Rich Rodriguez, Michigan players taking their top-25 ranking in stride
As a voter in the coaches poll, Rich Rodriguez said earlier this year he'd put Michigan in his top 25 as soon as the Wolverines deserved it.
Apparently, that time is now.
Rodriguez wouldn't reveal his top 25 Monday or exactly where he ranked the Wolverines, but the Michigan coach said, "I do believe we were in the top 25."
Michigan debuted at No. 25 in the Associated Press poll Sunday, and led the "others receiving votes category" in the USA Today/Coaches poll. The Wolverines upset Notre Dame, 38-34, on Saturday to start 2-0 for the first time since 2006.
"Somebody asked our reaction to it in the polls and I can understand it, but I don’t care right now," Rodriguez said. "I would hope anybody in our program doesn’t care.
“The polls are good for fan interest, it brings interest to the game, people follow it, so I’m not dismissing the polls. It’s fun. It’s a lot of fun for people to follow it. But from a coaching standpoint, from a player standpoint, big deal."
Safety Troy Woolfolk said he did a double take when he first heard Michigan cracked the rankings while getting treatment Sunday.
"I was actually shocked," Woolfolk said. "I’m glad because I know we deserve to be there. I’m just glad every body else knows that."
Comments
81wolverine
Tue, Sep 15, 2009 : 1:15 p.m.
It's great to be back. But, I'm cautiously optimistic about this season. We should be able to have a winning record and get to a bowl. That would be tremendous step forward from last year. I still think we're going to have a lot of problems with Penn State and OSU, unless our defense can really improve quite a bit. But, I'm VERY happy about where this team is right now and their future prospects.
UMthicknthin
Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 7:42 p.m.
Good posts!! Like what has already been stated, if these kids can stay focused the whole season, good things are going to happen. Apparently RR can keep them focused. I'll bet the Offense is at 70-80%, and they're still moving the ball and scoring. They'll get better every week.
wolverine73
Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 7:30 p.m.
Polls serve their purpose as an interest point for fans and others. Michigan needs to stay hungry, stay focused, and good things will happen. It's great to feel anything is possible again. The Notre Dame victory was one for the ages. Keep your heads on straight Michigan!! Go Blue!!
tater
Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 6:38 p.m.
In4mation wrote: "Nothing quiets your critics like winning." I like it: short but sweet. Better yet, this win has given UM back their respect, both internally and externally. If Forcier stays healthy and continues to play beyond his years, this could end up being a top ten team by the end of the season.
A2D2
Mon, Sep 14, 2009 : 3:13 p.m.
Great perspective from Coach Rod. While we're getting caught up in a poll, they're at Al Glick getting ready for Eastern (who, by the way, almost caught Northwestern in an upset).