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'Experienced' RedHawks concerns Michigan coach
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
OXFORD — College football teams often get the jitters when they play at the 106,201-seat Michigan Stadium, more affectionately known as "The Big House."
University of Michigan first-year coach Rich Rodriguez hopes his Wolverines will stop being one of those jittery teams when they face the Miami RedHawks this weekend.
Rodriguez emphasized that he doesn't expect an easy game.
"You can tell they've been in some of the big arenas and played quality football," he said of the RedHawks, who are making their fifth trip to Michigan.
"They're a lot more experienced than we are," Rodriguez said. "The first-game jitters are out of the way, hopefully. We've got to get prepared to play each and every weekend at this level."
The Wolverines, who have only three starters returning on offense, lost their opener to Utah 25-23 last week.
"Our guys know we have to get back to work this week," Rodriguez said. "We can't afford to play poorly and (expect to) win against anybody.
"We've got a very veteran team (Miami) that's going to give us a tremendous shot this weekend and we've got to be ready," he said.
The Wolverines used two quarterbacks last week. Sophomore Nick Sheridan completed 11-of-19 passes for 98 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Red-shirt freshman Steven Threet was 8-for-19 for 69 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Rodriguez said he hasn't decided who will start against the RedHawks.
"Steve and Nick both had their moments in the last game," he said. "Steven probably graded a little higher, so he'll probably take more reps. The (previous) week Nick took a few more reps. Our plan is to get them both ready."
Rodriguez said he saw "some positive things" in their performances. "They were not overwhelmed by the atmosphere."
According to Miami coach Shane Montgomery, "If I had to say, it would probably be Steven Threet because he was more effective in last week's game."
No major injuries
Miami's luck is holding with respect to injuries.
"We didn't have anybody hurt in the game (Miami's 34-13 loss to Vanderbilt) who is going to lose any time," Montgomery said.
Running back Thomas Merriweather and defensive tackle Sean Redwine both sat out part of the opener due to cramps but were able to return to the field.
Kevin Koncelik, a red-shirt freshman and back-up guard, is week-to-week with a back injury which has kept him sidelined a couple weeks.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
