It's been a strange season for Michigan already this year, as the Wolverines looked dynamite in wins over Central Michigan and Notre Dame and then looked surprisingly vulnerable in wins over Akron and Connecticut.
Q: What effect do you think the bye week had, coming as it did after the close calls against Akron and UConn?
A: The coaches and players have all said it came at the perfect time. Over the first four weeks their fundamentals had begun to slip, caught in the grind of just preparing for a game and this allowed a rest button. That's natural with a young team, but they needed to be able to step back.
Q: Knowing Devin Gardner as you do, how do you think he'll respond with all the angst his turnovers have created?
A: Gardner is an interesting case because he's supremely confident, but late in the UConn game he stopped throwing the ball because it had gone so poorly throughout the game. He's still dangerous with his legs so he was still effective, but the coaches have worked on his mental and physical approach, citing his footwork and balance, if only to show him his mistakes were correctable.
Q: There aren't many nationally recognized names on Michigan's defense. What makes that unit so good?
A: Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison is simply one of the best teachers in the country. He's a perfect example of how much a coach can mean to a defense's attitude and focus. Without a dominant player -- their most effective defender, linebacker Jake Ryan has missed the first four games and also this game with a knee injury -- they've had to rely on filling their role. Mattison is also a very talented play caller and not afraid to mix up defenses and pressure.
