Michigan Player Quotes

RB Jordan Marshall - ReliaQuest Bowl MVP

On how the ReliaQuest Bowl win sets the team up for next year
"It's a big set-up for next year. You can see with our two big wins. Alabama was supposed to be in the playoffs, this and that, but we came out here and showed everybody that we're a team to be reckoned with and next year."

On how it sets up for you personally.
"I'm just excited to lead my team next year and be a leader, and be a captain and just help everybody. That's the biggest thing for me."

On the team's performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl
"Coach Casula said all week that it didn't matter who's playing in the game, it matters how we play the game. I took that full stride as we were going to come out here and we're going to hit somebody in the mouth. That's just how we play football. I love that about Coach Casula, about our staff, and that's not going to change. We're going to keep running the ball. When you know it's a run, it's a run. We're going to run that thing, and I'm just excited."

On introducing himself to Michigan fans with an MVP performance
"I was just excited to get out there and play ball. That's what I've wanted all year. I've been waiting, I've been waiting my turn. I've taken things from Kalel and Donovan's game. When my name gets called I just want to be the most prepared and there's no dropoff. Again, that's the biggest thing. I got a rep in the Ohio State game, there's no dropoff in that room. Everybody's the same and everybody can go out there and execute plays."

On winning ReliaQuest Bowl MVP
"Coach Alford told me before the game, he was like, 'You're going to win MVP of this game.' It's just kind of that mental thing. I like to take a long shower before games, the day before, and just think, prepare, picture myself making plays, picture myself running down the field and picture myself winning MVP. No matter what, you want to play like the MVP, and play like the MVP in your heart."

FB/TE Max Bredeson

On the way the team finished the season
"Nothing really changed on the inside just but what the program is built on is kind of instilled in us. The day you get there it doesn't matter what situation you are in, you just got to go. Some things happen along the way, we lost games, but that's what we are built on."

On whether the rain fueled the team early
"It started raining at the beginning and we love that, that's Michigan Football."

On what made them successful today and against Ohio State
"Yeah, just play Michigan football. If we can play a game on our terms, things go well just because of the nature or style of play. So, whenever we get to play our type of game, then things happen."

On how much the defense played into today's victory
"A lot. That's something we've built on. They're especially going to be able to do that big part. Lot of those guys are coming back next year just talking about what they accomplished out there. Yeah, obviously a win a win is a win, but just being able to see what we really can do, it means a lot. Just being able to go show what you can do and prove it to yourself means a lot."

On the importance of a great culture this season
"Yeah, even more. Sometimes it gets tested, sometimes you really feel kind of bend and it goes right to back what it was, but that's how important culture is and that's when you really find out what it's about."

EDGE Derek Moore

On whether the rain affected play
"I think the rain really affected their play. I got to get on the ball as best as I can and just cover this ball up. For the offense to get back on the field."

On the pressure Michigan's defense applied to Jalen Milroe
"I don't think he wanted to throw the ball enough. They have great receivers, they've got a great quarterback, they've got a great O-line. I think they wanted to figure out the deep ball in our secondary, but our secondary did too good, so we found ways to get after it."

On playing without a few key players in the lineup
"Preparing for this whole game, all we heard this entire game was we didn't have those guys playing. No matter who we got and who we don't have we can always continue to be hungry and show the world we want it more."

On whether this was his best game in a Michigan uniform
"I would say so but, when you are out there with three first rounders, they take all the sacks and make a difference when it comes to getting to the quarterback. I feel my time will shine and I just must continue to be patient, and I will be where I want to be."

DB Wesley Walker

On whether finishing with two big wins changes the tenure of the season
"I wouldn't say it changes it. I know the Ohio State game is so big with the rivalry and stuff, but I think it goes to show when we are playing on all cylinders, we are a real fun team to watch and a real hard team to beat."

On Derek Moore's impact on the game
"All season he has been getting so close to getting sacks. He has been funneling it back to other guys, but some other guys get there before him and the coaches always told him it comes in bunches."

On the excitement heading into the game and how it changes the course for next season
"Just that we ended the season in the right trajectory, the next season comes with a lot of momentum. I won't be here, but it is always go blue, there is a lot to do with how we finished the season."

On the younger players stepping in for Mason and Cade
"It is hard to replace Mason and Cade for sure. I didn't notice a lot of open gaps and open runs, so I know they are down there doing their job. I haven't watched the film, but I felt protected in the run game, and everything was good for me."