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Posted on Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 12:15 p.m.

Notebook: Rich Rodriguez's Monday morning press conference now in progress

By Pete Bigelow

This file will be updated throughout Rich Rodriguez's Monday morning press conference. Check back for frequent updates.

Tate Forcier on the podium now. Here's a snippet of what he had to say about being recruited at Michigan:

"I wasn't even going to look at Michigan until they got the new staff," Forcier said. "When I looked at the new coaching staff, I said, 'That's all me.'

"I'm not the biggest kid. I don't have the strongest arm. But I fit their system. And as long as I fit their system, I'm happy with it."

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Piped-in music is a new game-day feature at Michigan Stadium. Rich Rodriguez said the athletic department has been working on that to improve the atmosphere. There's been a few complaints, but overall he's excited about it.

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"Anytime there's change -- and we've had 18 months of it -- there's going to be some resistance and obstacles to covercome," Rodriguez said. "I've been more worried about first down and winning games, but the response from the fans has been, I think, generally positive.

"If you have suggestions for music -- clean music -- send it in."

If any readers here have suggestions for Michigan on stadium music, send 'em here and we'll forward them along.

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Troy Woolfolk on Eastern Michigan coach Ron English, who recruited him to Michigan: "He's very intense. I get screamed at by a lot of coaches, but he was one coach, who when he screamed at you, you feared him and wanted to do better at the end of the day."

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Safety Troy Woolfolk is at the podium now, cracking everybody up with a story about his dog, which apparently has a tendency to break his cell phones.

"I have a dog who likes to chew on everything, and when I chase him, he tends to throw it up in the air," Woolfolk said. "I got the dog and told it was a pure lab, but it stopped growing and it's only thisbig. I found out he's half-beagle. I'm kind of disappointed, but I still love him because he's my dog."

Asked if it looked awkward for a football player to walk such a small dog, Woolfolk joked: "Yeah, it hurts my pride. ... My ex-girlfriend got him for me about a year ago. That's why she's my ex now."

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In an ideal word, Rich Rodriguez said he'd like to redshirt freshmen defensive backs Teric Jones and Justin Turner. In reality, the coach said he expects to use both at some point this season.

He said, in particular, that he'd like to get J.T. Floyd more time in the secondary rotation. ... Boubacar Cissoko is "banged up," according to Rodriguez, but expected to play Saturday against Eastern Michigan.

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Offensive lineman David Mooseman is questionable for Saturday's game against Eastern Michigan with a shoulder injury. He could miss one to two weeks.

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Charlie Weis had a lot to say about the officiating in Saturday's game. Rich Rodriguez agreed there were a few calls that raised his eyebrows, but overall said he thought the officiating was good Saturday.

"These guys are so fast and it happens so quick, sometimes the official just sees the end of it and throws the flag," Rodriguez said. "From Saturday, I didn't think there was anything that determined the game."

_________

Denard Robinson is staying at quarterback.

After some conjecture that the Michigan freshman's future might be at slot receiver or running back with Tate Forcier solidifying his grip on the starting QB job, Rich Rodriguez was steadfast in saying that Robinson's not moving anywhere.

"Denard Robinson is a quarterback, and he's going to play a big role for us at quarterback this year, and probably several years to come," Rodriguez said. "Tate had a head start because he was here earlier in the spring, but Denard has all the skill sets you need. He just needs to learn the offense."

Comments

fourcier fan

Tue, Sep 15, 2009 : 4:19 p.m.

Why not have MI band record music of all kinds to be played through new system. Should qiet all critics and start new traditions for future wolverines.

Richigan

Tue, Sep 15, 2009 : 12:55 p.m.

Sitting in section 14 Saurday vs. ND ( opposite end from band) we could barely hear the band. And when we did hear Hail to the Victors there was a 2 second time delay till it reached us lol...must be the sound bouncing off new addition? I have only been going for last 6 years, I understand the traditionalists side of it, but really enjoyed the piped in music, and thought it brought the crowd noise to a level I haven't witnessed in 6 years! My choice of songs would be Black Eye Peas...I Gotta Feeling ( tonite's gonna be a good nite!) to be played late in the fourth of a big win, especially against PSU, MSU or OSU!

azwolverine

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 9:06 p.m.

DRob needs to stay at QB. He will develop and is a much more dangerous option than Sheridan. As for the music, I wasn't there, but I do enjoy a college atmosphere with the band playing throughout the game. I don't know how much the piped in music took away from the band, I know my friends who were there liked it, but I like hearing the band. Just my two cents on the matter. In the end, the most important thing, though, is winning football games. Anything beyond that is mere icing on the cake.

kingky

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 8:21 p.m.

Txmaizenblue, I like where your heads at.

Txmaizenblue

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 7:47 p.m.

How about if UofM made Gun-n-Roses a nice offer to do a re-make of "Welcome to the Jungle" - only change it to "Welcome to the Big House!"

kingky

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 7:19 p.m.

How about Van Halen's "Jump", or some Sandstorm? Sandstorm would be awesome for a night game. Or even "rightround" by Flo rida

RWBill

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 5:51 p.m.

heartbreak you're wrong about Miles. The M Administration determined Miles was not going to coach here. He was NEVER an option for those who make those decisions.

heartbreakM

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 5:13 p.m.

And by the way, kingky: I am over myself. I have opinions. They hired RR as the third or fourth choice of coaches. If he were the first choice, your argument might hold some water (of wanting to change things), but at the time they hired him, they were getting sorta desparate to get a coach, after publicly getting rebuffed by Schiano, Miles, etc. Traditions can be updated--that's fine. I just feel that you don't throw out years of traditions, like band music, like captains, etc. It appears to me on this board that I am outvoted, so I guess I lose, but I still have my opinion. BTW--the scheduling thing is another tradition that seems to be have gone by the wayside--Michigan traditionally has not been afraid to play anyone, anyplace, anytime--but now is. M and most of college football should be ashamed of themselves. Look at Florida--Troy? Coastal Carolina? Puh-leeze.

heartbreakM

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 5:09 p.m.

I appreciate those with different views than mine and respect your views. We do differ, and that's OK, but I feel that the "commercial" music detracts from the atmosphere (whereas the band does not--it feels more like NFL or NBA introductions now, not a collegiate atmosphere.). This discussion is actually being held with respect (thank you)--my intention (for a change) is not to attack Rodriguez, though based on his comments, I attribute the introduction of music to him. To me, while the music may hype up the students, they should be hyped up anyway, and not dependent on Sweet Caroline, Eminem, White Stripes or whoever. Now, please understand, I love modern and contemporary music, and do not wish to be a party pooper--I just do not feel that the football game is a place for it. My wife, also an alum, and I both felt that the Penn State game last year was really a lame environment (not because we stunk, which we didn't until the end of the first half, but because the fans there are no louder than ours but need to be prompted by inane music, which becomes a tradition to them in its own rite). I would rather see the band learn new songs if that's what is needed; bring around more little band subgroups, but I really think converting M games into a Pittsburgh Steeler game is not to my liking. And by the way, the OSU band plays Hang on Sloopy (another tradition), not having music piped in. But their scoreboard has ads--a tradition that I don't like.

maizenbluenc

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 4:37 p.m.

I'll bet when Yost said he wanted to build a new 80000 plus seat stadium, a few people said "but the tradition of playing at Ferry Field is so important"... Agreed, the band is a great tradition, BUT the band does not reach all corners of the stadium. The addition of piped in music is OK, as long as the band is still a major component of the game (which it is). Of course the upgrade of the product on the field alone may have increased fan participation in its own right.

MichMich

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 4:04 p.m.

The music on Saturday was TOTALLY AWESOME - especially The White Stripes. WHITE STRIPES! I never thought the day would come - my fellow maize and blue may I now declare- IT'S GREAT. TO BE. A MICHIGAN WOLVERINE! And for the comment that Ohio State does not pipe-in music?? What? "Hang on Sloopy" is played virtually every Ohio State game and the song SUCKS. What Michigan stadium did last week was appropriate and AWESOME to finally bring excitement into the BIG HOUSE with songs that are KILLER and ALL ages can connect to. KEEP THE MUSIC - IT ROCKS!!

aduggs

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 3:20 p.m.

"Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones or "Surrender" by Cheap Trick would sound great.

tulsatom

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 3:11 p.m.

heartbreakM, I understand where you're coming from and am a traditionalist in many ways myself. The U-M band is great and the football experience would not be the same without it playing 'Hail to the Victors' before the game, at halftime, and after U-M touchdowns, etc. When they form the block 'M' it gives me goosebumps. In my view, there should always be a place for the band and what they bring to the overall college football game experience. With that said, I think it's OK to change things around a little bit and add new things from time to time to see if the atmosphere can be spiced up even more. To me, it looked like the crowd had a good time with the new music and it helped make the place even louder and more festive, which keeps the fans in the game making noise for the home team. Cool traditions like the winged helmets, touching the banner on the way out onto the field, and the U-M band are all traditions that need to stay. Other stuff like piped in music is not cheapening the atmosphere to me -- it just gives another avenue for fans who like contemporary music to have a good time, too, but that's just my two cents.

kingky

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 3:01 p.m.

HeartbreakM, get over yourself. UM hired Coach Rod because we needed change, on the field and in the stadium. The Big House has been a Big disappointment the last decade or so. The changes made ON the field have helped tremendously, but Im sorry something needed to happen to get our fans into the game more, and I truely believe the music has attributed to that, along with our better play. I understand Tradition is important, but now is time for innovation and keeping up with the times. LET THE MUSIC ROLL ON!! As far as anyone who says DRob should be playing anywhere other than QB are sadly mistaken, and obviously lacks a bit of football sense. First of all I would go out on a limb and take Coach Rods word for what ever he wants to do. Secondly Shoelace has been here for a couple months, Tate has been here for like 8. Give the kid some time to get comfortable. Thirdly, who in gods name would you rather have as a back up...or eventual backup?? Nick "the quick" Sheridan, or a guy that runs like the wind and just needs to learn the offense?? Ill take the later. Some of these comments posted in here just flat out amaze me sometimes. I think RR has a pretty good plan. GO BLUE!!

gblue

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 2:58 p.m.

I thought the music in the Big House was great (with the exception of the Eminem song which needs to have the slow intro chopped out so it can get to the heavier part a bit quicker). It really gets the crowd up and loud which in my opinion has been a problem in the past. To many Michigan fans like to sit and complain rather then get up and support the team. On that same note, the whole "Michigan man" thing is getting a little old. I am a Michigan alum as is my wife. What does that get us in the eyes of those who control Michigan football tickets? Nothing. Soon after our graduation the U of M alumni ticket waiting list was scrapped and only the general waiting list exists. When it comes to being a "Michigan man" for game tickets all you need is a deep check book. Let's get of Rich Rod's back. He is turning this team around and will get us in the national title picture. People were sick of 8-4 and 9-3 seasons only to lose in the bowl game udner Carr. We wanted more. And now the same people are complaining because things are changing. In regards to Denard, we need to keep him at quarterback this year. As he learns the system he will be more of a passing threat which will only help his running. There is no way we want an injury to Tate and then Sheridan is under center. Next year once we have more depth at QB is the time to switch him to the slot position.

heartbreakM

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 2:34 p.m.

Is it just me, or does it keep reappearing that Rod does NOT understand Michigan atmosphere. First he gets rid of team captains, which is a longstanding tradition to go with his cockamamie scheme. Now he has music piped into the collegiate atmosphere to do what? Does he not recognize that we have one of the best bands in the land, often filling the dead space with Michigan songs. I know last year, he gave us nothing to cheer about, but this year he has and the band will play the Victors and other songs when we need them to. The collegiate atmosphere is so much better with the school bands playing rather than commercial loud music. Go to a PSU game and you'll see how awful that is. Now, I guess our stadium has been affected. I know there have been positive comments made, but people, this is MICHIGAN you are talking about. No reason to hear Eminem, Journey, or those bands with their music--listen to the Band. At OSU, there is no piped in music. I don't think there is at MSU. I'm telling you--the atmosphere becomes so much cheaper. I attribute this to Rod also based on his comments. He just does not get it. The Michigan game day experience just does not seem to matter to him.

Jon

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 2:27 p.m.

Michigan is a team with many athletes and more to come. RR knows what he is doing, he needs to keep Denard pumped up, we will need his speed and athleticism this year, believe me! Each week we will see this maturation of this team as theey grow together as a unit. I predicted Michigan would win 9 games, I am seldom wrong, especially when it comes to my Wolverines!

fatpete

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 1:50 p.m.

"Machinehead" by Bush would be a great song to pipe in....

maizenbluenc

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 1:22 p.m.

I agree with Rich, and I hope we see a lot of Denard in the next two games. Tate is the man, but who would you rather have ready to go if Tate gets hurt?

tulsatom

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 1:19 p.m.

Although RR intends to keep Robinson as a QB, I could envision him as a great defensive back with his speed and nose for the ball. He would be another Charles Woodson, but even faster and could still be a QB on the side for special plays. Just a thought, since U-M is kind of thin at defensive back.

MichMich

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 12:57 p.m.

I cannot say enough about how awesome the music was on Saturday. Absolutely spot-on. Keep the songs with a Michigan connection. "Lose Yourself" Eminem. Perfect. Journey "Don't Stop Believin'". And, the best of all "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes. All have Michigan connections. All PERFECT for the Big House. Keep those songs!

bluerog

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 12:54 p.m.

"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the waves. An 80's one hit wonder that would be a ton of fun to see 100,000+ singing and dancing to!

Txmaizenblue

Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 12:35 p.m.

I'm not sure why RR keeps blowing smoke about the quarterback situation. The evidence of the last two games clearly shows a separation between Forcier and the other two quarterbacks. There has been all along, and he full well knows it. To keep suggesting their some competition for the job does not help his credibility in what he says publicly. Granted, Robinson will likely play a greater role in the offense once he learns it better, but you can not learn to have an accurate arm on the run - like Tate clearly demonstrates. Forcier is the man. I don't think anyone could have played that position better Saturday than he did.