Mallett hasn't made decision
Is highly touted freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett, a traditional dropback passer, a fit for new University of Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez's spread offense?
It's a question that has preoccupied Michigan fans since Rodriguez was hired and led to speculation that Ryan Mallett could consider transferring.
Retiring Michigan coach Lloyd Carr seemed to indicate that's certainly a possibility.
"I have had some conversations with Ryan and his family and it's really a decision, it's a career decision for him," Carr said at Wednesday's Bowl-A-Palooza FanFest, the first official Capital One Bowl event, which was also attended by opponent Florida and Champs Sports Bowl participants Michigan State and Boston College.
Ryan Mallett appeared in 11 games this season as senior Chad Henne struggled with injuries and completed 61 passes in 141 attempts for 892 yards and 14 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
The best way to know whether Ryan Mallett fits with Rodriguez, Carr suggested, is for the quarterback to simply ask some hard questions of the new coach.
"I will support whatever he decides," Carr said. "Sometimes a guy gets caught in a coaching change that really changes things significantly. What I advised Ryan to do when coach Rodriguez was named was to sit down and talk with him, don't read all that's out there. You have a conversation with him, and then you'll know exactly what your feelings are.
"Those decisions are based on what he (Rodriguez) has to say and that way you can make a good decision. That's really been my advice to him, and that's exactly what Ryan has done."
Ryan Mallett was non-committal Wednesday.
"It gets old when people keep asking me about it," the quarterback told the Detroit Free Press, implying the potential exit of quarterback coach Scot Loeffler could be a factor in his decision.
"He recruited me and everything, so it's kind of important, but we're going to see how it plays out."
Just another exit
Carr continued to deflect talk that his retirement is a major storyline of the week, pointing out that exits are ultimately a part of every college season.
"There's always a lot of guys playing their last game, even that can be a distraction," the Michigan coach said. "What we're trying to focus on is an outstanding Florida team, and there really is not much room for anything else if you're going to play your best.
"So, as coaches, we're trying to focus and do the best job we can to prepare this team."
Santa, baby
Playing football at Michigan almost always means a New Year's Day bowl game, which - at least in recent years under Carr - has meant leaving Ann Arbor a few days prior to Christmas for practice at the bowl site.
This year, however, the Wolverines' coaches, support staff and many players enjoyed Christmas morning at home, since the team charter did not leave until Tuesday night.
Carr expects construction of a new indoor practice facility will give Rodriguez the option of leaving late in the future.
"When we get our indoor building, that will never be an issue," Carr said. "These guys have not been home for Christmas, ever. The majority of our players would prefer to do this."
Shuffling centers
Senior guard Adam Kraus and sophomore center Justin Boren flipped positions mid-season, but will both get work at center this week as Michigan evaluates its options at the position.
"We are working it both ways," Carr said. "What I would like to do is move Adam back to left guard and play Justin at center, but we will have to see."
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