Postgame Quotes: #25 Michigan 45, Eastern Michigan 17
9/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriguez
On the time of possession ... "Very frustrating because our offense, when we had the ball, we were in a rhythm to score, but we just couldn't have the ball very much. They controlled it and did a nice job. We finally got them off the field in the second half, and we got a few more possessions put together. It was good win, but a lot of teachable moments out there that we can get better from."
On Michigan's performance ... "It was spotty in all three phases. As coaches, we have to do our job in trying to get them in the right position and teach, particularly our young guys. Sometimes we forget they are freshmen. As coaches, we have to make sure that we remind them to keep things simple for them and not overload them with too many things and go back to basics."
On the running game ... "It was good. We had the intention of throwing a little bit more, but why would you when you don't have to? Obviously for us, if we can run the football, it gives our defense a little bit of a break. I thought our backs ran extremely hard, we blocked well up front, and I thought our blocking on the perimeter was very good as well."
On upcoming Big Ten Play ... "Our first goal each and every year is to compete for a Big Ten championship. Our first game is out in front of us now. We've got a very talented team (in Indiana) coming in. We've got to play a lot better. As coaches, we have to do a great job of getting our guys ready, and it's going to be a tremendous atmosphere again. It was a great atmosphere today. I'm sure our fans will be fired up for the Big Ten opener. I'm sure they'll be out in full force."
Eastern Michigan Head Coach Ron English
On the Michigan defense ... "Well, we thought we could run the ball. We think we have a good offensive line and good backs, and so we're always going to run the ball."
On staying in the game ... "I thought after the two stops at the start of the second half, defensively, it's still a seven-point ball game, so you've got to move that ball. Against that offense, [you can't] give them so many possessions. You just have to move that ball, and you certainly can't turn it over to them."
On the mood at halftime ... "We expect to win, we really do. I know people think that's hard to believe, but we expect to win every game. The mood was -- we have to do whatever it takes to win the game."
On Michigan's defense in the second half ... "I don't think there were any changes. I just think that we got in situation where we fell behind, and we had to throw the ball a little bit more. It took us out of our running game. We just felt that we needed to catch up, so we had to throw the ball a little bit more than we wanted to."
On returning to the Big House ... "It was a lot of fun for a long time. It was fun, and going into the fourth [quarter], I really thought we had a chance to win the game. It was a lot of fun for me, and I'm proud of the way we played for quite a while, but I was disappointed in the way we finished. We just have to learn that you can't turn the ball over against good teams, especially in their scoring zone. If you do that, you're going to lose games."
On emotions coming back to Michigan ... "Really, it was a day where I wanted to see our team continue to improve regardless of where we played. If we were somewhere else, I would have had the same feelings. Obviously after being here so long it was fun to be back in this stadium with this crowd and these fans. All the people here have always treated me well. Once the game started, it was about the game."
