Potential press conference questions

Submitted by AC1997 on

One of the best advancements of our beloved MGoBlog has been the regular interaction with the coach and coordinators in press conferences.  As we've seen the past couple of years, Heiko has been able to get some incredible answers to pressing questions from this blog.  Of course, we've also seen how creative the wording of these questions may have to be to get a legit answer (cough-bubble screen-cough).

I thought I would start a thread where people could post potential questions for Heiko to ask....even if he completely ignores everything we type.  Funny ones are always welcome, though the intent (both in content and word choice) is to get an answer to an interesting question about the team.  

Here are a few obvious ones to get it started:

  • Hoke or Mattison - "Do you expect MSU to introduce a hurry-up component to their offense based on the success PSU and IU had against the defense and their tendency to game plan for their biggest rival?"  
  • Borges or Hoke - "Given the success your opponents have had with the hurry-up offense have you considered implementing something similar?"
  • Borges - "With Dileo injured, what does Norfleet have to show in practice in order to get reps at slot receiver?"

2Blue4You

October 22nd, 2013 at 11:45 AM ^

Maybe it is our duty as advanced MGoBloggers to ask questions that make Borges think "oh yeah, I need to address that." We watch every Saturday with a keen objective eye that we cannot expect Borges to watch with b/c he is the coordinator and around the team all the time.  It is really our way of influencing the game. 

reshp1

October 21st, 2013 at 2:50 PM ^

I'd like to know about getting to the LOS slowly on plays. Not just what's going on with the delay of game penalties, but if the coaches have looked at getting to the line with more time left so we can audible.

Defensively, similarly, I'd like to know if there's a procedure to check out of calls, specifically blitzs.

I think both of those are clearly hurting the team and helping the other team.

maineandblue

October 21st, 2013 at 5:15 PM ^

Taking it a step back, I'd like to know if he even believes in the concept of an audible. I mean, I'm sure he believes in their existence, but does he believe that they can be of benefit if it's clear the D knows what we're about to do.

It may come down to the concept that in manball, offense does not adjust to defense, offense always dictates. I think that's outdated and dumb, but I've heard him (and others at Michigan past) espouse some version of that theory.  

Mgoscottie

October 21st, 2013 at 2:54 PM ^

timeouts and do you plan ahead of time when you will take or not take one?

Along the same lines, at what point do you squib kick before the half in a close game and have you actually seen if that is beneficial for some reason?  It seems like we've done it three times and all three have resulted in field goals that probably would not have happened with a regular kickoff. 

LSAClassOf2000

October 21st, 2013 at 3:09 PM ^

I was under the impression that the Spartan hurry up offense meant you could still have tea just no scones, but I could be wrong. 

As for a question generally, at least on defense, I would be interested to know how they plan to adjust to the Indianas of the world going forward. No real complaints per se, just curiosity on what the plan for uptempo offenses are in the future. 

mGrowOld

October 21st, 2013 at 2:58 PM ^

Borges: "It would seem that you are more comfortable calling an aggressive gameplan at home than on the road.  Do you feel this is true and if so why? "

And.....

"Statistically the offense is much stronger from the Shotgun or Pistol than when Devin is under center.  Can you explain why you think this is the case?"

ScruffyTheJanitor

October 21st, 2013 at 3:15 PM ^

that will probably be asked in one form or another:

"Do you enjoy good things happening?"

" Did it make you feel bad when player X got injured, or are you a real bastard?"

"Player X had a bad game. Have you thought about flaying him?"

"Will you please give me a quote about player x? Something pithy and almost insightful?"

" Even though you are concentrated on coaching and improving your team, did you notice the criticism/ crowd noise/ player picking his nose/ some other non-sense?"

"Some players are injured. Please tell me exactly the Day/Game/Hour they will be healthy enough to return."

"Michigan state is next. Even though I know you'll say nothing beyond coach speak, please give me a detailed scouting report of all MSU players availible, starting with the Punter."

"Michigan State is next. Is it nightmares of spartans waking you up, or simply the uncomfortably moist feeling of your freshly pissed-on sheets as you contemplate your inevitable doom?"

"Bubble screen?"

trueblueintexas

October 21st, 2013 at 3:26 PM ^

I would love to hear Mattison answer a question asking about the balance between sending more pressure with the chance of getting beat over the top vs. sending less pressure and still getting beat over the top. So far our limited use of blitzing has not kept the over 20 yard plays from happening.

Then I would ask all three coaches a bunch of one word questions like: Gardner? Gallon? Ryan? Defense? Toughness? 6-1? Ohio? MSU? Fitz? Gameplan? Timeouts? Headset?  You know, the in-depth hard hitting questions we all want answers for.

An Angelo's Addict

October 21st, 2013 at 3:29 PM ^

piggybacking off of mgrowold's question and phrase it however best you think, but addressing why this team seems to struggle so much on the road? Is it due to a more conservative play calling? Why not implement the type of plays from saturday to when they are on the road!

Nantucket Blue

October 21st, 2013 at 4:20 PM ^

Al - When preparing for a good defense like MSU's, do you have to look harder on film for areas to exploit, or do you focus more on what your own team does best? 

Greg - Hypothetically, if Al employed the tempo/spread used by Indiana, do you think it offsets the extra burden it creates on your own defense?

Brady - Michigan fans and alumni are loyal and rabid, but don't always understand football lingo and concepts.  How can coaches balance engaging these fans with the other demands on their time?

TRAILofVICTORY

October 22nd, 2013 at 5:29 PM ^

Should we be more concerned on the offensive or defensive side of the ball?

O - we just set all kinds of school records this past week but now play one of the best (if not the best) defense in the country

D - we just gave up 47 points and all kinds of yards to Indiana last week but have been mostly steady all year and play a MSU offense that has looked pretty bad at times