TAMPA - Steve Spurrier and Brady Hoke sat down together in the obligatory joint coaches press conference this morning, and it wasn't tense or awkward. But then again, the South Carolina coach and the Michigan coach weren't buying each other Bloody Marys at 9 in the morning, either.
But the typically guarded-in-his-game-plan Hoke said this much - that Devin Gardner will start at quarterback Tuesday in the Outback Bowl against the Gamecocks, with Denard Robinson doing some spot duty behind center, as well. Spurrier clarified his quarterback situation prior to Hoke explaining his, so maybe being next to Spurrier brought out something in Hoke, or maybe he made a New Year's resolution to be a little more forthcoming ... or maybe not.
The question mark now for the Wolverines is their tailback situation - translation: they have no proven tailbacks. Thomas Rawls, Vincent Smith and Justice Hayes have combined for 413 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 carries and will rotate at tailback depending on different game situations.
Hoke won't name a starter at tailback.
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A few more notes from Tampa-St. Pete ...
Spurrier said this morning that the Gamecocks haven't had any "distractions," and then nodded to Hoke and said, "I haven't heard where you've had to send anyone home." Knock on wood.
The Michigan football Twitter account - @umichfootball - posted photos of several players being carried off the field after the Wolverines' final practice of the 2012 season. However, it was not as "Rudy" as I thought it would be.
La Teresita in Tampa makes killer Cuban food. I can't believe I ate the whole thing ... and the plantation chips, either.
And finally, here's to a safe New Year's Eve and to a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2013.
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