Hot topics for Brady Hoke: Loss No. 1, an off week and Purdue
Brady Hoke and the Michigan football team are 6-1 heading into their off week.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
There's Michigan, off to a 6-1 start, ranked No. 18 in the country and sure to be a favorite in its next game when it takes on visiting Purdue on Oct. 29.
But many of the questions Michigan football coach Brady Hoke heard today were concerning that one loss -- the 28-14 defeat to Michigan State on Saturday -- and how the Wolverines plan to get past it on a week in which they have no game.
Hoke addressed the media on Monday afternoon and we updated this file throughout the press conference:
Below are Hoke's comments are comments from senior captain David Molk:
Brady Hoke: Said he wouldn't even speculate on what it would take to replace Denard Robinson at quarterback. "That's so far off."
Brady Hoke: Said he left field between the first and second quarter to use the men's room. "I drink a lot of water and a lot of coffee."
Brady Hoke: Said the coordinators are on the recruiting trail this week.
Brady Hoke: Said Brandon Herron and Marvin Robinson are still dealling with physical ailments, which is why they didn't travel with the team.
Brady Hoke: Said he thinks team needs to be mentally and physically tougher.
Brady Hoke: On the hit that knocked Denard Robinson out, "It's football." Said he thinks more is being made of MSU's penalties than should be.
Brady Hoke: "Inside, Will Heininger and Mike (Martin) played pretty good football."
Brady Hoke: Said he doesn't think taking Denard Robinson out of game at times messes with his, or the offense's, rhythm.
Brady Hoke: On if Devin Gardner gets a series or a quarter, "No. Denard is our quarterback. ... We're 6-1 and a lot of that is because Denard (Robinson) is our quarterback."
Brady Hoke: On punting, "I thought Will (Hagerup) a couple time did a really good job."
Brady Hoke: "We came out of the game pretty healthy to be honest with you."
Brady Hoke: On if Blake Countess has passed Troy Woolfolk for a starting cornerback position. "I don't know if anybody passed anybody, but there is great competition."
Brady Hoke: On bouncing back from the loss, "You can't let one team beat you twice."
Brady Hoke: On Jordan Kovacs' comments about MSU being more physical. "The truth never hurts. ... it was true. They out-physicalled us."
Brady Hoke: "I don't think we tackled worth a darn, I don't think we got off the perimeter on defense worth a darn." Listed these two things first when asked what was most disappointing.
Brady Hoke: On the punch to Taylor Lewan, "I'm not a referee. ... Do those things happen in games? Yes."
Brady Hoke: On the corner blitz on the 4th-and-1. "He was accounted for if we execute."
Brady Hoke: On 4th-and-1 in the red zone late in the game. "I like the play. ... If we execute, (Kevin) Koger's in the end zone."
Brady Hoke: We're all disappointed with the outcome of the game. ... The one thing I can tell you is the kids stayed in there. ... I'm proud of that. ... When you have the 6-8 plays you need to execute to win, we need to be on the right side of those plays."
David Molk: Said the criticism that Denard Robinson takes is not fair.
David Molk: Said he's taken Jack Miller under his wing, likes to head butt him before the game.
David Molk: Said being "out-toughed" is the hardest thing to admit as a player.
David Molk: "They out-toughed us you could say. ... We need to be a tougher team."
David Molk: On Devin and Denard, "I feel like whatever the decision is, it's the right one."
David Molk: "It's time for me, along with my fellow seniors and captains, to deal with the emotions of this team and move on."
David Molk: "There were a lot of plays that could have been better, but they weren't."
David Molk: Said he thought MSU had the snap count figured out and that made it tough.
David Molk: "Mentally, I've moved on. I'm not going to dwell on (the loss). That's not the kind of player I am."
Comments
Keith
Tue, Oct 18, 2011 : 11:31 p.m.
Hoke has already won twice as many games than RR in his first year. Looking at recruiting bigger things to come. Go Blue!
7718
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 2:05 a.m.
Luckily Hoke has a bunch of starters back. RR didn't have the same luxury, but he should have known that going in...that was his mistake.
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
Like many other UM fans, I was disappointed in the loss. Particularly since it became obvious, that state was not a very good teram. Dirty, yes, but good? No, not at all. That was a game, UM SHOULD have won. On the plus side, it is clear that msu will lose to both Wisconsin, and Nebraska. (Even if the league doesn't suspend any players.) Now, if Hoke can build on this experience, UM can still win out, and take the division. What we do not know is the extent of the injuries to Robinson. If he has cracked ribs, then we'll have problems vs. Purdue and Iowa. Finally, Hoke must clean up the problems from Dave Molk that are tipping off the snaps, as everyone in the league is aware of that now. So UM can still run the table, at 11-1. If they get help, from the Badgers, and Huskers, thay can still play in Indy. Time will tell, but this canl be a great learning experience, if Hoke uses it well. I think he will. My biggest problem saturday, was the 4th and inches call by Borges, on the 9 yard line, with 6 minutes to go. Robinson is quick enough, to get the yard needed. Get in between Molk and Omahmeh, and go. Now I have serious doubts about Borges, ability to figure this league out.
RudeJude
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
Right there with you, on that last paragraph especially. It just seemed needless when a QB sneak or any run up the middle would have had such a high probability of success. It makes the loss so much worse because, despite all the mistakes and the poor passing, Michigan was just a few yards away from tying it up at 21. With a team that was having trouble executing, Borges calls a play that requires perfect execution? I'll forgive Borges, but it'll take the week to get over that call. Frustrating. Go Blue
Terry Star21
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
@ XTR above.....you made one of the best observations I have seen thus far - "DRobb is still playing RR ball". My biggest worry all season is, will this be a repeat of last season, 'beat the also rans, stumble against the good teams'. I shouldn't be one to criticize after one loss, but geez, even those six wins - haven't we seen this movie before. I give Brady Hoke all the respect and all the support anyone could - but he is just not playing offense the way his heart really wants to, he has adapted Michigan for DRobb. I love DRobb, but we need to adapt DRobb for Michigan. Dear St. Nick; all I want for Christmas is Gardner full time @ QB, DRobb at running back with the option to pass off several times a game and our great defense to just keep getting better as they have shown us this season. MgoBlueForTim............Gardner hands off to DRobb - touchdown !
jeff blue
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.
It has to be tough for Brady -- it is far easier to into a bye week after a nice win, such as last week against NW.
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
Jeff, I think it's "better" to have a bye after a loss. Gives a team time to recover, develop a "Not this Next One" attitude. This team isn't going to quit - Hoke won't let them. Notice that he's always focused on improving players, so I'm betting he'll make the most of the extra week's down time. I'd worry more if UofM had won - presenting the usual hazard of getting over confident about the next opponent.
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.
This story is an hour old and already people are jumping on Hoke, Michigan football and Denard Robinson. I can understand the lingering pain from the loss to MSU, but it's time to get over it, already. Negativity does not make for satisfaction or success in the long run. Besides, there's evidence that there's a LOT more to enjoy during the rest of this season. RudeJude asked (appropriately) about the prospects of the Purdue game outcome (2 weeks away). Well - there's very good news about that. The Week One BSC Top 25 doesn't even list Purdue. Michigan is listed at #18, with a .2995 Avg. The SAME disparity (not listed, mathematically BOUND to lose to U of M) applies too both Iowa AND Ohio State. The only exceptions are Illinois which is listed at #23 with a .1516 Avg. (very likely win for Michigan) and Nebraska is the ONLY sure loss with #13, .4972 Avg. Get the picture? Michigan Wolverines, Hoke and Denard HAVE a realistic chance of ending with a 10-2 win/loss record!! For those who would dismiss this, I ask that other independent EVIDENCE be provided to counter the above independent evidence. Over emphasized facts offered after personal emotional processing do not count as independent evidence. Example: Michigan's offense was terrible last Saturday, therefore Michigan is a fraud and will collapse for the rest of the season (again). That's what I mean by invalid evidence. Michigan's offense was terrible - against the No. 1 defense in the country. THAT will not be the case (by a LONG SHOT) with any other opponent than Nebraska this year. A pro odds-maker would confirm this (at this point in the season). That means anyone betting against Michigan having a 10-2 season would very likely lose their money. Look back at Lloyd's and Bo's first year records and tell me that Hoke hasn't got a chance of beating those two Michigan gods. I'll take your money. Victors never quit. Quitters never win.
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
@MRunner: I concur on all of your points. 9-3 is the MOST probable outcome and THAT will beat Bo's and Lloyd's first seasons! I merely pointing out the good possibility for a 10-2 season, which would be MOST satisfactory. I wish the jump-on-Denard people would settle down: that's why I post things like this. Denard's "bad" at passing, he's just a junior though and we know it's just HIS ability to transform long time habits standing in his way. I see no reason to throw DR under the bus at this point.
MRunner73
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 6:25 p.m.
Your positive attitude is very commendable. When Bardy Hoke says the team has a long way to go, we should now know what he means. Denard needs to be a more consistent passer, period. The other sore thumb weakeness on offense is we have no feature tailback like MSU's Edwin Baker. We have three or four guys who end up have a good game or two. I think we'll lose one of the two road games and then one of the last two home games for a 9 and 3 record. I will take it and call it a good season. It is too bad that too many fans jump off the ledge with one loss, as ugly as it was.
John Crouse
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.
I saw an MSU comment that it was "low-class" that Brady did not shake Dantonio's hand after the game. Does anyone know if that is true?
Matt Patercsak
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.
its not true. i saw the picture of them shaking hands
XTR
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
Michigan State already beat Michigan not only twice but 4 times in a row. Shoelace lost to MSU last year playing RR ball, and Shoelace lost again to MSU this year playing RR ball again. It was the perfect time to beat them now, but of course there is always the next year lol! I think that we will be hearing the same speech after Michigan gets beaten by Ohio State for the 10th consecutive time this year. Shoelace lost to OSU last year playing RR ball, Shoelace will lose again this year playing RR ball.
RudeJude
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:06 p.m.
Was there anything about Purdue in this piece other than the fact that Michigan plays them on the 29th?
heartbreakM
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
"If we only executed better".....Well, Brady is like all head coaches and will never admit a mistake. The big question is: who was supposed to block that untouched MSU defender? There was absolutely nobody on that line not accounted for in the blocking, and to me, there was no execution in the world that looked like it would have corrected that (unless Denard actually ran under center for the 6 inches we needed). And who is to know if Koger would have been open or able to catch the pass? Denard's record in past weeks is that he overthrew wide open players repeatedly. Love Denard as a player and as a leader, but that play-call was not playing to Michigan's or Denard's strengths. Not the only reason Michigan lost the football game, but sure was a big factor. And I thought Brady doesn't eat on game days!! Guess drinking does not count LOL!! I always wondered what happens to players if they gotta go.....Never thought about the coaches. Perhaps we need one of those guys like in History of the World Part I!!!
RudeJude
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.
The coaching staff should eat crow for that 4th and 1. You could argue that if every play was executed correct, then touchdown! It was a dumb call, plain and simple. The way Michigan had been playing and the state of their passing game, I would be a lot less angry if they went for a QB sneak or a running play and were stopped. Nothing else made sense. Let's save the trickeration for when our O-line is holding up, our QB is passing better and when there isn't 40mph winds! Go Blue
Brent
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.
If we would have ran it on fourth and got stuffed like MSU's d-line did all game, then we would all be saying, why was there a play action pass? I thought it was a good call, but a better call by MSU!! Not out-coached, just perfect timing on MSU's part.
XTR
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
There is a time when it won't be cool for the headcoach not wearing the headset and not listening to the plays being called.
Newzdog
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
"There's Michigan, off to a 5-1 start, ranked No. 18 in the country ..." Michigan is 6-1.
Brent
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 5:07 p.m.
I saw that too!
Meangoblue
Mon, Oct 17, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
There's this guy that I know........... I can't say what he said because it's top secet, but I'll give you a hint. Brady Hoke: "You can't let one team beat you twice." MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEANchigan football will rise again! Champions of the state and then the BIG 10!! Happy MEANday to all!!!