Player Comments from<br>Weekly U-M Football Media Luncheon

Senior/Junior Center David Brandt

On playing Michigan State ... "It is Michigan State. To me, it's a huge game, being an in-state person. I've looked forward to this game every year. I made my first start against them two years ago. I really enjoy playing these guys."

On Michigan State's advantage playing at home this weekend ... "You've got the fans when you have home-field advantage. They say it is the 12th person on the field, but you just have to work through that week and get ready for that."

On the importance of depth at running back ... "You don't want one guy always getting the ball because you never know, if he goes down you have to have a backup. Having Walter Cross out there and B.J. Askew, who is a great runner too, is a great feeling. You know that if something does happen to Anthony (Thomas), which would be unfortunate, we have someone who can go out there an fill his place."

Senior Nose Tackle Rob Renes

On both teams coming into the matchup 5-0 ... "You throw out the records. You throw out the past matchups because it is such a big intrastate game. This year, because we're both 5-0, there is the extra added incentive. Whoever wins is still in the hunt for the Big Ten title and the national title. I think they are probably looking at it the same way we are. This is one game in our schedule, there are going to be more games to play, but this is definitely going to be a must-win game. Both want to accomplish the goals they set out for."

On the pressure of playing Michigan State ... "I expect State to come out like every team we play and give it their best shot. They've trained hard, they're training hard. They expect to come out and play well and they will play well. As long as we go out there and play as well as we trained for this weekend, to the best of our ability and don't have a bunch of mental and physical errors, we can walk out of there with our heads high."

On the preparedness of the Michigan defense ... "We feel very confident, regardless of the offensive scheme, in whatever we are going to face, that we can adjust as long as we have 11 guys on the field understanding what their job is on that given play. We feel that we can get the job done. Our coaches do a great job of preparing us throughout the week of understanding the looks that we are going to get and the sorts of situations that we are going to be in. At that point in the game the coaches can't be running out making adjustments for us. We have to take it upon ourselves to stay tight and even if there is a mistake, to regroup after that."

Senior/Junior Placekicker Jeff Del Verne

On his brother Jim, who played for Michigan State ... "Hopefully, he handles it well. I think he's secretly a Michigan fan. I caught him with a (Michigan) coat on the other day. I think when I'm not around he puts on Michigan stuff and runs around the house."

On how his performance is affected by the crowd ... "I like kicking in a hostile environment a little bit better so you can't hear the opposing defensive players breathing heavy while coming to block your kick. It seems so quiet in Michigan Stadium that you can hear them coming up when you are going to kick the ball. But I'll kick anywhere. Just give me a ball and I'm happy."

On the most memorable Michigan-Michigan State game ... "1997 was pretty big. There was a lot of hoopla around that game. That's the last one I can really remember for me being a really huge game. I think every year it's going to be as big as it has ever been because it's such a big rivalry."

Senior/Junior Defensive Lineman Eric Wilson

On Saturday's game at Michigan State ... "It's going to be a big game. There's a lot of excitement going on. Both teams are 5-0."

On Michigan State's offense ... "I think this game is more balanced than the other ones were, coming from the option to smashmouth football back to passing and now it's more of a balanced game."

Junior/Sophomore Tight End Shawn Thompson

On the Michigan State game ... "Growing up in Michigan, my whole life I've grown up in this rivalry. I know the excitement. I understand it's going to be a big game. I'm just proud and honored to take a part in it."

On Michigan's passing offense ... "We've got great receivers and Tommy (Brady) and Drew (Henson) are playing great right now and I think our passing is one of our strong points right now."

Junior Defensive Lineman Jake Frysinger

On the Michigan State game ... "This is what you look forward to when you come here, Michigan-Michigan State battle undefeated. It should be a big game. We're looking forward to it."

"This is part of the Big Ten race and national championship race. There's a lot at stake in this game."

On Michigan's defense ... "I think the most important thing about this year's defense is the camaraderie. I've been playing football since I was eight years old and this is the best team chemistry I've ever felt in my whole life. Everybody on the team is friends."

On the defense's ability to adjust to different offensive attacks ... "The coaches always have a great game plan for us. It makes it a lot easier when you know what to expect. When you have a good game plan, it's easy to adjust to what you see on the field."

Senior Linebacker Ian Gold

On the Michigan State game ... "This is truly the hardest hitting game I play every year. What more could you ask for out of a big game"

On Michigan State quarterback Bill Burke ... "He's a really smart quarterback. He reads his wide receivers well and he reads defenses well. He reads coverages well. He's also a really tough guy. He knows when and when not to leave the pocket. He can hurt you either scrambling or passing the football, so you have to be ready for both of them."

Contact: David Ablauf, Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423