After narrowly avoiding two massive upsets in successive weeks, Michigan is using their bye week to get back to basics. Brady Hoke was relaxed throughout Tuesday's press conference, and stressed the importance of technique, focus, and intensity in Michigan's more recent practices.
"Fundamentals, sound technique, going back to sound technique...the focus was very good." Hoke said of today's practice.
Hoke was asked about potential changes to personnel, and stressed that while there won't be anything major, "We'll work different guys in and out...offensively we'll do that a little bit." Hoke said that the positions most likely to see rotation are the offensive line's front three, where he'll see if anyone has an impressive week of practice before making a decision.
"[We have] great competition - if a guy has a great practice, a great couple of days, we could move him up." Hoke said.
Hoke confirmed that it's unlikely Jake Ryan will play in Michigan's Big 10 opener against Minnesota on October 5th.
Hoke was asked whether he thinks this is a good time for Michigan's bye week to come along. "I think this is a good time. We're four games in...I think this is a good week for us - good time to look at personnel...see where we're at."
Hoke was also asked if the practices would include increased physicality because of having the weekend off. "We're going to be physical, we're going to be competitive...but at the same time, I think it's also an opportunity to play guys as many plays as they would in a normal week."
After this weekend off, Michigan takes on Minnesota in their homecoming matchup on October 5th.
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