RR Press Conference - OSU Week

Injuries:  RR is optimistic that Mike Martin should be able to return while Jeremy Gallon (shoulder) and Darryl Stonum (ankle) might play.   More tests will be conducted today. 

Ohio State is a loud venue but it's their good players that will be the biggest challenge

Dane Sanzenbacher is one of the best WR's in the country
Best pair of the corners in the Big Ten
We are not practicing this week to just show up on Saturday, If we can execute offensively and get some stops defensively, along with some breaks, we could get the win.

Practice will be a little earlier this week due to no school on Thursday and Friday.  We will have a team meal on Thursday.

The history and intensity of this rivalry makes this the best rivalry in sports.

The program has come a long way offensively (since last year against OSU) defense hasn't made the strides they had hoped.  The attitude and growth of younger players have all been positive. 

Jordan Kovacs has been the most consistent player on defense.

We have recruited on both sides of the ball, younger players are playing due to injuries on defense.  Most of these freshman would have been red shirted.   Find another D1 program that is playing 5-6 true freshman.

Michigan playing dirty? That is funny. 

Martin when is healthy is our most dominate defensive player we have.   We are a different team when he is healthy.


Steve Schilling:

• A win would mean a lot to this team and the other classes that haven't beat Ohio State.
• Doesn't feel like he is playing for his head coaches job.
• Played good football at times and need to put a complete game together.
• Different intensity this week, everyone beat up but want to leave it out there on Saturday.
• Heywood has the entire package and will be an NFL prospect
• It's still a big rivalry
• Deanrd is a guy that is always happy and a positive attitude.  Has fun playing football. 

Jordan Kovacs

• Been to a lot of Michigan - OSU games.  Blood always ran blue.
• Was in the stands when Michigan last beat the Buckeyes.
• Converted a couple of friends but he still does have some friends that are buckeye fans
• Become more comfortable with his role
• OSU offense is tough to stop with Pryor at QB
• Young guys have played well at times but look forward to their development
• Played against Dane in high school, makes big catches
• Have to play a flawless game on Saturday
• Go into every game confident

Craig Roh

• Trainers didn't clear Roh in the second half due to a head trauma, doesn't matter I will be playing on Saturday.
•  We are a developing defense and working hard to fix mistakes
• Goals are 6 3 and outs and 3 turnovers
• Will be exciting game
• Will be playing for each other - not for our head coaches job
• It would be a great win for Rich Rod and the team in general
• I love Rich Rod as a coach, always keeps a positive attitude

Ryan Van Bergen

• Charles Woodson with his rose in his mouth was the imagine that stuck in his head
• It would be important to end the streak, you never want seniors to leave the program with out beating Ohio State.
• When you come to Michigan, you will be look down on if you don't preform against Ohio State.
• Wish he could tell us, why they have started slow in big games. Need to motivate that guys to start playing on first series.
• If we can adjust the scheme, feels like we can compete on Saturday
• Feels like we are making big strides.  Feel good about being a contender next year. 

Mike Martin

• Spending a lot of time in the training room with his ankle
• The steak is tough, doing all we can to reverse it
• It's about us and playing for each other
• Does Michigan hate OSU?  It think they hate us and we hate them.  That is why each team plays so hard.
• It's tough playing through the ankle injury.  Just got to play through it.
• If you can't get motivated about this game, I don't know where your here
• We won't stand down. 
• They are going to play hard and there will be new plays. 
• There is a thing in the defense about a stuff animal.

Kevin Koger

• Doesn't remember 2003
• Felt right here over Ohio State in recruiting
• I could always do better, always room for improvement
• Need to protect the ball.  Can't afford the turnovers
• Execution and taking care of the ball
• Pay attention to detail
• When you grow up you want to play in this game
• Would like to be remembered to be stopping the streak
• This rivalry hasn't lost any luster
• OSU wanted him as a DE or TE
• Michigan was close to home and it just felt right

Denard spoke but I had to run to another meeting.............