Michigan-OSU: Even if he leaves, Brady Hoke optimistic about Wolverines future

In the aftermath of Michigan’s discouraging 42-28 season-ending loss to Ohio State (11-1, 8-0), head coach Brady Hoke was unwilling to talk specifics about his future, but was quick to speak about his team’s.

When asked if Michigan would be better in 2015, he answered “I know it is,” Hoke said during his post-game press conference. “Because of the youth that we have on our football team; 56 guys are on our two-deep and 50 of them are coming back. When we were 11-2, we had 15 fifth-year seniors. We had three this year.”

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While it might be some time before Hoke is given his post-season evaluation by interim athletic director, Jim Hackett, the rumors about Hoke’s possible replacement will continue.

Plenty of candidates

It’s common knowledge that Jim Harbaugh (NFL 49ers), his brother John (NFL Ravens) and Les Miles (LSU) are the front runners, with names like Greg Schiano (ex-Rutgers, ex-NFL Bucs), Gary Patterson (TCU), Pat Narduzzi (MSU DC), Jim Tressel (ex-OSU), Scot Loeffler (Va Tech OC), Jim Herrmann ( NFL Giants LB), Chuck Heater (Marshall DC) and Mike Trgovac (NFL Packers DL) being tossed around. An intriguing choice would be Arkansas’ HC Bret Bielema who could bring athletic director John Long with him.

Of course, Nebraska is now part of the mix since its head coach, Bo Pelini, was fired earlier today ( Nov. 30).

Whoever takes the job—or if Hoke’s allowed to stay)—the nucleus will be strong. “There’s a lot to be said when you look at the maturity of your team experience-wise,” Hoke added. “We’ve got a lot of guys who have a lot of experience.”

Expect the return from the injury list of RB Derrick Green and nickelback Jabrill Peppers.

Here’s a look at how the 2015 starting lineup might appear:

OFFENSE

Nov 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) waits for the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes to end at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 42-28. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

WR Drake Harris SO

WR Amara Darboh JR

SL Freddy Canteen SO

TE Jake Butt JR

LT Mason Cole SO

LG Graham Glasgow SR

C Jack Miller SR

RG Kyle Kalis JR

RT Ben Braden JR

RB Ty Isaac RSSO

QB Wilton Speight RSFR

DEFENSE

NT Brian Mone JR

DT Willie Henry SR

SDE Taco Charlton JR

WDE Lawrence Marshall RSFR

SAM James Ross III JR

MIKE Joe Bolden JR

WILL Ben Gedeon JR

FSCB Jabrill Peppers SO

BSCB Jourdan Lewis JR

FS Jeremy Clark JR

SS Jerrod Wilson SR

NIC Blake Countess SR

Of course this lineup was written in pencil, but look at all the familiar faces. A few recruits and redshirts will slightly change the look, but Michigan will be deep and experienced.

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