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Hoke Says Team Excited For Penn State Game, Handling Season's Struggles Well

By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak

CBS DETROIT - Michigan head coach Brady Hoke said the Wolverines have looked good leading up to this weekend's home game against Penn State.

"We're excited," Hoke told Stoney, Bill and Sara of 97.1 The Ticket. "We're excited to play the first historic Big Ten night game in Michigan Stadium.

"I think we've had a great week of practice on both sides of the ball," Hoke added. "They've got great plans on both sides, and now we've just got to finish the preparation and execute it and have fun on Saturday night."

This season the Wolverines have had to navigate a number of twists and turns that qualify as less than fun. Between four losses, a national scandal sparked by Michigan's handling of a concussion suffered by quarterback Shane Morris, and the fallout from a Coca-Cola promotion in which Michigan-Minnesota tickets were given away with the purchase of $3 worth of pop, Michigan has taken an unusual amount of criticism this season.

Following the situation with Morris, some fans called for the jobs of Hoke and athletic director Dave Brandon.

Hoke has never wavered under the pressure, however, saying he has to focus on coaching the team, not worrying about his job status.

"There's been a ton of positives that have come the team's way and our way and personally," Hoke said. "Number one, I've got the greatest coach's wife in the history of college football ... We've got great family support ... and just people in general, friends and all that.

"Our kids have worked their tails off, and they keep working their tails off," Hoke continued. "I think they will on Saturday night come out and play with a great attitude and a great demeanor, and we look forward to it."

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