Takeaways from Sherrone Moore’s first post-suspension press conference

Michigan

Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore met with the media on Monday following the conclusion of his two-game suspension. Here is a recap of the key things he had to say.

• Moore started off by saying “it’s good to be back” and that the vibes and energy are high. Felt like they prepped and played well the last two weeks. He felt there were things after the first two weeks that they needed to do differently — running Bryce Underwood, perhaps? — and adapt to the players and people they have on the team.
• When asked about Rod Moore getting in the Nebraska game — his first game action since the National Championship — Sherrone said watching Rod go out there was “magical” and that Rod felt good physically after the game.
• Unprompted, Moore brought up freshman cornerback Jayden Sanders, who has started the last two games due to Zeke Berry being hurt. Moore said you “you don’t even notice him (giving up plays in coverage), but you notice him make plays.”
• Regarding Jaishawn Barham, Moore called him “a freak, a problem for other people, I’m glad it’s not our problem … he’s got the chance to be a first-round draft pick if he continues to play that way.” The coaches have been pushing him, and he’s been pushing himself to play up to his potential.
• When asked about Underwood’s ability to make checks before a play and be able to switch out of plays, Moore called him “mature beyond his years” — which has been said ad nauseam at this point — and that Underwood has taken ownership of what he needs to do on and off the field to be successful. Moore also noted that Chip Lindsey has done a good job coaching him up.
• On the passing game so far through four games and what is causing all the dropped passes, Moore noted it’s a consistency thing and that it will be a piece of emphasis during the bye week.
• When asked about the near-nine-minute drive in the fourth quarter, Moore said that drive was like waking up on Christmas morning seeing all the presents, and then seeing the last present and be as happy as can be. “That’s drudgery for the other team — they just gotta watch you do it.” He also said that drive proved the connection of the team. “I loved every moment of it, every minute of it … that’s team over me mentality.” He also gave credit to Lindsey for the play calling on the drive.
• On the areas of growth from the coaching staff, Moore thinks Lindsey has done a good job putting people in places to succeed, adjusting to the personnel, and being aggressive when it needs to be done. “When he gets into a rhythm, he’s really good.”
• Regarding what he wants to accomplish during the bye week, Moore said reevaluate and look at every position and make sure the best players are playing, give other guys opportunities to play, attack the fundamentals and technique, and get guys healthy.
• Moore gave “no comment” regarding the Hail Mary at the end of the first half against Nebraska. “I’ll just keep that to myself.”
• Moore said he doesn’t believe the team has had so many true freshmen playing this early in the season. Underwood, Sanders, edge rusher Nate Marshall and wide receiver Andrew Marsh have played in all four games so far and are one game away from officially burning their redshirt status, while several others have played in three games this year.
• Before his suspension, Moore devoted more individual time to the offensive line. His goal was to get them back to the fundamentals, “the little things” and play with that “nastiness and physical mentality” that is the standard at Michigan. “A lot of improvement.”
• When asked about running back Justice Haynes, Moore said that Haynes has exceeded expectations this year. “He’s been spectacular … and he works that way, it’s how he practices.”
• The offensive line was a big topic of discussion on Monday. Moore was asked about the unit again, and he pointed to two guys specifically as players that have stepped up — Nate Efobi and Jake Guarnera. “A lot of trust in both those guys.”
• The statement that was made after the Nebraska game: “We’re not going anywhere. We’re going to keep getting better and better with the young team we have … they’re not satisfied, and that’s huge to see.”
• Finally, the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Brandyn Hillman has been addressed. “It can’t be a yelling bantering because the kid played so hard, played so physical. He plays with emotion that you want, you just can’t be emotional. Those things you gotta eliminate, but I don’t want to take the fire out of him because he plays with the fire that you want.”