Michigan Football: Rich Rodriguez's Monday Press Conference Notes

Rich Rodriguez

• Denard is OK and passed his tests; he will start on Saturday.
• Teric Jones is out with an ACL.
• Mouton is a bit banged up.
• We tackled OK, not great.  We didn't get off blocks.  We missed some open field tackles.
• They haven't talked about the No. 1 it seems Roy likes No. 12
• Didn't sleep very well on Saturday night, keep replaying the OT's in his head.
• Was happy a defensive play won the game.
• The two-point play was a rub route.  Don't want to say a pick route. Sent seven players on the blitz.
• Q Washington is sticking with D line; he could move back but is doing well right now.
• The key to blitzing is to not always show what they are doing. 
• Two interceptions: first one was a good play by the DB the second was a misread on the route. 
• There are countdown clocks in practice, alarms go off and the coaches run in the building before the four-hour deadline. 
• Courtney Avery played well, didn't show he was nervous, get Troy and JT back and you got a lot of guys with experience.
• You worry about kids with a loss when they are outside of practice and might lose confidence. 
• Nine freshmen on the two-deep on defense.  He has never been in this position even at a small college, the next couple year and developing, they could be pretty good back that.
• There has been some negative recruiting and people say things that are not true.  If you really love the program you are not going to bash the university.

 
Ryan Van Bergen

• Team is excited to get that sixth win, feeling confident and have a lot of emotion going into next week.  Weight is off our shoulders.
• Want to improve Big Ten record and a better bowl game.
• I was exhausted.  Glad to get a win.
• Michigan ran the same defensive play the first time they called the two-point conversion.
• Excited as a defensive to play Purdue.  We played well after turnover and field position.  Felt we made some tremendous strides last week.
• There were three holding calls on Ryan rushing the passer.   Craig played better at DE.
• The offense always has to account when Mike is in the game.
• Defense will get better as the freshman get more experience. 
• Need to disguise our coverages a bit.  Better tackling and getting turnovers and fumbles.
• Been working on third down and Illinois was 6-for-16.
• Kicked field goals in high school and could make an extra point for sure.  Long of 46 yards in high school.

Patrick Omemeh 

• Heart stopped a few times watching that last play.
• The win is a good emotional push.
• Denard does everything fast.  He even talks fast.
• Will is a big strong guy, making progress at guard.  He can help us down the road.
• It's a good feeling going to a bowl game, something you expect from this team. 
• The team was aware the investigation was wrapped up and we were confident in the coaches and were glad to hear it was in our favor.

Roy Roundtree

• Didn't know he had broken a record until after the game.  It amazed me that I had so many yards. 
• He had a similar game in high school. 
• Didn't sink in until Sunday talking to his cousin. 
• If we play like we play on offense, I don't think anyone can stop us.
• Really don't see a difference in the huddle between Denard and Tate. 
• When Denard went out, he said "stay focus and tell Tate to keep rolling."
• Going to get ready for Purdue.  Every team is going to talk trash.
• Committed to Purdue and when RR was a West Virginia, I told him I wasn't going to WV.  Then when he visited Michigan, he loved it.   
• Was 158 coming to Michigan. Now 178, wants to be 185 or 190.
• Got faster in the offseason and will get even faster.
• Jr. is a great player.
• Feels he has to work for the No. 1 jersey and you have to earn it.  Yes, I want it.
• Was on a knee praying (during the last play).
• Don't want to ask for it (No. 1) and hope they give it to him.  A goal is to get some more wins.

Darryl Stonum

• Happy to get sixth win, now it's time to get to a better bowl.
• Guys got emotional after the game.  Happy to send the seniors out with a bowl game.
• Just want to go where it's warm.
• Can't hear Denard, you have to look at the signal.  Mostly with his mouthpiece in.
• Molk kept saying we have 60 minutes to play
• Keep your spirits and head up during a game like that.   
• Roy works hard in the weight room.
• Thought his sideline grab was a good catch.