Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Michigan Tuesday: The Goal is Indy in 2011

During Hoke's first press conference it was clear that beating Michigan's rivals and winning the Big Ten Championship was the top priority for this program.  But was is the priority for next year?  Rebuilding right?
Nope.

Brady Hoke sat down with Detroit News columnist Bob Wojnowski.   Bob asks a number of questions, like what's his favorite food and book, repairing the Michigan Nation, all the questions you would expect.  The one question (and follow up) that I thought was valuable was: 

Q. You have 18 starters back next year, including the Big Ten offensive player of the year. I'm thinking an 8-4 record, minimum. What do you think?
A. If we don't win the championship, we failed, period.

Q. Have you looked at your roster closely and assessed how good you could or couldn't be?
A. No. If we don't win the championship, we failed.


Q. So I suppose it's possible then?
A. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't.

A question you might be considering is: Do we really think that is possible?  It's possible but not probable.  What I really like to hear is the goal is in the right place.  We are not talking about a winning season or a bowl game.  We are talking about the goal being a Big Ten Championship and playing in Indy in December.

  • The worst kept secret is the hiring of Jerry Montgomery to coach the DL and Curt Mallory to coach the DB's was made official on Monday.    Both are good coaches, but I'm the most excited about the hiring of Jerry who is a young guy and can develop guys like Big Will, Richard Ash, and Terry Talbott.   Many coaches will tell you, all good teams start with the offensive and defensive lines.  Michigan is looking great on the O-Line and the D-line (outside of Martin) needs work.

  • 2012 Ohio DE Ifeadi Odenigbo got offered by Michigan yesterday.  He is 6'4 and 210 pounds and was ranked #24 on the State of Ohio rankings.   He seems like a good student and has offers from Stanford, BC, Northwestern, and many other Big Ten Schools.  He has not been offered by OSU yet. 

  •  Here is another Michigan 2012 defensive hot list.  I am a big fan of the name of Trotwood, Ohio safety Bam Bradley.   Michigan has 3 players currently on the roster from Trotwood.