Having Your Player's Backs

Hoke is a class act.

force ever since he's arrived to take 'the job'. He has been nothing short of amazing, just what the program needed when it decided to move in another direction after Coach Rod. I was one of the 'eye rollers' when his hiring was first announced, but it seemed every day since the announcement he did something to benefit the program and make things better.

There is a magical feel to what is happening now, some 'Hoke'-us pocus so to speak, things keep getting better and better and I look forward to the next thing he pulls out of his cap. Obviously that's just a phrase as he doesn't wear a cap nor does he have sleeves, for that matter.

so was this the best game ever? Is this Michigan football yet? etc.  These questions really deserve the old "now why would you ask a stupid question like that?" response. Especially when the game just played could clearly have been improved upon. I like how Hoke handled it, but the press can ask some pretty annoying questions.

You know, I've been defending Denard on this board and with friends for well over a year now.  Anytime he makes a mistake, we need to get rid of him, etc.  The people that lack any faith in him have just driven me crazy.  He will break virtually every offensive record at Michigan before he graduates.  

It's time for everyone to accept that Denard is one of the best qbs not only in the Big Ten, but in the nation.  So proud to have him at Michigan

It's "having your players' backs."  Or, if you prefer, it could be "having your player's back."  I upvoted you anyway, though.

Hoke's style of coaching works well with these players.  He understands that the product on the field is a result of good coaching and game preparation.  I think that's why he can be so calm on the sideline when things don't go as planned.

This coaching staff brings a lot of experience to the game and it shows.

It was a great year for the team!

Go Blue! 

At the bar on Saturday I had the unfortunate pleasure of sitting next to some of the worst M fans I've ever seen. The constant talking down our players, coaches, and bar stool quarterbacking was ugly. Even the elderly Ole Miss fans were laughing at these clowns.

When OHIO is on the line you support the team, denard, Hoke (or whoever the coach is), and you cheer even louder when mistakes are made.

Compare Hoke to Brian Kelly, who is constantly reaming his players out on the sideline.  Doesn't Hoke seem to inspire better play from his players?  Kelly's style just seems to make his players nervous. 

There are a number of high school coaches that post here - what do you guys think?  Football's an intense game and I understand some yelling (I'm sure Mattison and Borges play the bad cop to Hoke's good cop sometimes), but it seems to me that the positive reinforcement that Hoke practices works much better than Kelly's "if you f--- this up I am going to chew your ass out" style.  (sidenote:  did anyone catch the ND broadcast last night, when Herby said that Brian Kelly made him nervous?  I found that funny).