The majority of the below gets credited to the following twitterers: @umgoblog, @chengelis, @mvictors, @ryanautillo, @mikerothstein, and @chanteljennings.

The order of what was said is by no means reflected below and I’m sure you could dial up some patience and mgoblog will have the transcripts up at some point today.

Brady Hoke

Notre Dame Game Reaction, Thoughts…

At halftime Hoke asked: Are we playing our best football? Are we coaching our best football? Answer to both: No.

Hoke hard fought game not perfect lot of things to fix on offense and defense

Hoke: D-line: “Were not near to the expectations that we have and I think the kids feel the same way…I think were a work in progress.”

Defense is a work in progress; we thought we’d be further along.

35-40 relatives were at Hoke’s house Saturday night. “Everybody found a place on the floor and went to bed.”

Hoke- didn’t get to sleep until 3:30 after the nd game

Denard stepped up in the pocket to avoid pressure from the edges

In the 4th qtr the defense executed, we got off blocks well

Hoke on Wile’s last kickoff: “His squib kick at the end was I don’t know if could have been any more perfect.”

ND was not going to let Denard run the ball outside

Matt Wile’s pooch kick after Denard’s fumblerooski touchdown wasn’t designed, but it was perfect. The returner was tackled at the UM 11.

Hoke said Gallon was helped when DB intercepted ball over him: “You’ve gotta become a DB when those things happen.”

Hoke would like to see one night game a year. “That’d probably be a good deal.”

On Eastern Michigan This Week and Moving Past UTL

UM depth chart has Hawthorne listed as starter at WLB.  Herron has “leg” problem

Hoke said Woolfolk is fine, nose just got beat up. When asked about each limb, Hoke said “he’s fine.”

Hoke on Denard playing too fast: “He’s excited all the time. I’d rather try to break a bucking bronco than a lame mare. He’ll be alright.”

Hoke says Fitz “I think will be ok” shoulder issue from WMU game  didn’t play vs ND

Fitz Toussaint hurt his shoulder against WMU and didn’t heal quickly enough to play against ND.

Hoke unclear on M. Evans, who missed ND game for academic eligibility reasons “I don’t know when it will clear up” says he’s a scout LB

Eastern is 2-0, they’re a confident team. They’re playing aggressive

Hoke will look at Brandon Herron and Cam Gordon (back) tomorrow to see where they stand.

Hoke: expects fitz toussaint to play.

Hoke on Fitz starting at RB: “Maybe. It’s a long week.”

Hoke would like to run 90 offensive players per game; that would mean the defense is doing well

Hoke: Got to have someone other than the QB running the FB or you’re not going to have the QB very long

No tryouts for walk-ons until January – want see them go through the weight program

Hoke: “I’d rather break a bucking bronco than a lame mare.” on Denard’s excitement to play last Saturday, how it affected his play.

Hoke didn’t care about NCAA not acknowledging Michigan-WMU stats: “That’s their decision.”

Hoke: #21 will likely always go to a wide receiver.

 

Nothing to do with the presser today – but the shot of the Ohio mascot pounding Brutus Buckeye is classic…and the man inside “Rufus” planned it all along.

Today’s presser included Craig Roh, Darryl Stonum, Patrick Omameh, Jordan Kovacs, and Cam Gordon.

Rich Rodriguez…

• Denard’s not a guy that’s going to worry about stats. He truly loves just winning the game.
• RR: biggest concern about the defense is that they took a step back fundamentally. Didn’t do a good job of getting off blocks. Played tentative and doesn’t like to see that.
• Mike Martin played really well again – has played a lot of plays and been the most consistent defender through three games.
• Patrick Omameh has played well in all 3 games – very pleased with his progress every week.
• On Bowling Green: Very good skill players. Good running back. On defense they are very active – play very aggressive.
• On Jordan Kovacs: Made some plays, didn’t have his best game but he’s usually in the right spot.
• On Taylor Lewan: Played well enough to potentially start over Mark Huyge
• Most of the defensive backups are extremely young – so they are learning both fundamentals and schemes.
• On Brandon Herron: may not be able to play this weekend.
• On getting Devin Gardner and Tate Forcier snaps: not too worried about it, but want to ensure they keep getting better in practice each week.
• Tate has the experience and will be fine going into battle despite not getting any snaps yet.
• RR: This year is the deepest he’s gone with kicking issues.
• Marvin Robinson will be back this week, Carvin Johnson will still be questionable.
• RR on RBs: “That’s the one position we have not played enough guys.”
• RR on Forcier: Tate still in mix to play. Pleased w his attitude and he is not a candidate to redshirt.
• Talking about stress in the wake of the Dantonio issues, RR still hits the stairmaster 5x week, starting hitting weights this spring
• Rodriguez said he hasn’t slept three hours straight in years. Loves when he gets five.
• Coach Rod thanked the media for advertising the open call for students who can kick. Said a kid stopped him in the parking lot today.
• Rodriguez said some of D problems are same as last year but “new year and a different week.”
• Rodriguez talking, said he’ll spend “15-20 minutes with defensive coaches today.”

Craig Roh…

• On his comments made after the game Saturday: still frustrated but there is nothing they can do about it. Defense is going to be more hungry and prepared this week.
• Thought D played well the first 2 games – didn’t tackle well
• They didn’t wear down – because of the Barwis training he says they don’t ever really tire.
• Because of poor tackling – UMass backs got more yards than they should have and it was frustrating
• UMass was a “mini wake up call” – going to come back hungrier and prepare even better.
• Happy for Taylor Lewan – glad he got in the game – they have been buddies since high school.
• On Lewan: one of the most aggressive guys on the team. “He’s finding a happy medium between being aggressive and holding all the time.”
• On Mike Martin: strongest guy he’s ever seen in the weight room.
• Not tougher to get up for a game like Bowling Green.
• On giving up so many rushing yards: it’s a frustration. Giving up first down is really frustrating.
• The offense was a huge help this Saturday – that’s why it’s a team game.
• Is home field and the fans a factor: “yes, especially if you get rolling early.” Goes on to say that during the UConn game he couldn’t hear Obi and he was literally just a foot away from him.
• Likes pass rushing with one hand down on the ground – likes to stand for just about everything else.
• Doesn’t really listen to music to get pumped up – brought up looking at his bible and the play sheet instead of listening to music.

Darryl Stonum (wearing some sweet black rimmed glasses)…

• The big momentum changers – 2 td’s in 45 seconds – are what you dream of doing.
• Someone comments on the glasses right after I typed my comment above! He was asked if they are Ray-bans or prescriptions – neither he says.
• Was always the big-play and deep threat guy in high school – is trying to get that to transition to Michigan. Thinks the coaches are taking notice.
• The entire offense as a whole, it’s the third year, they are comfortable and able to play fast and execute.
• On Denard: He’s a complete different player than he was last year and it shows.
• On leadership: tries to lead by example and work ethic in practice / games / weight room / class.

Jordan Kovacs…

• Asked if playing BG is like playing Toledo: looking forward to it because he’s from the area.
• On the mindset of the D: aren’t satisfied, happy they got the win. Admits they struggled, glad that it happened early in the season. Looking forward to getting back out there to make some corrections.
• Expects it to be a one-game slip up. Going to watch a lot of film.
• Says they are past last year when asked if it felt like the same struggle they had.
• Asked about soft zone coverage: players could have been hesitant after giving up the big plays at ND. Expects that to change.
• The entire D, especially Jonas Mouton and Obi Ezeh were expressively upset about the performance after the game.
• Have to pick up the slack and make sure that they get off the field.

Patrick Omameh…

• A relief to get another back going besides Denard.
• Like to get downfield and showcase what they can do – when asked about the downfield blocking.
• On Taylor Lewan: they knew he was capable and he’s been doing well in practice.
• Not surprised by how many big plays this offense has had – blocking from line and receivers has improved and helped the whole offense do well.
• The O line is experienced – Molk is a vocal leader and he does a good job of making the calls.
• The offense is clicking, but not executing as good as they can. Says there’s more to be excited about moving forward.

Cam Gordon…

• On the interception: Was glad he finally got one, but tried to do too much. Lesson learned.
• Thinks the team will be very focused and determined after Saturday’s “reality check”
• There’s a small margin for error at this level – what he’s realized after a few games.
• On his transition from WR to S: a lot of room for improvement still.
• Defense wants to do their part – not as good as they need or want to be.
• On being at Michigan: loves it. Being at Michigan is about working hard and overcoming adversity.

Injury Updates…

• Mike Jones is doubtful for the rest of the season with a broken leg.
• Brandon Herron is day to day with a sprained ankle
• RR is hopeful that Fitz Toussaint will be able to play this week against UMass

Rich Rodriguez…

• “We’re still not good enough to play poorly and win. We’re not deep enough yet. Not experienced enough yet.”
• Running backs were defended in a way that took them away, otherwise they were ok
• On Denard: “He’s continuing to grow & mature in the offense.”
• On any difference in Denard from last week: shoes still untied, big smile still on his face
• After ND took the lead, “I didn’t see any panic on the sidelines.”
• On Denard: didn’t see any nervousness on sidelines after Rudolph’s TD at the end of the game
• On Denard Robinson: “He’s just a good guy but I’m biased. I think we have a lot of good guys.”
• On Denard’s workload during practice: practice the same every week, haven’t hit QBs since August.
• On Denard’s media availability: Denard’s still a student-athlete with a big class load. He just wants to win games.
• RR knows everybody wants a piece of Denard but cautions, “He’s got a day job, so to speak.” They will limit media access to Lace
• Rodriguez wouldn’t comment on Denard’s expected workload vs Umass. “do what we have to do to win the game.”
• On RBs: good job of helping Denard, pleased with play so far just haven’t broken those big runs. Hoping Fitz Toussaint will be ready this week
• “If we get 500 yards rushing and all 500 yards come from one guy, I don’t care.”
• Rodriguez on kicking: “It’s open.” Gibbons had been the starter. “I could not tell you today who will be the starting kicker on Saturday.”
• Starting kicker spot still wide open, couldn’t tell us today who will start Saturday. Will Hagerup will punt better.
• Rodriguez: what I worry about is what I can control. What I can’t control are someone’s feelings
• Rodriguez: am I a different guy than I was two weeks ago? No. We’ve just won two games. I live in a world where if you win, people are happy
• UM plays UMass. RR says he will bring up JM beating va tech
• Rodriguez: “You don’t have to be listed as a recruiting service 5-star recruit” to be a good college football player.
• On Roundtree: practiced all week, by thurs there were no issues, made some big plays. His game speed faster than practice speed.
• Denard was running hard and focused – seeing the field well
• Spread offenses revolve around your QB making a lot of decisions
• A lot of FCS players are good players – several have been drafted in to the NFL
• ND’s front 7 on D was good and brought some packages that RR hadn’t seen before from them
• When asked about Denard’s 57 carries – “we’re going to do whatever we have to do to win the game.” “Denard can handle it”
• Hope to get Jr. Hemingway back – he was having a great camp. Martavious Odoms and Darryl Stonum are playing over 80 snaps per game – that’s a few too many.
• Perceptions are unfortunate, but they shouldn’t change who you are (after saying he’s the same guy he was two weeks ago, same players, same staff, etc.)
• On Cullen Christian’s late hit call at the end of the game – it was close but it was unnecessary – but more of a rookie mistake.
• The 3 interceptions were huge in the game and huge for the defense.
• Expecting over 30 people to show up for the walk-on tryouts today. RR expects a lot of kickers. Will happen right after the team practice today.

David Molk…

• “Denard is probably the best person who can have all this fame.”
• Denard doesn’t want the attention, doesn’t like interviews, etc.
• OL has played well, still looking to improve every week
• On the national perception of RR: “they hate him when we lose and they love him when we win.”
• The team is coming together already very well

James Rogers…

• On prepping for an FCS team: Have to stay humble and prepare as if it’s the biggest game of the year
• Need to eliminate the big plays – it’s good that bad plays have happened so the DB’s can learn from them
• He goes out every week with the attitude that he has nothing to lose – feels grateful to have such an opportunity to play after the position switches
• On Denard: A great kid, a leader…
• On secondary now after losing Troy: Focus on having fun and personally stepping up his leadership
• On ranking: half the team probably doesn’t realize that the team is even ranked. Not something they worry about
• On Cam Gordon: He’s a hard worker and he will be his own biggest critic after the ND game

J.T. Floyd…

• Take pride in winning for Michigan – not surprised by the 2-0 start
• The team is focused on getting better each week – this week is another challenge
• ND game was one of the most exciting games he’s ever been a part of…
• Extremely excited after he got his first interception
• The win is an attribute to the hard work that the team has put in all summer and fall
• Cannot take UMass lightly – mentioned a couple times that they have a talented WR group

Denard Robinson…

• Before anyone asked him a question – he’s just up there smiling…
• On success: hearing from his whole family – they tell him to keep going and to not get complacent
• On staying humble: His mom raised him to be humble and to keep your eyes on the prize
• The prize? “to be a team player and to win for Michigan”
• He’s a little sore today, but not too bad
• On his recruiting process: Michigan was one of the few schools that told him he could be a QB
• On who he idolized: Peter Warrick as a kid – a lot of the Florida guys – did bring up C. Woodson
• Talked about punting – it was fun to do once…
• On pressure on him: “I’m having fun and the team is playing as a unit”
• On relationships with RB’s: “They are all in for Michigan and there is nobody going against each other”
• On Mike Shaw: “He’s a tough, tough dude and a really good guy”
• On ESPN, media, etc: “I don’t even have cable, don’t go on websites. Like being around his teammates and players”
• Doesn’t really care about the Heisman talk right now
• Talked about Pat White – watched a lot of film on him
• Asked about reception on campus: “They don’t say much – just great game and keep going”
• On how close he is to other QB’s: “We are all brothers on this team, we are a family. Tate and Devin were happy for me after the game. Nobody is against each other.”
• “A lot of people doubted me last year, but I don’t really care what other people think about me”
• Says the smiling comes from the family and that he gets a lot of comparisons to Desmond Howard

• Greg Banks has a foot sprain and he will be day-to-day. Other than that there are no new injuries
• Tay Odoms, Brandon Minor and Floyd Simmons are day-to-day – he expects to know who can go against Purdue on Tuesday
• RR: “He’s been as limited in practice as you can be” – talking about Minor’s playing time
• RR is concerned with everything at this point with the way things have gone downhill in the last month
• RR talking about turnovers: “We have not gotten a turnover in three weeks, I don’t know if I’ve gone three games in a row without causing a turnover.”
• A couple of those goal line plays should have been touchdowns, but there was one missed assignment on each play
• RR talks a bit about developing players and mentions that Michigan has some players that are developing
• Team has played poorly on the road and also at home – just can’t execute consistently
• On Tate: “There’s a difference between a 22 or 23 year old man and an 18 year old kid”
• RR didn’t think success would come quickly once he arrived in Ann Arbor and saw what he had
• RR saying that the coaches are doing everything they can to be successful with the team they have right now
• RR: “I am less patient than any of you and any of our fans, and we have great fans”
• Talks about fixing the defense and they are constantly reviewing where they have players to make sure they are in the right spots
• RR saying that some players have been tight and need to let loose
• RR will not take a more active role in the defense. He has said this before – because he places his confidence in Greg Robinson and the defensive coaches
• RR talks about when he yells at players – it’s always coaching and he often times yells even when he’s happy on the sideline. Doesn’t think that yelling at players makes them overthink things or play tight.
• RR says he has had to play way too many freshman over the past two years.
• RR on this weekend: “It’s more important to the program than anybody”

Not sure what players are stepping up to the podium quite yet, but I gotta run…will post the complete update later this evening.