Coaches Corner: Greg Robinson

What kind of challenges does Michigan present?
Their offense is more of a pro-style offense. They are well-balanced. They are effective running the football, but obviously, they have a group of wide receivers led by Braylon Edwards that are very formidable. It is surprising to see their quarterback operate the way he does, being a freshman. There offense will certainly challenge our defense.

What do you think of Chad Henne and his ability to play as a freshman?
If you watch his progress through the season, you have to realize that he was there for the spring season, because he is too far along in the way that he reads the field. He looks like a quarterback who is more experienced than a freshman. On top of that, he is talented and can make all the throws. I think the decisions he makes on where to throw the football are very good. He has been productive and has done a good job.

How has Michael Hart been able to be so effective?
He gets into the hole and then all of sudden, he comes out of them. We study film of him and you see a guy who isn't that big, but then you'll see a defensive guy bouncing off him. He does a great job of coming off the first hit and staying alive and then he has the ability to make some sharp cuts. He's got some skills that we are going to have to be tuned into.

How does the weather affect the way you play and prepare?
First off, I know it doesn't rain on Rose Bowl day. We'll just go out and practice. Being out in the rain will be good for us if it does rain on Saturday. Having to deal with the elements is part of football.

How has the focus been?
I need to compliment our team. The focus has been great and it isn't just because we are in the Rose Bowl, it hasn't changed since the spring. That is what these guys are all about. They have worked their tails off. You can go out there today and it will look the same as it did during winter conditioning. It is really impressive the way these young men approach the game of football.

How has your year gone being back in college football?
It has been more than I ever expected. I've been really glad to be a part of this program. These guys are special and I'm fortunate to work with them. I look forward to these guys going out on Saturday and playing their best. They continue to get better and better and it has been great to be a part of it.

How do you approach big games like this?
I think it is about preparation. I don't think we've had to do too many things to get these guys motivated, which I think makes it easier to prepare. I think it is going to be an exciting ball game because I know our guys are going to be getting after it.

What do you think about Texas being in the Rose Bowl?
As a young person growing up, I knew the history of the Rose Bowl before it was Pac-10 Big Ten. To me, it is kind of retro having Texas in the Rose Bowl and retro is kind of hot right now, so I think it is exciting for everybody. You have Texas and Michigan in the Rose Bowl. I think everybody in the country is excited to see this game and I think the people at the Rose Bowl feel that way.

How do you feel about the defensive line?
I really like the way our guys have developed. Our ends have continued to grow and get better. We have backups at defensive end that didn't play that position going into the season. They've developed. At tackle, we have some really good players who are talented, but the way they play the game makes them a special group. I think you have to give a lot of credit to Mike Tolleson and Dick Tomey, who coach the defensive line.