Live updates from Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez's Monday press conference
Welcome to rivalry week.
This year's edition of the annual Michigan-Michigan State showdown has plenty of interesting story lines. Both the 18th-ranked Wolverines and 17th-ranked Spartans enter Saturday's game at Michigan Stadium (3:36 p.m., ABC) undefeated after the Wolverines slipped by Indiana and Michigan State upset Wisconsin.
Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez sat down with the media Monday morning to talk about this weekend's game.
Rodriguez said as good as Michigan State's Greg Jones is, he's not certain it's capable to have one player stay on quarterback Denard Robinson.
"You have to stay within your scheme. Every offense has so many formations and plays, and so I don't know if you can have one player shadow anyone," Rodriguez said. "(Jones) a really good player - we have to make sure we get a hat on him - because he can make a lot of plays."
Rivalry talk Rodriguez said the fact he hasn't beaten Michigan State in his first two years won't enter his mind Saturday. While he said the Wolverines have to learn from what has cost them against the Spartans in the past, he won't allow it to be a factor on Saturday.
Even though some fans count what's been more than 1,000 days since Michigan has beaten Michigan State, he doesn't look at such things. He said his focus remains on that week's opponent. Last week, it was Indiana, but this week, it will be on Michigan State - every day, all the time.
But he said given what's at stake Saturday, his players understand the significance.
"They're all big, but this one's bigger. This is a huge game for both teams every year. The more you win, the more that's at stake. This is a huge game, and our guys understand that."
Rodriguez said what separates this rivalry from the others is that it is both in-state and in-conference. When he travels, he said different rivalries get brought up - in the west side of the state, people focus on Notre Dame, in other parts of Michigan, people bring up Ohio State, but there are parts of the state where people believe the Michigan State is the most important game on Michigan's schedule.
So what would a win Saturday mean?
"It would mean we're 6-0, we beat our in-state rival, and that would give us some confidence going into the rest of the season," Rodriguez said.
Hitting the mark Rodriguez said he isn't overly concerned with the deep throws that Robinson missed against Indiana. Rodriguez doesn't consider himself much of a stats geek, but he'll take Robinson's 70 percent completion rate.
"He's missed on three of every 10 throws, and so that's pretty good," Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said he's been impressed with the way Robinson has improved in the passing game and that he may have rushed a throw when he missed a wide-open Junior Hemingway against Indiana.
Rodriguez said he will rest Robinson a bit today. Rodriguez said Robinson's knee bruise is fine.
On defense Rodriguez said he still has concerns about the defense, but he feels like the unit is improving. He said a coach can't foresee some of the injuries the defense has had or some of the issues the defense has been forced to address.
He said part of the key is getting more three-and-outs, which would allow the defense to get off the field quicker. And even with the injuries, Rodriguez reminded reporters that his team is 5-0 and has found ways to win despite the struggles the defense has had in stopping people.
"It's like winning $10,000 and complaining about having to pay taxes on it. You still won the prize. Yeah, you would rather win the whole thing, but you still won."
Rodriguez said it takes time to develop talent and he said his defensive coaches have considered making chances change in the scheme. But he said to do so would be to give what's already a young defensive more information, which could be detrimental and could potentially confuse a unit that has been forced to play a large number of true freshmen.
Best so far? Rodriguez said Michigan's State's defense will be the most challenging and experienced defense the Wolverines will face. In addition to Jones - the Spartans' monster up front - Michigan State has a lot of experienced defenders. Michigan will get its first look at the Spartans on film Monday and Rodriguez said they will be able to pick up on tendencies then.
But he also said part of the onus is on his offense to perform better than it has at times in the first month of the season.
"We've got to execute better, and we have no chance if we don't execute better at times," he said.
Woolfolk update Rodriguez said he saw injured defensive back Troy Woolfolk last week and that he still has a large cast on his leg. Woolfolk has continued to work out, strengthening his upper body, which will make him stronger when he returns next season for his redshirt year. Rodriguez said it's tough for competitors like Woolfolk linebacker Mike Jones (concussion) not to play, especially given the way Michigan's defense has struggled.
Stopping State Michigan State provides perhaps the most balance offensively the Wolverines have seen. While Indiana focused greatly on the pass, the Spartans will blend a number of offensive options. Edwin Baker and Le'veon Bell will get the majority of the carries, but quarterback Kirk Cousins can also provide a challenge. He said it doesn't matter who carries the ball, the Spartans will run the same thing, putting a lot of the responsibility on Michigan players to carry out their assignments.
Rodriguez said he thought Cousins was a great quarterback last year, but that he's gotten better this season.
"He can run, he can throw and he's playing at a high level right now," Rodriguez said.
Offensive lineman Stephen Schilling Schilling said he continues to be amazing by Denard Robinson and although Michigan State is always one of the most intense games of the year, he's not worried about the sophomore sensation holding up.
"He's tough - he's probably more banged up than he lets on, but he's a tough guy," Schilling said. "He knows what this week means and I'm sure he will be ready."
Schilling said when Robinson is asked about injuries, he just smiles and says he's fine. But the senior said if something does happen to Robinson, he's convinced there is good reason to remain confident in the offense's abilities.
"We have a lot of other weapons," Schilling said. "Obviously 16 is a special player, but Tate and Devin can get the job done, too.
Linebacker Obi Ezeh is up next The veteran linebacker said he doesn't give much credence to when fans bring up the fact that if Michigan does struggle in the Big Ten, it will because of how much the defense struggles.
"I don't really take much out of that - we have our own issues, but at times, the offense has their own issues, too," Ezeh said. "It's kind of give and take. You want to both be jelling at the same times, but that's not always the way the cookie crumbles."
Ezeh said the fact Michigan is undefeated makes handling such of the criticism easier. But with five new starters in the defensive scheme, Ezeh said it's going to take a while for things to come together.
"I feel like we have improved both as a unit and individually," he said. "I think we're making strides in the right direction."
Ozeh, who is from Grand Rapids, said he hears about the fact Michigan hasn't beaten Michigan State in the past two years year-round. He said it's not always easy to listen to.
"It's not easy, it's not fun to hear that from those guys. But they won, they earned the bragging rights. But that's part of the motivation is to get those bragging rights back."
Sticking with the defense, we move now to safety Jordan Kovacs Kovacs said the improvements the defense has made may not be yet visible. Kovacs said the improvements have been more in the confidence Michigan's young defenders have shown in practice, but he does believe the time of getting better on Saturday is coming.
"Hopefully, we will see that on Saturday," Kovacs said.
Kovacs said, like Rodriguez, he won't allow the results of the past two years to become too big of a deal. But because of the game being an in-state rivalry, he said getting ready for Michigan State on Saturday won't be a problem.
"It doesn't matter if our first win or my fourth win against them, you always want to be motivated for this game," he said.
Shoelace fever Robinson spent a few minutes with reporters, reporting that he feels fine after taking another hit to his bruised knee against Indiana.
Flashing his mega-watt smile, Robinson said he has been able to ignore the hype he's generated by not reading anything or watching TV. He said while his nickname "Shoelace" has created a lot of buzz, he said he hasn't received any random shoelaces in the mail.
He said the attention he receives around campus has also reached a different level. When asked if it's strange, Robinson smiled and said he's fine with it because "I love people so it's no big deal."
Robinson said he doesn't look at stat sheets after games, making it easier to focus on what he needs to improve on rather than on what he's done.
When asked what he can improve on, Robinson said he still is working on making the right reads as well as improving on deep routes.
Comments
Dwayne
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 7:19 p.m.
Yelmon, Couple of things...First of all, I've never said that Carr was this or that, at least, not until all of the RR haters started with the revisionists history of what a Great coach he was. Then worse, started comparing RR to the re-visioned coach that they'd created. Second, I'm okay with not counting the 1997 championship, if that makes you feel better, but please don't act like it's silly to think that 1997 is somewhat current and 1952, 65 & 66 isn't. I think we can agree that 1950/60 is a different football era than 1990/2000. I will say this, Michigan hasn't been in the National Championship discussion since 1997. Okay, once, but then we were promptly beaten by Appalachian State, so do we really count that? So, let's keep the discussion to the last ten years. Even with that small sampling, Michigan has dominated little brother. That's my only point. Don't get too puffed up and definitely don't get too far ahead of yourself, something about counting eggs/chickens or something. Look forward to hearing from you next week. Loka, let's just say that you kind of fit in that group, whether you meant to or not. With every snide little comment in response to any positive, enthusiastic Michigan fan, you blend more and more with little brother or RR Hater. Take your pick.
Yelmonian
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 5:51 p.m.
Dwayne, I didn't realize that the '97 Championship counted? Carr was a terrible coach, and it was awful under his coaching staff, and life was horrible... so y'all had to hire the KING. It's 2010. It's been 13 years. When does the 60's championships count less than the '97 championships? Just curious. And you know why we are thumping our chests? We don't fear RR's brand of football. You'll see me posting on here next week. You can count on that.
Lokalisierung
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 5:23 p.m.
"Loka, Seriously? Can we agree that it's a little silly to compare National Championships from 1952, 1965 & 1966 with one that was earned in 1997?" I never beat my chest and gave a bold prediction. TruBlu76 brought up the overall record of the paul bunyon trophy that dates to 1953, so I also brought of facts dating back to 1953. Either point is just as silly as the other. My statement is more an overall view of how pointless looking at things over time are, as they can be seen in many different angles and views. All I have said about this Michigan team is true. They have one of the worst defenses in the country. They have probably the best player in the country. I don't know how I got grouped in with the "Spartys" here, but whatever, that's sports fans for ya.
Dwayne
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 5:02 p.m.
Loka, Seriously? Can we agree that it's a little silly to compare National Championships from 1952, 1965 & 1966 with one that was earned in 1997? Is there color footage of Sparty winning a National Championship? Oh, and it looks like Sparty is going to try and pound his little chest..."State win by two TD's like we did last time in AA.", so I thought I'd give a little perspective, before you get carried away: 2000 W 14-0 @Home 2001 L 26-24 @State (with help from the clock operator) 2002 W 49-3 @Home 2003 W 27-20 @State 2004 W 45-37 3OT @Home 2005 W 34-31 OT @State 2006 W 31-13 @Home 2007 W 28-24 @State 2008 L 35-21 @Home 2009 L 26-20 OT @State That 2008 team was 3-9, worst in Michigan history (that's what I've heard a thousand times, anyway) and Sparty could still only manage a 14 point win. I'm not a prognosticator, but as you can see, these games tend to be pretty close (well, I guess Big Blue did win 3 of those 7 by 14+). I will say this, though. These Spartys that are coming on here, Yelmon, Loka, RedCedar; pounding their chests and giving their bold predictions, you may be very disappointed late Saturday afternoon. Let me say my goodbyes now, because I don't think you'll be here next week. I look for a close, exciting game, as most rivalry games are. It should be fun. Go Blue!!
Yelmonian
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 4:33 p.m.
For those of you that live in History's past.... MSU can only catch up one game at a time. The Spartan fans are enjoying are 2 game win streak, fully plan to see it go to 3 this Saturday... and then maybe we'll just make a run like the Basketball Program! And Loka... I apologize for getting you mixed up. I read through too quickly! GO STATE!
heartbreakM
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 4:09 p.m.
Yelmonian: Basketball? What's that? (Sheesh). And you are right on about RR needing his system guys. Which is too bad. Didn't hear Dantonio making excuses did you? Only started coaching by actually winning. And talk about cupboard being bare.
Lokalisierung
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.
"I'm sure you know that since the Paul Bunyon Trophy was created, Michigan is up on MSU 34212." Yada yada. I'm sure than you also know since the creation of this Trophy MSU has won 4 national Championships to Michigan's 1.
Yelmonian
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 4:05 p.m.
Heartbreak.... You are correct. MSU hasn't upheld their end of the deal for a lot of years. I believe with Dantonio's attitude, and RR's system... the games will be much better for years to come. Dantonio is building depth, and it is starting to show. Typically in a game like Wisconsin, MSU would start wilting. Not this year... they just kept pounding on Wisconsin. RR has an offense, but he definetly needs his type of player in there, because he seems unable or unwilling to modify his system. I don't think UM will be as consistent as it was under previous coaches. With the combination of the two... the rivalry should be much more entertaining. Now if only UM could play basketball...
aftermac
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 3:57 p.m.
Yelmonian, any UM fan that says any different is just messing with you. Perhaps, there are some UM fans near the Michigan-Indiana border that feel like that, but for the most part it's OSU, MSU, ND, after that... hmm... we enjoy playing keep away with the Little Brown Jug. I'm friends with a LOT of UM fans (especially working in Ann Arbor), and I've never heard anyone put our rivals in a different order.
Jamie
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 3:48 p.m.
Michigan wins this big, I have no respect for MSU football. Year in Year out they are pretenders. DR will shred them, I look forward to watching him in a rivarly game, he is going to go off. Michigan 56 MSU 28
heartbreakM
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 3:28 p.m.
No doubt that MSu is the second biggest rival, and in some ways equal, to OSU. Losing to OSU hurts, as OSU is usually champ if we are not (going historic here, not over the last 2-3 years) and it's the last game. Losing to MSU hurts a lot because of all the arrogance that goes into the rivalry (we should 'always' beat them, they are 'little brother', MSU parties like they've won the championship when they beat us while we just go to the library like normal when we beat them), etc. I think Dantonio has really upped the rivalry by focusing on it, and RR still needs to 'get it'. But even at WVU, rivalry games were not a strong suit. But as far as rivalries, OSU 1. MSU 2. ND 3. No other biggies, though Iowa, PSU, Wis pose threats more often than not (and lately, Purdue, Illinois, Toledo, App State....) Heck, at this point, defense is usually a rivalry!!
Lokalisierung
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.
I made a justifacation for indiana being close? I think you failed to notice I was quoting someone else, and then refuting their claim.
Yelmonian
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 3:16 p.m.
Aftermac, You are the first Wolverine in a long time to admint MSU is right there at #2. I wouldn't argue Ohio State. Much like in basketball, I think most Spartans believe Wisconsin is their biggest rivalry. We hate Bo Ryan. (Something about that name Bo). But... On a regular basis, I am told that ND, Wisconsin, blah, blah, blah is a bigger game. I don't believe it at all, because every wolverine I know calls when UM beats MSU. Of course... no UM every considers MSU beating UM... always UM lost because of the ref... (If you don't believe that, look at Loka's justification for Indiana being close). GO STATE!
aftermac
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 1:46 p.m.
Yelmonian, you have to admit that the UM-MSU rivalry has been traditionally one-sided. From that respect it is very easy for UM fans to be complacent about playing MSU. Based on the last 40 years, Michigan is SUPPOSED to win... just like they are against Northwestern, Purdue, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois... but, we didn't go to grade school with them. We don't work with them. They don't live in the same neighborhood as we do. Win or lose, we have to deal with you on a daily basis. I have many Sparty friends, and we give each other BS all the time. It's fun. You don't have that with the other schools. Also, don't be so proud of Sparty for beating UM the last couple years. Make no mistake, UM has upped the ante in this rivalry by coming DOWN to Sparty's level, not vice-versa. With that said Sparty is the #2 rivalry. Always has been. Always will be. I look forward to the game every year, as I have since I was a kid.
Yelmonian
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 1:18 p.m.
Has anyone heard when the NCAA is going to announce it's findings about RR cheating? I thought it was supposed to be around this time. Too bad RR can't escape a hit like DR does. MSU by double digits.
Lokalisierung
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 1:13 p.m.
"By the way there were 2 bad plays that cost michigan 14 points against indiana and would have changed the outcome of that game dramatically!" Yeah um...that happens in every single game any teams play.
chiro19
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 1:04 p.m.
redceder1- you really think that msu is going to win by two touchdowns this year? You guys better score 60 points because your not going to be able to stop michigans offense but for 2 or 3 series during the game which means that michigan will put half a hundred on you. By the way there were 2 bad plays that cost michigan 14 points against indiana and would have changed the outcome of that game dramatically! The score should have been 49-21. Those are the things that michigans d needs to fix and outcomes will look a lot better! I am not going to predict what the score will be but I would imagine another 42-38 type of game and who wins it is up in the air, I will say though michigan is favored by 4 by wynn and sportsbook.
Yelmonian
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 12:55 p.m.
A2D2.... I've been here all summer waiting for this game. No hiding. Been spouting for a long time! Aftermac... Nope, UM "fans" constantly state that MSU isn't even a big game, just another game like Indiana. Get smacked in the mouth 2 years in a row, and all the sudden it's a "big game". GO STATE!
CamaroDan
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.
Lokalisierung That was a good one.
saginaw
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 12:40 p.m.
I just saw that Michigan is a 4.5 point favorite to beat MSU on Saturday -- that sounds about right. It could come down to the final drive and no one has stopped Denard yet on a key drive. Michigan will win!!!
Lokalisierung
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 12:31 p.m.
"Michigan's defense did an excellent job of controlling the clock and wearing out IU's offense." ha...nice.
aftermac
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 12:24 p.m.
Michigan's defense did an excellent job of controlling the clock and wearing out IU's offense. The extra time on the field also gives them more time to create turnovers. The laws of probability suggest that the more our opponent handles the ball, the more likely they are to turn it over.
bballcoachfballfan
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 12:20 p.m.
While the defense is still not very good, I urge you all to rewatch the game as I did last night. Aside from the last Indiana drive, you can make the argument that the defense played better in the second half than the offense--particularly from mid third quarter through mid 4th quarter. I certainly didn't feel that way after watching the game live but the defense did some decent things in the second half. That being said, Michigan is a great offensive team and a below average defensive team. Unfortunately in any sport, that usually translates to being just above.500.
Lokalisierung
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 12:05 p.m.
"Does he really think this defense is improving??" Lord I hope not. Lucky for him DR can just run for a score pretty much anytime they need one.
A2D2
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 12:01 p.m.
Is it me, or do MSU fans seem to stay in hiding until they're sure that their team is okay (or it's UofM week)? All of a sudden, it's like they think it's safe to come outside..........
aftermac
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 11:50 a.m.
Pull your inferiority complex out of the sand... Sparty is a big rival... just not the biggest. I think that burns Sparty fans more than anyting...
BornInA2
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 11:47 a.m.
Does he really think this defense is improving?? You gave up over 500 yards to a perennial Big 10 cellar-dweller, RR. Maybe you can carve an hour out of your schedule to spend on defense this week instead of the 20-30 minutes you mentioned last week, as it doesn't seem like that was quite enough.
Yelmonian
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 11:37 a.m.
Why is this a big game to the UM football team? Seems like I am constantly being told by UM fans that MSU means nothing.... SPARTANS ARE COMING!