Postgame Presser Notes: BGSU
Quotes from after the game. Will update with photos when they're ready.
Rich Rodriguez
Injuries: "Denard seems to be fine, I know that's the first thing you're gonna ask." He'll get treatment and be fine after some rest and ice. No x-rays needed. He was moving around on it. Michael Shaw is "pretty much the same as Denard. Just a little bit sore." Perry Dorrestein is fine, just got "a hangnail or something on his toe."
Today was a good win, the team got better in all three phases. Defense was a little more aggressive than last week, offense controlled the game with the run. "Last week, we did not play well." Improved this week on defense and special teams especially. It was nice to get lots of guys in there, especially seniors.
Team is deeper on offense than last year. "Defensively, we're younger." Completely different years. "I think there's enough positive things that we can grow from and enough negative things that we can fix." The first goal is the B10 championship, everyone is 0-0 in the conference.
Offense didn't have to do a whole lot in order to move the ball, ddn't have to show a lot. Executed well.
All three QBs did well. Didn't think about putting Denard back in at half. "We were moving the ball whoever the quarterback was in there." Needed to just get a couple stops. "I wish he woulda stepped out before he got hit." Needs to scoot out when the touchdown isn't going to happen. "I thought all 3 quarterbacks were very efficient." Devin not as ready as Denard or Tate because he's a year behind. These guys are getting it. "All three of those guys have not hit their ceiling yet. Not even close." It's a tough deal because only one can play at a time. Denard and Tate both more comfortable seeing the field than last year. Seeing things like coaches see them, why a play did or didn't work. Tate maturity - "I'm impressed with a lot of our guys' maturity. There's a lot of progress."
RBs - "It started up front. I thought our line and our tight ends did a good job blocking." Made a couple mistakes, but it was nice to get lots of RBs experience.
Guys come in boys, leave 4-5 years later as "a man, a Michigan Man."
Could tackle better, hit a couple screens on us. Missed opportunities to make tackles. Played more aggressivley, not on their heels like last week.
A couple special teams penalties were frustrating. Would FG kicker have been Broekhuizen? "Maybe." Depending on length and hash.
Team knows Indiana is very good, they can't mail it in and win.
Roy Roundtree
After last week, the players wanted to just return to playing good Michigan football. Different year than last year. "Everybody's playing for somebody." They play their hardest every Saturday.
Offensive skill guys didn't have any trouble with the rotating QBs, because it happens in practice. When Tate came in, he was shocked everyone was yelling his name. Denard - "I'm pretty sure he'll be back this week coming up - get some treatment on it." Roy is very confident whoever QB is. "Minus the MAs [missed assignments] and the penalties, we just keep rollin'."
Defense showed up today. "Wasn't like the slackin' last week." In practice, it was 11 hats to the ball, they did it today.
RVB
RVB is not really amazed at the offense's performance. They've been going toward that for the past year. Expecting to see them make plays.
"Absolutely" more focused than last week. Might have been reading too many press clippings coming into last week. "Circled the wagons and prepared this week like it was a bowl game."
The team used a little more 4-man rush to get to the QB this week. "Persistent, and keep coming after the Quarterback." Had pressures, finally turning them into sacks. As long as the QB is moving his feet, the throws become inaccurate. "If you sack him, it's prettier but you don't necessarily need it."
Better team chemistry this year. Team united, want to play for each other.
"Michigan is noted as a powerhouse in the Big Ten, and we have not lived up to that the past two years." Hungry to be successful in-conference this year.
Tate Forcier
"A lot of people say I'm not staying here, but I'm still here... I love Michigan, I love everything about it... I love Coach Rod, I love these fans, I love everything about Michigan football."
Felt good to be out there competing again. "Coach Rod just told me to be patient and stay ready." He was ready when his number was called. Coach Rod told him to be ready, he knew he would get in this week. Never know when your number's gonna get called, have to be ready to come in. "Coach Rod's the coach. I'm gonna let them make the decisions, and if they go with him, I'm gonna be right there, ready."
Felt almost ilke a first start again. Thanks the crowd and coaches. How can you not notice that the crowd was supporting him. "Crowd always motivates me. Because you just want to keep hearing that." Michigan has the best crowd in the country, and the team has to to keep them happy.
His injury isn't serious. "I got hit. I got a little dead leg." He'll be fine within a day or so. "I'm healthy, and as long as Denard gets healthy, I'll be happy still." Never 100% as a football player, have to play through a bit of pain.
Hard to wait when you played last year "Denard got the same question last year when I was the guy." Everyone is good enough to play, he'll let the coaches make a decision. No rust. Studied lots of film this week "It was easy out there." Had something to prove when he went out there. "That's what I heard." that he set a completion percentage record. Could have improved a couple things.
Treat every team like a threat. Cites App State. "Treat every game just like you're playing against Ohio State." hould be able to play this well every week. Should be able to have a lot of success this year.
Indiana gave the team a good game last year. Fun to go into away stadiums and have everyone against you.
Vincent Smith
Team executed better today. Did a lot of studying with good focus this week. Made sure they were focused to take advantage of opportunities.
"We just come out and just execute and make plays." Don't worry about what the opponent's doing.
Denard's injury made him think of his own knee injury, even though it didn't end up being as serious.
The offensive line: "They had a awesome game. Just the same, they're very consistent and always do their job up front." Lewan - "He's doing an excellent job. I was telling him that on a couple of runs."
"We have a lot of talent in the backfield, no doubt." Everybody does their part when their number is called. "We all look at it from... if one man falls down, the next man steps up."
Red zone mindset - "We gotta get in."
Craig Roh
Performed better than last week. Pretty good outside of a few plays. This defense is always hardworking, taking positive steps toward learning more. Concentrated and wanted to get everything right today.
Prepared the same as last week, maybe a couple guys watched a little more tape. "I thought our preparation was consistent."
On BGSU's QB: "You know that's in his mind where he's already kinda out of his comfort zone." Backup QB is obviously going to be nervous coming into the Big House.
Impressed with offense? "Yeah. I love our offense. It's very dynamic and explosive."
"I really feel like we have 3 very good quarterbacks coming in that can all run our offense."
Lewan - "I heard he did pretty good. I talked to him after the game, and I'm just excited to see Taylor playing." Been playing against him in practice a few years now, likes to see him develop.
"This team is just so close. Everyone is everyone's friend."
Concentrating coming into Big Ten season. "We... we're ready."
September 25th, 2010 at 5:30 PM ^
Anyone else get a little giddy seeing the three of them in there together at the end of the game? I felt like it's going to be a few good years for Michigan.
September 25th, 2010 at 5:53 PM ^
Indeed... there was good play by six tailbacks and nine receivers today!!!
Really, the only gripe today (other than the given D comments which don't need to be beaten like a dead horse) is the penalties; need to get that cleaned up.
September 25th, 2010 at 8:49 PM ^
DRob is our best and we all want him back and healthy. But I was thrilled with how DG and Tate played. Tate just looked terrific, man he throws a good ball. It's great to know that if something serious happens to DRob (God forbid) it won't mean the premature end of the season.
September 25th, 2010 at 5:31 PM ^
I like how the players have been talking Lewan up the last few weeks and he really showed why today. Seemed like everytime I saw him today he was pushing someone back a few yards. I believe it was Denard's TD run he shoved his guy back 3-4 yards then turned him around and walled him off from the play almost perfectly. I can't wait to see him go up against Claiborne and Heyward this year.
September 25th, 2010 at 5:32 PM ^
Great to see the incredible team unity that exists with this team. It's great to be a Meeeeeechigan Wolverine. Heading into conference play we are right where we need to be. Glad they don't pay attention to the media outlets and all the people still not believing that we will succeed in Big Ten play. Even Brian Griese today said that every game in the Big Ten is going to be a shootout and that "they're bound to lose a few of them." We need to kick that mantra and take the Big Ten by storm.
September 26th, 2010 at 2:47 PM ^
can beat any team on our schedule, but not all of them. There are going to be games where the offense alone isn't enough. (Unless all of our "off" games come against the lesser teams). But, this team is going to be fun to watch knowing that we have a chance to win each Saturday.
September 25th, 2010 at 5:33 PM ^
This is a unified TEAM of which Bo would be proud. The defectors and naysayers have been weeded out. They really seem to be "All in for Michigan." Nothing proves this more than Tate's comments after the game...shows a lot of maturity, humility, and loyalty to the program.
I'm not saying the program is there yet by any means, as the defense has a lot of growing up and improving to do....and holes to fill in recruiting. And Tate may indeed end up tranferring if it is better for his future, but it won't be done in a vindictive or vengeful manner. What is evident is that the players are now living in the moment and are playing for eachother and the idea of team. To some like D-Rob humility and comradery come more naturally, and to some like Tate it is more of a learning process. Either way, it seems that the attitude of this program is now where it needs to be, and those that couldn't get on board have been weeded out.
GO BLUE
September 26th, 2010 at 4:19 AM ^
I couldn't agree more with your assessment. I just hope people realize what we have with coach RR being at U of M. Bottom line...the guy can coach. We've never had an offense this potent, well, at least for the past forty years anyway. The guy (RR) can mentor as well. We all know Tate's pride took a hit when he was relegated to third string and it showed in his behavior (sitting on the bench by himself near the end of the UConn game). Now, listen at Tate...coach RR won him back. I feel much better knowing we have that little gun slinger on the side line, chompin' at the bit, just waitin' to come in and score some points for us. Coach RR has the players believing in the team...or as Bo would say...The Team! The Team! The Team!...Go BLue and let's go kick some Hoosier ass this weekend!
September 26th, 2010 at 4:19 AM ^
I couldn't agree more with your assessment. I just hope people realize what we have with coach RR being at U of M. Bottom line...the guy can coach. We've never had an offense this potent, well, at least for the past forty years anyway. The guy (RR) can mentor as well. We all know Tate's pride took a hit when he was relegated to third string and it showed in his behavior (sitting on the bench by himself near the end of the UConn game). Now, listen at Tate...coach RR won him back. I feel much better knowing we have that little gun slinger on the side line, chompin' at the bit, just waitin' to come in and score some points for us. Coach RR has the players believing in the team...or as Bo would say...The Team! The Team! The Team!...Go BLue and let's go kick some Hoosier ass this weekend!
September 26th, 2010 at 4:19 AM ^
I couldn't agree more with your assessment. I just hope people realize what we have with coach RR being at U of M. Bottom line...the guy can coach. We've never had an offense this potent, well, at least for the past forty years anyway. The guy (RR) can mentor as well. We all know Tate's pride took a hit when he was relegated to third string and it showed in his behavior (sitting on the bench by himself near the end of the UConn game). Now, listen at Tate...coach RR won him back. I feel much better knowing we have that little gun slinger on the side line, chompin' at the bit, just waitin' to come in and score some points for us. Coach RR has the players believing in the team...or as Bo would say...The Team! The Team! The Team!...Go BLue and let's go kick some Hoosier ass this weekend!
September 26th, 2010 at 8:31 AM ^
you agree more?
September 26th, 2010 at 8:36 AM ^
He said he couldn't agree more -- but he didn't say he couldn't agree again!
September 26th, 2010 at 11:55 PM ^
Classic Al Paca humor. +1
September 25th, 2010 at 5:35 PM ^
Besides hearing that everyone will be ok..
This team is just so close. Everyone is everyone's friend.
Makes me real excited for the rest of the season.
September 25th, 2010 at 9:03 PM ^
That was my favorite quote from the postgame interviews as well.
September 25th, 2010 at 5:45 PM ^
Sounds like about as serious of an injury as you can get. Thank God Tate's leg is only a little dead.
September 25th, 2010 at 6:45 PM ^
Miracle max says Tate's leg is only "Mostly Dead".
September 25th, 2010 at 8:41 PM ^
There is a big difference between "mostly dead" and "all dead.". With "all dead" there's only one thing you can do...
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September 26th, 2010 at 12:12 AM ^
you think the jersey's have pockets for loose change?
September 26th, 2010 at 1:55 AM ^
"We'll never survive!"
<br>
<br>"Nonsense. You only say that because no one ever has."
September 25th, 2010 at 5:56 PM ^
Tate looked really good and reminded us why we won a few of those close ones last year, with his ablility to scramble and make nothing out of something. He's definitely the true backup right now and while I can't wait to see Gardner in the future, knowing our offense is much improved from last year and that Tate is playing the way he is, will help me sleep at night if D. Robinson ever does go down with something serious.
September 26th, 2010 at 12:28 AM ^
Remember how well Tate did when Molk was healthy. It took a lot of pressure of him when he did pass and the run game was better. Granted the teams were weaker but he is a lot better when he isn't forcing things. This line and everybody knowing their job better would still make his job a lot easier.
September 26th, 2010 at 2:56 PM ^
He and Devin are both good and each brings a different strength to the position. With Denard and Devin, the defense has to respect the QB running (less so than with Tate) which opens up the rest of the run game and passing.
It is a warm feeling knowing that we can win with all 3 of our QBs. How many teams can say that?
September 25th, 2010 at 6:07 PM ^
This might be the first time a 50 plus yard run hurts your chances at more snaps. A side from Hopkins ( who is already been labled as the BIG back ) all of our other RBs would have scored on that play. I was really hoping to see what he could do against some arm tackles and one on one matchups ( the situations that our backs seem to be having the most trouble with). But instead our line decided to destroy any and everyone in front of them. I will say that Fitz did look alot like M. Hart on that play, unfortunately it was the one and only thing Hart lacked, break away speed. Im still rooting for ya tho Fitz. Here's hoping you were just a little rusty.
September 25th, 2010 at 6:12 PM ^
...knee still might be 100% which could have slowed him a bit.
September 25th, 2010 at 7:45 PM ^
He's a RS Freshman and we've got him for a few more years. Still, kid looked impressive.He's one hell of a special talent. I'm actually glad that Shaw has stepped up,because now Fitz can get to that 100% and start smoking some n00bs on the field in the future.
September 25th, 2010 at 10:06 PM ^
September 25th, 2010 at 7:15 PM ^
- if Fitz had been in the game a little longer before that run - and his legs were warmed up - he probably wouldn't have been caught. He was standing around for several hours waiting for his number to be called. Just glad Tate gave it to him the next snap to get the TD.
September 25th, 2010 at 6:09 PM ^
Denard is amazing! People aren't hating RR now. Michigan is being built from the ground up. I like this new model of the Wolverines. Undefeated seasons are coming soon. A healthy, deep Michigan team will be hard to beat.
I bet Michigan goes to a bowl this season and annihilates whoever they play. RR has to coach up the team for the Big Ten season.
September 26th, 2010 at 8:44 AM ^
goes well with Wings, I'll be very happy with this team being equated with that and having that team speed no one can stop. Would like the D to get to closer to the McCartney's monsters of yore, but this is a good start.
September 25th, 2010 at 6:10 PM ^
It's finally for the games that matter to begin. Now the nerves set in.
Reviewing the past four games, I'd say we'll be all right on offense, but the defense really worries me -- particularly against Sparty, Badgers, Hawkeyes and the Commies in Columbus.
If the offense can put 30 - 35 points on the board from here on out, we could win at least half of these four problem games. In which case, we could conceivably go 9-3 or 10-2.
Oh the humanity!
September 25th, 2010 at 7:40 PM ^
They all matter after 3-9 and 5-7. If the offense puts up 35 each game for the rest of the season, I'd expect at least nine wins.
September 25th, 2010 at 6:42 PM ^
UM just wanted to make other B10 teams think that they can't effectively tackle or cover.
September 25th, 2010 at 7:10 PM ^
Haha. That comment made me laugh. Thanks!
September 25th, 2010 at 6:47 PM ^
but Indiana is "very good"? Who are they playing, John Pont's '67 team?
They have some good players, and Michigan's defense would do well to use that "every game is Ohio State" approach, but really, IU's not going to stop an offense that plays like this.
September 25th, 2010 at 7:43 PM ^
I'm worried we won't be able to stop their offense either.
September 25th, 2010 at 11:26 PM ^
But, we can hang 65 on ya!
September 25th, 2010 at 9:33 PM ^
How short are the memories around here?
During Tate's "Heisman Trophy" start last year we had to come from behind in the last 2+ minutes to get the lead over Indiana; then make a possible game saving interception on their last drive with seconds on the clock.
Write off NO ONE.
September 26th, 2010 at 12:00 AM ^
As you said, write off no one and I completely pray the team has this approach. As I said to my friend today this is probably the last game this year that I will go into the 2nd half with a normal blood pressure.
September 26th, 2010 at 1:23 AM ^
Yes!! Thank you.
It's actually kind of eery, the parallels that exist so far between this year and last year. Hopefully this year turns out different and we finish strong.
September 25th, 2010 at 7:20 PM ^
The weeks were so long when we were struggling to get wins these past couple years. Now weeks are too long in anticipation of what this team will do next. This is so much fun again.
September 25th, 2010 at 7:41 PM ^
I'm already wishing for Friday to get here so I can make my first trip to Bloomington. Sadly, insignificant things get in the way, things like work, school, sleep, girlfriend, parents, eating, breathing, blinking, and other unnecessary distractions!
Only 8660 minutes until kickoff (approximately)!
September 25th, 2010 at 11:52 PM ^
My first and only trip to Bloomington was memorable. Mostly because I took on a pot hole at 65mph and blew a tire and jacked my alignment. Props to Big O Tires, they saved me!
I hope your trip goes better than mine (UM won 35-14).
September 25th, 2010 at 8:02 PM ^
Saw a lot of good things today... but the real test now begins. I'm trying not to get too ahead of myself,especially seeing how the quality of the teams we have beaten thus far is less stellar now than it was at the beginning of the year. Both ND and BG are now 1-3, and UConn is 2-2, so I hope the team will continue to step up. The most important game of the year is always the next game, less go beat those Hoosiers. GO BLUE!
September 25th, 2010 at 11:12 PM ^
September 25th, 2010 at 8:07 PM ^
Great win, and it was nice to read how everyone recognizes that this is a team effort out there. Say what you will about the past few years, but there were definitely players who didn't buy into the system completely, and it showed out there on the field. This might not be the most talented team in UM history, but it definitely looks like everyone gets that it is a TEAM game out there. After the past few years, it is refreshing to watch.
September 25th, 2010 at 8:27 PM ^
Good stuff. Tate said all the right things, and he played an awesome game. Very proud of the team. I about shit when Fitz got that carry and took it 61 yards.
However, I am worried that this "dead leg" thing could be the early warning signs of zombification.
September 26th, 2010 at 4:08 AM ^
We'll know for sure if they start biting thier opponents...
September 25th, 2010 at 8:58 PM ^
as much as anything I've seen this year. His story somehow describes a part of what's happening w/ M football: expectations, success, arrogance, staidness, failure, humility, and redemption. Great show, kid
September 25th, 2010 at 9:54 PM ^
I really like watching this Michigan team. The offense is so explosive.
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