Postgame Presser Notes: Western Michigan

If you follow me on Twitter (@varsityblue), you probably got most of the info yesterday, but for those who don't, or who want it in a convenient format, here are the notes from yesterday's postgame press conference.

Tate Forcier

• The drama of the week heading into the game brought the team together as a family more than they already had been.
• Rodriguez told Tate that he didn't need to do too much himself. He's surrounded by athletes on the team, just get them the ball and let them make the plays.
• Tate's never gotten nervous for a game - "and I don't think I ever will."
• Tate has no Denard jealousy - in fact, playing two QBs substantially makes the Michigan team much harder for opponents to defend.
• Tate wasn't impressed by Denard's touchdown run - "I've seen him do it so many times in practice... it's typical for him to do that."
• Tate was surprised by the offense's big plays. He thought the offense would move it down the field - not get it all in one play.

Denard Robinson

• The first game against D-1 athletes didn't faze Denard. He's practiced against the guys on his own team, and knew what to expect
• Denard's athleticism makes it much harder for the opposing teams to prepare. There's even the potential to get both QBs on the field at the same time for some crazy stuff (see: Denard lined up at slot in second drive).
• Denard said college is a lot different from high school. On top of actual gameplay, the crowd was really loud.
• There's velcro on the inside of Denard's shoes to keep them on despite the lack of laces.
• As far as the QB competition, Robinson isn't too worried about who starts. He came here to compete for playing time at quarterback, and he'll continue to compete for playing time at quarterback.

Rich Rodriguez

• The coaches try to put a lot of pressure on the kids in practice, so that they won't get overwhelmed in games. (Hmm, sounds a bit like one Glenn Schembechler).
• There were a couple execution errors offensively, as well as too many penalties. Once those get worked out, hopefully the offensive will be able to move more consistently.
• The biggest key for Michigan's coaches in preparing for the season was to eliminate negative-yardage plays and turnovers. They did that for the most part, and they'll try to work on the penalties (which they aren't happy with, either).
• Rodriguez is still concerned with defensive depth. However, the defense looked pretty good in the first half.
• Rodriguez thanked the fans for supporting the team. In true Michigan coach fashion, he dropped the word "tremendous" about 5 times. As far as fans chanting his name, "They can say my name, but really, they're cheering for Michigan."
• Brandon Minor looked OK in warmups. He hopes Brandon can play next week, and he's confident that Junior Hemingway and Boubacar Cissoko will also be fine for next week. (Notes: From the sounds of it, Minor could have gone if the team really needed him. I think he was held out mostly as a precaution. If Cissoko isn't healthy for next week, God Help Us against Notre Dame).
• Craig Roh has a lot of talent, and should really contribute to the team this year.
• All 3 quarterbacks will continue to play (Note: I would say it's pretty clear who 1a, 1b, and 2 are at this point, though).
• The coaches knew Junior Hemingway could be this good. He showed it last year, but then got hurt and couldn't play most of the year.

Obi Ezeh

• It was tough giving up the shutout in the fourth quarter. It would have sent a big statement in week 1.
• The team's been hungry all off-season to erase the bad taste from last year. The drama of the past week didn't change that, it only amplified it.
• Obi has seen Denard making crazy runs in practice, and it's good to see him do it against actual opposition. "It's not just me" that Denard can make look foolish.
• Notre Dame has a good QB and good offensive threats. Though most of the focus in practice to this point has been on Western, they'll jump straight into Notre Dame prep. The coaches will have a good gameplan against the Irish.

Junior Hemingway

• It feels good to be healthy. It almost feels weird, like he's starting over again. It feels good to be out there with the team.
• It feels good to start the year putting the team's best foot forward.
• The offense is much better this year, because everyone is on the same page, and everyone knows what to do now.
• Hemingway himself says he could have played in the second half if needed. Sitting in the second frame was precautionary, and he'll be fine to go against Notre Dame.