Hoke said last year that one of the things he really enjoyed about his team.

Was that the like each other. He said he has been on and around teams that play together and play well together, but Team 132 really liked each other.

That can make a difference in being an OK team to a good team to a great team. I've been with a lot of different units during my 20 years in the Marine Corps, and there were units that we all just did our jobs, and there were units where we all liked each other. When you like the person next to you, you will go above and beyond to protect their back.

Anyway, this story made me think that they continue to like each other. Congrats to the 7 young men on their scholarships.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120829/SPORTS0201/208290475/1131/sports0201/-room-went-crazy-seven-walk-ons-awarded-Michigan-scholarships

FGB--- that whole scenario is yet one more reason I'm so glad the man is at our program's helm. And yes, I mean instead of Harbaugh.

After all, JH was one of the least-popular players (among his teammates) in the NFL. And his "baggage" has been well-publicized. As has Les Miles'.

Anyone who disagrees with coach Hoke---or you---and instead maintains that "liking teammates/coworkers/company mates is not important to success" really needs to get a reality check. Unless, of course, they happen to be winter lighthouse keepers in Antarctica.

I think that we can all admit that we were wrong on the hire. Some wanted Miles (I never really did but I would have accepted him if he came), others wanted Harbaugh (yep, that was me), but if neither of those two came I actually wanted Peterson. I heard the Hoke name flutter around and I firmly stated that I did not want Hoke. Well, I can admit when I'm wrong and yes I was majorly wrong on this one. I'm glad I was too, I'm also glad that Coach Hoke came to Michigan.

2nd, I don't want to sound like a know it all, but I was on the Hoke bandwagon the day that Lloyd announced his retirement. He had just brought Ball State to the Big House and scared the bejezus out of UM.

Then they announced RR, which I never saw coming, but was excited, as he had dominated the Big East and had a perrenial NC contender at WVU. Well, we know how that worked out.

I then was on the Hoke or Harbaugh. Either one, I thought, would be great. Never thought of Miles as a good fit, or a great coach.

I was cautiously optimistic about Hoke. I was worried about his lack of experience, especially at a big program. That said I thought it said a lot that he made weak programs good. The more he talked the more excited I got and then of course last years success was the icing on the cake.

Let's face it Harbaugh would have been ok too. He did take the niners from like 3 wins to the NFC championship game in one year. The guy can coach.

Some, obviously you, had a feeling about Coach Hoke. I didn't, my bad. I bow to your superior Michigan Football knowledge on this one. I never claimed to be all knowing about Michigan Football.

That is just one of many reasons why I got out of Mid-Michigan. People knew that I went to Michigan and thought that I should know everything. I will say that I know an awful lot but I DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING. There are many areas where I don't know anything, I've never claimed that I knew it all. I guess that's one reason why I like Ann Arbor so much. I've got a Masters degree from Michigan, so what, everyone else does too (if not a Doctorate). I'm nothing special, no pressure. I fit in and I love it.

2ndComingOfBo wrote:

Some, obviously you, had a feeling about Coach Hoke. I didn't, my bad. I bow to your superior Michigan Football knowledge on this one. I never claimed to be all knowing about Michigan Football.

That is just one of many reasons why I got out of Mid-Michigan. People knew that I went to Michigan and thought that I should know everything. I will say that I know an awful lot but I DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING. There are many areas where I don't know anything, I've never claimed that I knew it all. I guess that's one reason why I like Ann Arbor so much. I've got a Masters degree from Michigan, so what, everyone else does too (if not a Doctorate). I'm nothing special, no pressure. I fit in and I love it.

I'm not as smart as I think I am. I just follow a lot of college football. I love the sport and will watch any team in any game. Because of that, I knew a little about Hoke. I just liked him. I never thought he would go 11-2 in his first year. But, now he has set the bar, can he maintain it?

As for Harbaugh, I think he would have been a tremendous coach at UM, but he's a guy that would always have had his eye on the NFL. IMHO. He just seems too competative to not want to see what he could do in the NFL, and then to look at his brother's success and not want to one up him.

fishgoblue22 wrote:

I'm not as smart as I think I am. I just follow a lot of college football. I love the sport and will watch any team in any game. Because of that, I knew a little about Hoke. I just liked him. I never thought he would go 11-2 in his first year. But, now he has set the bar, can he maintain it?

As for Harbaugh, I think he would have been a tremendous coach at UM, but he's a guy that would always have had his eye on the NFL. IMHO. He just seems too competative to not want to see what he could do in the NFL, and then to look at his brother's success and not want to one up him.

I almost want to compare Harbaugh to Saban. Both did well in the college game and then went to the NFL, however Saban tanked in the Pro's and then went back to college because, IMHO, he had more power and a greater influence on young lives. Jimmah seems to be doing well in the NFL, but after he wins a Super Bowl he "might" want to go back to the college game. Assume that is in 10-15 years, Coach Hoke "might" want to retire at that point. Just an idea....