will be so deflated by the time of our game he will look like a limp wet UM blanket on the side line. GO BUCKS!!!
GoBucks
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 9:06 a.m.
Tressel had to have known that he was holding a tiger by the tail when he let certain players and some of their family members to run amok in the football department - but, he didn't care as long as the team won games. The situation was getting so out of control that certain players were even bragging their street boyz that they can take whatever they want from the Athletic Dept and Tressel won't say a word. The tiger began to rule Tressel and that is why he had to go before he could do more damage to OSU. The quality of the OSU football program will surprise UM this season. Hoke will find that arrogantly pronouncing that "..we are Michigan...", will not be enough for him to beat Michigan State, Iowa, Nebraska or OSU. Hoke seems to be a bit delusional.
Blu n Tpa
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 12:21 p.m.
Yea, but Michigan will be eligible to play in a bowl game and after the NCAA is done with you, tsopio will be sitting in CBus going "we gave up Tress, and the whole 2010 season, why did you slam us so hard? Because you cheated, lied, and stole your way to "success" for the last several years. But you are right about the "tiger". That program has become a real ZOO.
GoBucks
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 1:21 a.m.
As I listened to Brady Hoke speak, I realized that I was watching a man whistling in the dead of night as he walked past the graveyard. He hasn't even played his first game as Michigan coach and he arrogantly disrespects the rest of the Big Ten teams because "...we'er Michigan...". Hoke, sure you are Michigan, and you are scared. But being scared is no justification for disrespecting the rest of the Big Ten. We will see if Hokes has got the big cojones to jump back up when he gets his first shot in the chops by M's "Lil Sister". I have never heard such arrogance from a Big Ten coach before.
Blu n Tpa
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 12:14 p.m.
He was very respectful to tsopio. He didn't call your ex coach a "hero" which he's not, but overall he was polite. Now if you wish to be disrespectful to the Big Ten, you use players not eligible, and you lie about that, then you hide the truth so you are force to repay the money you took playing in a bowl game you shouldnt have gone to in the first place. But you right on living the LIE. After all you're the O LI O BuckLIES.
garrisondyer
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 3:48 a.m.
.....you don't consider lying to allow your team to cheat anywhere near what you think of as arrogance?
Tru2Blu76
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
Looking over all the specific challenges Brady Hoke has faced and dealt with *just since January!* I am very, very impressed with this man's abilities and perspicacity. (sorry: even talking football, sometimes the $2 word has its place). Yet I'm reminded of the lesson of the Ancient Greeks who created a pantheon of heroes. All of those heroes had great capabilities but they also had enemies with apparently equal powers. Worse, the Greeks thought that the gods on Olympus took sides in human conflicts and they even had a group they called The Fates. Today, we merely say that, no matter what, "stuff happens" sometimes which can defeat even the best men and the best plans. To ward off such unforeseeable disasters, the Greeks had a traditional burnt offering sacrifice (aka, bar-b-que) and poured libations to the gods. I don't know if that did any good, but the Greeks did go on to create the greatest civilization of its time. Maybe it's time to start having community ox roasts the Friday before each game. :-)
OldBittyBates
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.
Perhaps this team isn't rebuilding, but they could sure use a few really exciting new players. We never read about 2012 recruit Keith Marshall showing interest in the Wolverines - but we desperately need him in the backfield. Nor do we read about Nelson Agholor - yet our team would be terrific if we had him. Michigan should start reaching for the biggest stars possible, including Dorial Green-Beckham.
Blu n Tpa
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.
How do you know they are not "reaching for the biggest stars possible"? Recruiting is like dating. Both sides have to have an interest. As far as I know none of these guys have said "I want to go to Michigan but Coach Hoke won't talk to me." Plus there may be other factors involved, to numerous to list here, that preclude any of them attending UM.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
Miss Lorraine wrote: "Michigan men don't dump on . . . their predecessors!" Gee, I guess that means that all of the people who dumped on Lloyd Carr and who continue to dump on him aren't Michigan men. Any idea who I'm talking about, Miss Lorraine? Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Aug 1, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
Miss Lorraine wrote: "go ahead and find ONE, just ONE, comment, that I made WHILE Carr was the head coach" Given that this website did not exist until after Coach Carr had retired, that will be impossible to do. But you, of course, can provide links to the many supportive comments you claim to have made on other websites while he was head coach. But, until that happens (VERY unlikely), we'll assume that your fictional diatribes against Carr on this site are fairly representative of how you conducted yourself while he was head coach. Good Night and Good Luck, sweetheart.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 8:56 p.m.
". . . And just like I plan to with Hoke." Yeah. Right. We'll see how long you hold to this one. Good Night and Good Luck
Lorain Steelmen
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 7:55 p.m.
Ghost..sure...go ahead and find ONE, just ONE, comment, that I made WHILE Carr was the head coach....the facts are, that I supported Carr while he was the HC, just like I did with Elliott, Bo, Mo, and Rodriguez. And just like I plan to with Hoke. Your attacks on the 'sitting UM coach' were repulsive, and disgusting. It's nice to know that 'Bo's boys' , Moeller, Hanlon, Brandsttter, Leach, et al, agreed with me rather than you. But then we are all Michigan men. Not Michigan 'wanna be's'!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 1:53 a.m.
Lorraine, Do I really need to go back and find dozens and dozens of links to statements you made slamming Coach Carr, ranging from the infantile repetition of the "L" key up to just simply making it up about his record. Do I really need to do that? Nope. Not gonna go there. Don't need to do so. You've just done it. You dumped on the predecessor to the WCiMFH. Guess that means, by YOUR definition, that you are not a Michigan person. But, then, we've known that all along. Glad you could confirm it for us, little lady. Good Night and Good Luck
Lorain Steelmen
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 7:54 p.m.
Basic Bob....the old Buckeye Conference was one, TOUGH, football league! (and, by the way, basketball as well. I assume you are a MH fan, and I remember plenty of tough Marion Harding squads!...in both sports! Elyria....Pioneers Lorain...Steelmen Lorain Admiral King.....Admirals Mansfield...Tigers Marion Harding....Presidents Fremont Ross...Little Giants Findlay.....Trojans Sandusky...Blue Streaks Brings back lotsa great memories! Blue collar, passion, and toughness. (Rivalries that lasted for generations.) Traits that described ALL these teams. Traits, ERMG would never have a clue about. He's a talker, not a walker. He's a looker, not a doer. It's alwasy so easy to denigrate others, players and coaches, that are actually working to buildup a program. He claims to be a M fan, yet he obviously has no connection to UM, or, to football.
Lorain Steelmen
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.
Ghost is wrong again. Mis-stating my position to twist reality into fantasy. I fuly supported L-L-L-L-L-Lloyd Carr during his ENTIRE career, because he was the HC. Even while LC was 1-6 against Tressell, and something like 2-5 in his last 7 bowl games. Even though LC's teams consistently underachieved, and showed a general lack of passion. Still I defended him, both in Ohio, and in AA , against a growing chorus of detractors, and ridiculers. It was not until AFTER, LC left, and talked Mallett into leaving, refused to meet with new recruits, on numerous occasions, and spent his time with opposing fans, (eg at Iowa City), leaving Gary Moeller and Jerry Hanlon, (two 'true M-Men'), to support the Michigan team. I found it disgusting, that Carr took UM's money for two years, as a so-called Asst AD, even while he was undermining the Michigan team.
missionbrazil
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
"Gee, I guess that means that all of the people who dumped on Lloyd Carr and who continue to dump on him aren't Michigan men." Absolutely 100% correct Ghost. It is shameful how some have dumped on LC, especially Miss Lorraine. They just cannot admit that they were wrong about the last HC. Rather than owning up to it, they have to try to deflect blame to others ... no wonder they liked the old HC so much.
Blu n Tpa
Sat, Jul 30, 2011 : 12:04 p.m.
BB I think you mean "Lorain" and "Marion" aren't ONLY women's names. Although both are place names, both have been used as first names for children born with two X chromesomes. I understand "Marion" was commonly used to name boys, that was a while ago but you may be older than some of us.
Basic Bob
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
The first football game I ever saw was Marion Harding Presidents @ Lorain Steelmen in the old Buckeye Conference. Neither Lorain or Marion are women's names.
Lorain Steelmen
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 8:58 p.m.
I caught Hoke's comments on the big ten network last night....and I absolutely loved it! We haven't had a coach here, that had Hoke's directness, since the 'old man'...(Bo, to those of you kids that are too young to rememeber that)...although Mo was a close second...but no one came close to the 'old man'! .... ....This IS Michigan...and if folks don't like, don't let the door hit you on back-end, on the way out..... The other thing I liked, was that Hoke refused to buy into all this, dump on Rich crap, that has been floated around here lately. We are NOT rebuilding.....RR was part of the foundation, and Hoke won't play that game. He intends to build on that foundation, with some great michigan kids, that RR left him! No excuses! Man, the 'old man' would be proud! Michigan men don't dump on, or undermine, their predecessors!
cutty240
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:56 p.m.
I don't like Coaches that talk Trash before the first Game.Coach Hoke,your not in Kanas anymore,and this isn't the Wizard Of Oz either.Facts are Facts.Michigan HAS NOT lived to its on HYPE in last 10 years.Its funny your alot like Detroit in the Auto Business,there not what they once were,just like you.Both of you will never be the same again.
Bogie
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
NOSTRADAMAS SAYS HE FORESEES THE SECOND COMING OF................CHARLEY WEISS! Really? The program has to battle teams like indiana? and loses to teams like Toledo? and he says hes not rebuilding? WOW. I think he's saying, what he has to say. I mean, you don't want to be on a team, that the coach says he's rebuilding. Good for him, he's definitely better than that whiner mich had before. One more thing little Charlie, who has the best record, since the invention of hard plastic helmets? You guys need to quit living in the horse and carriage days....LOL
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
Bogie, MooState vs CMU. Your team is owned by a MAC school, repeatedly. Glass houses!
WWBoDo
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
My guess is the practice helmets all year long will have adhesive tape on them with "37-7" written on the tape much like a former coach did the same with "50-6" written on the tape! With, in the end, the same result!! Go Blue, Go Brady!!
timeatwork
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
Maybe you have so many recruits so quickly because the coach can tell the hs kids that they'll see significant playing time early. Your entire defense is undersized and you offense has the personnel for an entirely different scheme. Hoke needs to get the right kids in there....if that isn't rebuilding I'm not sure what is.
Hailmary
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
Okay, we're not rebuilding, so now what? As much as I hate to admit it, I was a bit disappointed to find out that after all we've been through the last 3 yrs. including getting our butts handed to us on a regular basis, "we are not rebuilding". Brady looked tired. It is my humble opinion that, we are Michigan and yes, we are rebuilding. A storm came through 3 years ago and knocked down our house and now we have to rebuild it and hey, that's okay cause it's going to be a bigger, stronger and more beautiful house.
DonAZ
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 10:03 a.m.
Hoke: ""The lifeblood for all of us, no doubt, is the guys you bring in your program," he said. " We've really tried to focus on the guys that fit the mold of Michigan with the integrity and character that we want to have." These guys are going to walk through walls and chew nails for Hoke.
towny
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:41 a.m.
Feel better already. I said it before and will say again Hoke reminds me of Bo. I believe coach's attitude will reflect in play on field. I look for that defense to have tremendous positive improvement this year. Tired of hearing about past. I do not think any player on that field this year and in future will not give 100% or will face consequences of coach Hoke. "Michigan is the winningest program in the history of college football". Way to say it and mean it. Go Blue !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mick
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:16 a.m.
BlueDog, that's exactly right my man. Sounds like Catfish is a "Hunter" of those good ole' cheatin' TSIO days, they're over!!! Hoke scares the living daylights out of our competition, especially our rivals, it's so glaring it's funny. Like I've stated on here before, wait till you guys see Hoke on the sidelines, all I'm gonna say is that everyone will be impressed, trust me! You'll see what I mean when the season starts, a great one at that! Go Blue!!!
Blu-dogg97
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.
agreed Mick.. Think your right on about Hoke scaring the living daylights out of our competition,and I think he scared some of the media yesterday at the B1G meetings,near the end of the questions,there was a dead silence ,like they were scared to ask any more garden variety type questions.. like the cat that ask Brady is Michigan was rebuilding !! Beautiful..
Blu-dogg97
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 5:01 a.m.
@ Catfish.. Time will tell my man.. Your Luke Fickell has a daunting task ahead of him also..and he looked like a scare cat with his back against the wall at the B1G meeting this evening in Chicago.. Brady is no Hoax,that is for sure,he's the real deal.. Your relying on a freshmen coach,a freshmen QB, your top receiver from 2010 has to serve a 5 game suspension with other players(5) and your August 12th date with the NCAA infractions committee should be a barrel of fun.... The real hoax is TP, JT , your AD & PRES... GO BLUE..
Mick
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:21 a.m.
Fickell looked like a deer in the headlights indeed.
catfishrisin
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 4:05 a.m.
Can't wait until "O-Lie-O" beats UM again. Now what excuses will emerge? Sorry UM fans, Brady Hoax is no savior.
Terry Star21
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 4:21 p.m.
It has been 626 days since the buckeyes beat Michigan and nearly 3,000 days since the buckeyes played an honest football game. There will be no excuses from the Wolverines when they smash the buckeyes in November and they limp out of town....
scott
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.
Has tsio even beaten Michigan in the last 10 years? Shut up until you can win a game....
DonAZ
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 9:55 a.m.
My prediction: absolutely no "excuses" from Hoke. He'd own up to the reasons why Michigan lost and he'd turn his focus on the next game. You see, that's called "i-n-t-e-g-r-i-t-y" ... something people refer to as a "virtue."
BornInA2
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:55 a.m.
In my opinion, Hoke is doing thing right, and in stark contrast to our former coach, Mr. Blame-O-Matic. He has to put up some solid wins this season, and I don't expect miracles as long as we see integrity, accountability, improvement through the course of the season and a defense that doesn't look like it's playing three men short all the time. Go Blue! I've got the Hoke Stoke!
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:17 a.m.
I like this guy more and more every week, and he hasn't even coached a game here yet.
burton163
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:04 a.m.
It's like hearing angels sing. This guy is saying everything right, and he's not just pandering. He means it. We're with you coach. Return our beloved Wolverines to their rightful spot at the top of college football.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 3:02 a.m.
Those who stay...
Basic Bob
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:56 a.m.
Coach is right, the kids aren't rebuilding. And a strong recruiting class will pay off, but not for at least 3 years. But the coaching staff certainly is rebuilding. It will cost them a few games this year, I figure they "should" win 8, but end up 5-3 at home, 1-3 away, just enough for a bowl game. Luke Fickell will have an easier time, inheriting a complete staff and playing for pride.
heartbreakM
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:14 a.m.
Hoke has just been right-on since he was (maybe unexpectedly) named head coach. This statement basically sums up the difference between him and former coach ("I really felt like we were turning the corner" (paraphrase) ). It's what we all expect from a head coach in our program, and it's the first step to being successful here. Go Hoke. Go Blue. Good to be back (at least on paper).
Terry Star21
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
Hoke said. "We're Michigan, OK"........"We want to be physical at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball," he said. "When you look at Michigan throughout the years, that's how we've played the game". Straight forward, no excuses, in your face attitude - from the Mighty Hoke. I also agree that players buy into their coaches attitude.....unfortunately that worked against us last year! MgoBlueForTiM........and also 'We're Michigan, Ok" - no questions.......
heartbreakM
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 2:15 a.m.
Can you even imagine Hoke having that "deer in the headlights" look that we became way too accustomed to see recently? Can you even imagine his coaches fighting on the sideline? Nope.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:48 a.m.
Gotta love it. No excuses. Unlike the guy responsible for the recent unpleasantness. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
And Scott, One last fact-based observation: Yes, Hoke has 20 players back on a team that: 1) Lost 6 of its last 7 games 2) Had the 110th ranked defense in the nation 3) Finished 7th in the Big Ten 4) None of the games it lost was close (less than 7 points), and 4 of the games it lost were blowouts (more than 17). This was the team that Hoke took over. Were it RichRod or his slappies, they'd be blaming the previous coach for the lack of talent, for the country club atmosphere, for lack of player drive--for having players who were so bad that Vince Lombardi couldn't coach 'em. Regarding the last, that is what the WCiMFH said about the players Hoke inherited. What does Hoke say? No excuses. We are Michigan. We're not rebuilding. Indeed. We ARE Michigan. Let me suggest the slappies need to build a shrine to CBS sports and follow the object of their man crushes there. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.
Michigan had 8 returning starters on defense and 6 on offense in 2008. 22 players on the team. Given that, logically, there are more seniors on a team's starting roster than any of the underclasses, having 14 returning starters back is fairly typical--something coaches in college football deal with routinely. Other than that, Scott, you've made a brilliant post that shows your depth of knowledge, both of college football and of the Michigan team. Good Night and Good Luck
scott
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:46 p.m.
It's a lot easier to have no "excuses" when you're walking into 18 returning starters instead of 1 on offense (and the 1 was a redshirt sophomore) and a good D-line with nothing else on defense. Is Michigan really turning into ND with you at the helm? Every time Hoke does something it has to turn into a snark about RRod?
Terry Star21
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:43 a.m.
Michigan players do follow their coaches attitude.....it showed in the past three years, and thank goodness it will show this year !
richagain
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
oh my cupboard was bare.
Terry Star21
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:40 a.m.
Heeeeee's back..........
NoSUVforMe
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 1:15 a.m.
Huh? Not what he said.
Keith
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.
General Speaking, The Team usualy reflets the attitiude of the coach. Watch out Big 10. TiM
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Aug 2, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.
Aren't you still posting on the wrong team site? Lost? Need attention? Get a dog!
Bogie
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.
Overweight? Hungry? oh I'm sorry. I didn't see the attitude.