Photos via Mrs. MVictors up on the east side:
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Richard Eisen Hearts Hoke (Jim Rome – audio)
Eisen dropped the Richard (Rich is cleaner), but kept his Michigan Daily column tag for his blog Michigan grads the Sklar Brothers guest hosted Jim Rome’s radio show today and in the first hour they were joined by another Wolverine grad, the NFL Network’s Rich Eisen. They barely exchanged ‘Go Blues’ before Eisen and the Sklars launched into a three and a half minute Hoke-Borges-Mattison lovefest, enjoy: [display_podcast] Thanks for Matt for providing the clip.
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A Foundation of Puntness
During the 15 minute glimpse of warm-ups practice today, we learned one thing: Brady Hoke is minding the details. For most of the session open to the media, Hoke sat with the punters and watched… …and even demonstrated punting: I like this. I want a coach who is showing the punters how to punt. This reminds of one my favorite photos of Fielding Yost (something I don’t think I’ve mentioned here before). Per the Bentley Historical Library photo gallery of the Old Man, here’s Yost “Fielding Yost demonstrates proper way to catch a punt”: Follow MVictors on Twitter or MVictors Facebook Page
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A Nice Day for Football (Photos)
A few shots from practice today: Troy Woolfolk looking fit working with the DBs The boss was keeping a close eye on the kickers Open punting try-outs (not really) Denard grabbing the snap Denard hitting TE Steve Watson Related: Heading to the Third World Media/Fan Day – Photos Follow MVictors on Twitter
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Viva Michigan Helmet Stickers!?
Near the end of Wojo’s extensive Q&A with Coach Hoke was this exchange: Q. Many fans crave a return to old Michigan ways. You’ve talked about being tough in the trenches, having a pounding defense. What about the little traditions, like helmet stickers again? A. I don’t know about the helmet stickers yet. I’m gonna get some counsel from ex-players, from coach (Gary) Moeller, coach (Jerry) Hanlon. We are going to have captains, I can promise you. It’s a tradition many believe started with Woody Hayes and the Buckeyes in the late 1960s but thanks to the piece in Hail to the Victors 2010 by John Kryk (with Steve Sapardanis), we know that the tradition was actually started by Bo. Kryk described the scene in 1969 when Schembechler announced that the Wolverines would be placed stickers on their helmets after games: “Oh, like Woody?” a reporter asked. “Uh-uh.” Schembechler grinned triumphantly. “Woody got the idea from me.” Kryk goes on to trace the start back of the “big-play” stickers to 1965, Bo’s third season at Miami, OH (then still nicknamed the Redskins). They used little red tomahawks. Thanks to Sapardanis, here’s a breakdown of the Michigan helmet decals used to date: Count Sapardanis as one who would like to see the tradition return in fact he’s made a bold suggestion…
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Hoke, Denard at Crisler
More later on Hoke and his comments, but thought I’d share a couple quick photos. Here’s Hoke emerging from the Crisler tunnel, his first public appearance before the Michigan crowd. After people figured out who he was he got a very nice reception. Hoke did not speak at the game and sat courtside with Dave Brandon and his wife and daughter. This man was also there and the camera panned on him during the break – the crowd went nuts. When he heard the crowd roar and saw his face on the big screen, I saw him mouth, “Aww mann,” and break out that huge smile. Here he is finishing off ‘The Victors’ with authority. While fans certainly wanted these two ships to meet and hug, it didn’t happen. Hoke did chat with Governor Snyder for what it’s worth. I was kind of hoping Hoke and Coach Tweet (Barcari Alexander) would get to get together a shout at each other about how much they love Michigan.
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Hoke Hired: U-M Official Release
Via media relations: Hoke Named Michigan Football Coach ANN ARBOR – University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon announced today (Tuesday, Jan. 11) the hiring of Brady Hoke as the 19th coach in the 131-year history of Michigan football. Hoke arrives in Ann Arbor after spending the past eight seasons as a head coach at Ball State (2003-08) and San Diego State (2009-10). “We are pleased to announce the hiring of Brady,” said Brandon. “He is a terrific coach and will be a great ambassador and leader for our football program. We look forward to having him build a championship program on the field and in the classroom.” Hoke spent eight seasons in Ann Arbor before embarking on his head coaching career. He mentored the Wolverines defensive line all eight seasons, a group that helped Michigan rank annually among the nation’s best in rushing and total defense. Hoke coached three linemen to All-America honors during his tenure – William Carr (1996), Glen Steele (1997) and Rob Renes (1999) – and had five players earn first-team All-Big Ten accolades. A member of Michigan’s national championship staff in 1997, Hoke helped the defense lead the nation in rushing defense at 89 yards per game and 2.7 yards per carry. Michigan’s team posted a 5-3 record against Michigan State, Ohio State and in…
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Turning Minutes to Hours
I have no gut feeling on what’s going to happen—I’ve had people tell me before the bowl that Harbaugh was pretty much a done deal, and for a while I’ve had word that discussions with Hoke were very serious. Prior to the bowl, the needle seemed to sway toward Harbaugh leaving Stanford and heading to Michigan. Now, the chatter seems to be the other way, with even a few speculating that he might stay in Palo Alto. Several folks close to the program, like Sam Webb, say all the talk at this point in nonsense. It’s not about the money, at least when talking Michigan vs. the NFL as Brandon will pay what it takes. I see Harbaugh as the type who’s going to value the better situation for himself and the people in his life ahead of the bucks. Guys who tweet out Gordon Lightfoot lyrics (and mean it) don’t chase dollars: If I’m Harbaugh I absolutely leave Stanford—you’ve got to move now and who knows what will happen in the next couple years. And I’ve always understood when college coaches head to the pros. No matter what happens at that level there always seems to be a high profile gig waiting for them back in college. I think Harbaugh’s a different kind of cat, as many of…
