Hoke On Anger Of Michigan Fans: 'We're Not Real Happy Either'
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - When Michigan head coach Brady Hoke joined Stoney, Bill and Sara of 97.1 The Ticket a week ago, Hoke said Michigan's true fans would continue to support the struggling program, which in recent years has fallen far from its lofty pinnacle.
Thursday, Hoke backed off that statement a little bit, saying he agreed it is acceptable for fans to voice disappointment about their team.
"The comment was a little misquoted, obviously," Hoke said. "We've got great fans. Look, our kids were disappointed, we all in Schembechler Hall were disappointed, they're disappointed, and I get it. We get it, but we've got great fans. The majority of our people have been unbelievable with the responses that they've given back to this team.
"We're fortunate," Hoke added. "We're lucky to have the people that we have who love Michigan football."
In the wake of the Wolverines falling, 31-0, to Notre Dame on the road, Hoke dismissed concerns about the Big House not filling up for Saturday's game against Miami (Ohio).
"Well, we've got great fans, and you know that, and we play in the greatest stadium in the country, and you know that also, so I think our fans will support our kids and we'll have a great crowd," Hoke said. "They bring so much energy. Appalachian State, the energy from the students and just the whole crowd was something that ... our guys appreciate and they love."
Confronted with the suggestion that fans are angry about the state of the program following the loss to Notre Dame - the first shutout of Michigan since 1984 - Hoke noted that those emotions would put fans in the same boat as those people in the program.
"Well, you know what, we're not real happy either, so I think we share the same sentiments," Hoke said, "and fortunately we have another opportunity this weekend."