I think it is certainly one of the better defensive teams in the country. |
I think it starts - we always start in the state of Michigan. And we did not recruit a large number of guys from this state this year. It already is apparent that next year will be a very good year in this state. We start here, but I think our coaches did a great job. I was in 16 states in 15 days in January, and so we were spread out, and yet I think we've got an outstanding class. |
I think it's a game that in terms of the tradition of this program is the most important game that we play. I think for any team playing in it, it's a big game. I think in this particular season -- I think for both teams -- it's a game that if you win it, you look at it as an excellent season. If you lose it, it's probably a disappointing season. |
I think it's a great plus. Any time you can put two or three guys in there that have different types of abilities, I think it creates issues for the defense. |
I think one of the things that's important in maintaining the tradition of college football is making sure every game of the regular season means something, and the bowl tradition is something we should never give up. But if there is a way of going to a one-game playoff after the bowls, that's something that should maybe happen as we go forward here. |
I think they have great balance, and any time you have great balance, it's a much more difficult challenge to defend. Pittman has had an outstanding year; over 1,100 yards in ten games. I think he's tough, has great vision, finds the hole, and of course he's surrounded by a lot of good people. When you're complimented and you have the balance to both run and throw, then it opens everything up. |
I think we all understand that a running game allows you to control the game. When we were able to run the football, that allows you to protect your defense and it allows you to do a lot of things that help you to win. We were very, very average running the football. And I think that always comes back to haunt you. I can guarantee you this spring that becomes an area that we must improve in, and we will. |
I think we learned that he's durable. When you carry the ball, particularly in your third game as a true freshman, 25 times, I think it says a lot of things. |
I thought Chad did some great things in there. That last touchdown, it was a great drive. He scrambled for significant yardage and on the touchdown; he did some very good things. |
I thought he missed some open receivers. I thought he had five balls dropped. |
I thought our team, despite some of the things we were challenged with, fought back and played through some adversity, and I'm proud of this football team. I think the thing I've been impressed with is how we've competed. |
I thought Ross Ryan had a wonderful debut here. I think he's one of those guys that really is a weapon. And imagine a punter running down the field 40 yards or so and recovering a fumble. Ross Ryan is a competitive guy. |
I thought the second half we did some very good things. The turnovers were really monumental, there's no question about that. |
I told him before he got on that I was worried about him -- but I was only joking. Then, when I heard he fell off, I wasn't surprised. He tried to explain to me what happened. That's something none of us will forget. |
I told you so. |