Kickin’ it with Kitch: Michigan State

Editor’s note: Kelly Kitchel, a native of Walton, Ind., was an offensive lineman for the Boilermakers from 1998-2002 playing on the Boilermakers’ Rose Bowl team. Look for weekly blogs from Kitch throughout the season.

Another week another hot topic… Many have asked the question, “what was the deal with Coach Hope and Coach Rodriguez after the game?”

In my opinion there are three things that came out of the situation. 1) I don’t believe that the situation warranted Rodriguez speaking out in the post-game press conference before question was even asked about it. 2) It appears to me that Rodriguez is feeling some serious pressure and was trying to deflect the loss and sidetrack the media to talk something other than the possibility of Michigan missing a bowl game for the second strait season. 3) Lastly, Danny Hope put forth an example of how he will go to bat for his players no matter what.

I also believe what is said between coaches should stay between coaches unless the media overhears the conversation and questions arise. There may have been some video of this incident, but not enough for anyone to make a definitive statement.

To me, Rodriguez’s reaction might have as much to do with Michigan being on the verge of missing the post season for the second year in a row. That is not acceptable for the winningest program in the history of college football. So what does Rodriguez say to the media when questions come up? (Sniff, sniff) “Danny Hope said some mean things to me after the game and wasn’t very nice after they beat us.”

Grow up and be a man Rich. Don’t act like a baby and come in to the press conference and TELL on Hope for not, at you perceived, being gracious.

When Rodriquez was at WVU I kind of liked him as a coach and I thought he was a winner. Now all I see is a whiner. I really hope, at least at some point, that the Michigan media and fans sees through his games.

To those fans that are upset with the situation and how Coach Hope handled it, I want to ask you a question. Who do you want Hope to be loyal to? Other Big Ten coaches or his players?

My answer: I want my coach to go to bat for me no matter what. From my observation, Danny Hope has the respect from every guy on his team. They would all run through a wall for him, and this is yet another example of him standing up for his guys.

How do you NOT want him on your side?

I sometimes wonder what good does it do to be nice other coaches? I guarantee if you ask anyone on this Purdue team to lay down in front of a truck for Danny Hope, they would.

I also know at Purdue, and at other places, that this has not always been the case for former coaches.

Kitchel is part of Lafayette’s Sports Guys on ESPN 1450AM. He can be heard two hours before every Purdue game and for two hours after every game as part of their Post Game Call-In show. You can rant or rave about the the Boilers by calling 765-447-0414 after the game. E-mail Kitch at kellykitchel@espn1450am.com.

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