Steve “Dr. Sap” Sapardanis is back this season with his weekly postgame helmet stickers. Sap would do a backflip if coach Hoke decided to reinstate this tradition that Bo brought to the team in 1969. Until that day comes, Sap will bring you his game Champions who will be decorated, albeit virtually, with his helmet stickers. I’ll typically toss in the Fan Award and the Editor’s Choice: OFFENSIVE CHAMPION DOUG NUSSMEIER – Yes, it was great to see Devin Gardner look so good throwing the ball. Yes, it was great to see #1 catching touchdown passes (again). Yes, it was great to see Derrick Green and De’Veon Smith run with some authority and confidence. But in my mind, ALL of this starts with the OC. Coach Nuss got the offense started on the right foot and for that he gets a decal for that offensive performance. May not have been tremendously complex, sophisticated or flashy, but it was simple, effective and confidence-boosting and that is exactly what Team 135 needed to start the season. DEFENSIVE CHAMPION GREG MATTISON – The defense just seemed and looked ready to me, today. Believe me I get it – this was Appalachian State 2014, not the 2007 version of the Mountaineers – but the defense was not lost out there. Maybe it has something…
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Greg Mattison–Sugar Bowl Press Conference
Via Sugar Bowl media relations: (File photo) THE MODERATOR: We’re joined by Michigan Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison. Opening comments? COACH MATTISON: First of all, I can tell you on behalf of the Michigan football program we’re really honored and proud to be here. This is a tremendous Bowl. And I know you couldn’t tell by looking at me but I have been in a lot of Bowl games, and the Sugar Bowl is one that I haven’t been in, and it’s really a great Bowl. The people down here have been tremendous, and I know our players would echo that. You can tell by how they’ve acted and how they responded, and they really have enjoyed themselves down here. THE MODERATOR: Questions? Q. Asking about the novelty of facing an ACC team. These conferences don’t tend to get together during the regular season. You guys like the fact that it is a novelty game going against the Hokies? COACH MATTISON: I don’t know if I would look at it as the Big Ten versus the ACC. I think it’s more Michigan having the opportunity to play a team like Virginia Tech. You know, Virginia Tech has a great tradition. They have had tremendous success. And you can see why they have been so good. And it’s going to be a…
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Coach Mattison’s Ring (with Audio)
The media met with Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison at midday today. My favorite portion was near the end, when someone cool asked him about why he wears his ‘M’ championship ring, then he talked about the Big Ten championship game & finally Angelique asked him about Denard. Clip: [display_podcast] _ * Photos from yesterday’s practice. And speaking of photos, one guy that Mattison likes (but admits he’s got a ways to go) is Cam Gordon. From yesterday’s practice: