David Molk on track to return against Penn State, other injury notes
"Medically, everything has been cleared for him to go to practice, so I think it is just a matter of how comfortable he feels with that and getting back in action," Rodriguez said. “He really hasn’t done much football wise. He did a little bit last week, but nothing with full pads so tomorrow will be the truer test as opposed to today."
Molk injured his foot in the first half of Michigan’s Sept. 19 win over Eastern Michigan. He stayed in after halftime, but has not played in a Big Ten game this year.
Rodriguez said he’s not worried about cohesion on the offensive line, though the Wolverines (5-2) made several changes to compensate for Molk’s loss.
Right guard David Moosman moved to center and right tackle Mark Huyge started the last four games at guard.
Rodriguez said Moosman will return to guard against Penn State and either Huyge or Perry Dorrestein will start at tackle.
"Moose has been able to gel pretty well in there, but Molk’s been around, he’s been in meetings, he knows any changes we’ve made the last couple weeks," left guard Steve Schilling said. "He’ll be able to pick it up. He’s a smart player and our chemistry wouldn’t go away, I don’t think."
Rodriguez also said it was “invaluable” for running backs Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown and quarterback Tate Forcier to get, essentially, a week off last week against Delaware State.
Minor (ankle) and Brown (concussion) did not play in Michigan’s 63-6 blowout, and Forcier (shoulder, concussion) played just one series. All three were limited in practice.
Forcier is expected to practice without limitations this week for the first time since before the Indiana game.
"I think having him practice every day has to help immensely," Rodriguez said. "And with Carlos and Brandon, sitting out the weekend’s going to help them feel - and I don’t know if Brandon Minor will be 100 percent, but he should at least be better than he's been the last couple weeks."
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
MichFan4BorW
Tue, Oct 20, 2009 : 11:19 a.m.
tater, I agree with your assessment of the MSU game. I've read that Dantonio spends a separate amount of offseason time prepping for Michigan (working on the snap counts of Michigan, etc.). I think coming from WVU, RichRod may not have realized the focus MSU places on Michigan. Additionally, with more recruits from FL, TX and CA (I remember fans though Carr didn't get enough speed recruits from these areas), the team has a lesser sense of the importance our in-state (and least of the three rivals) rival places on that game. I do think it's funny that MSU fans tout not beating them since 2007 when despite installing a new system/philosphy, Michigan still has 7-3 record against MSU in the past decade (if we go too far back, the record favors us more). MSU fans say that so many more games played in AA and that that's why the record is lopsided. What they fail to realize is our record in East Lansing: 19-11-2. I'd say the stadium in EL belongs to Michigan too until MSU can actually turn its home record against us into something ABOVE.500. Anyway I can't wait to play them in AA next year.
tulsatom
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 : 5:05 p.m.
He is coming back at a pivotal time. I hope he can go 100% because he is an excellent center.
MichFan4BorW
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 : 4:28 p.m.
It's good to have Molk back. I wonder if our run game would have slipped as much against Indiana and MSU had he been in there instead of injured. Injuries are part of it though as Glen Winston can attest too. If we can get by PSU with a win, I think Michigan can do some real damage though. Although we are very young, the big ten is very weak right now. Other than Iowa (who has shown vulnerability in some of its wins), the other "contenders" (MSU, OSU, PSU) currently in the big ten have ZERO notable wins. MSU can say Michigan, but even I know we are NOT great yet. We are a good team at best, that has explosive potential on offense. Our defense was bad and is improving in hopes of being serviceable by the end of the season. The front line on defensive is solid, but lacks depth. Our secondary has 1-2 wink links and also lacks depth. Our linebackers let Cousins run on us. Nevertheless, the defense performs well with less space; its red-zone defense rarely breaks (except in the MSU overtime when it knew it had to get a turnover or lose). It CREATED 3 turnovers against MSU and knocked the ball loose other times w/o causing a turnover. I never thought Michigan would remain undefeated, but I see marked improvements from last year SO FAR (I pray we get better over the next five games) and am proud of the team and Coach Rod for their commitment and effort. The only adjustment I'd make if I were Rich is this: realize that MSU bases its season on the Michigan game. Without that realization, we have to listen to MSU considering itself a big ten contender (wins: Michigan, Norwestern, Illinois, Montana St.). Either the big ten is really weak or the big ten media can't analyze beyond conference record numbers.
81wolverine
Mon, Oct 19, 2009 : 3:55 p.m.
Molk coming back for PSU is great news for Michigan. I'm pleasantly surprised he's recovered this quickly. With Tate, Carlos Brown, and Brandon Minor being ready to go, I'm feeling good about this game. This is a BIG game for Michigan and a win could do great things for the program and our bowl prospects. Go Blue!