Gordon says Team 133 is focused on Roses

Michigan junior safety Thomas Gordon says the team can “still smell roses” as they go through their bye week and prepare for Purdue and Big Ten play.

With its bye week upon them, Michigan is looking to build off a strong defensive effort at Notre Dame. And while the Wolverines (2-2) don’t have an opponent tomorrow, the focus of the team is on Purdue and winning a Big Ten title moving forward.

“Oh yeah definitely, we are trying to get some rest,” junior safety Thomas Gordon said on Tuesday. “We get to get our heads on straight. We know we can still smell roses at the end of the season. That’s our focus and that’s what we are trying to get to.”

Gordon, who had six tackles and a interception in last week’s disappointing loss to the Fighting Irish, said the extra week of practice will help the team prepare for the Boilermakers.

“I think it is all about how you prepare that week going into the game,” Gordon said. “We get a good start right now for Purdue. And now that we have a bye week. It’s all about preparation. You play how you practice. That’s what coach (Greg) Mattsion tells us. We’ve got to practice hard and we’re going to play hard.”

Michigan coach Brady Hoke made a statement regarding the Wolverines chances of winning the Big Ten title at Tuesday’s press conference, “I think nothing has changed…I like our team.”

While the Michigan headman wouldn’t predict a Big Ten title, he did say he likes the moral of the team going forward.

“I like the attitude of our football team,” Hoke said. “We start the Big Ten season. The expectation is to always win Big Ten championships. I like our kids frame and where they are at mentally.”

The Maize & Blue open their Big Ten season on the road at Purdue next Saturday, Oct. 6.

Gordon said the non-conference losses are behind them.

“We are very optimistic going into the Big Ten season,” Gordon exclaimed. “It’s kind of like a fresh start. Even though we are two and two, we know where we still can go. The team has high spirits right now. And we are working towards that goal of the Big Ten title.

“When team 132 left a foundation like that, we have high expectations to live up to. We already lost two games, but that still doesn’t define our season. We still haven’t lost any Big Ten games.

“That’s our focus—not to lose any Big Ten games.”