| Rodriguez Michigan hope to rally into Rose Bowl

Rodriguez,-Michigan-hope-to-rally-into-Rose-Bowl ANN ARBOR, Mich. -Michigan is still holding out hope it can smell the roses.




Theres still a chance we could go to the Rose Bowl, linebacker Stevie Brown said Monday. If we can win out, I still think we can.




The Wolverines would have to upset No. 13 Penn State Saturday at the Big House to maintain their slim hopes for a trip to Pasadena, Calif. They would have to get some help because theyre tied for seventh in the conference.




Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez doesnt mind his players talking about lofty goals as long as they focus on getting better each day.




I dont think our guys are sitting around looking five weeks ahead, hopefully not even four days ahead, Rodriguez said. If I sensed their concentration was not in the moment, was further ahead, Id rein them in.




I dont think they wake up thinking about the Rose Bowl or anything further than today, at least I hope not.




The Nittany Lions should give Michigan enough to focus on this week and Rodriguez expects his team to be ready.




Our guys will be juiced up to play because they understand the importance of it, they understand the intensity we have to play with, Rodriguez said. Not that we didnt have it last weekend, but they know its got to be a little different level now.




Michigan had what was essentially a working bye on Saturday at home. The Wolverines beat Delaware State 63-6 while resting their starters, including quarterback Tate Forcier, for most of the game and holding out banged-up running backs Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown.




The win, though, moved the Wolverines within a victory of qualifying for a bowl.




College footballs winningest program wasnt close to being eligible for the postseason last year. Michigan lost a school-record nine games and failed to become bowl-eligible for the first time in three-plus decades.




Brown finished his freshman season at the 2007 Rose Bowl and insisted he didnt take it for granted.




But we havent been back since, Brown said. I really want to get back.




Michigan expects center David Molk to play against Penn State. Molk, who is perhaps the teams best offensive lineman, has missed four games with a broken foot.




It would be a big boost, guard Steve Schilling said. - | Rodriguez Michigan hope to rally into Rose Bowl |