The big story in the college football world is certainly what’s happening over at State College, PA in Penn State.

Here in Ann Arbor, Michigan fans are looking towards their own head coach and team for their perspective on the horrible situation engulfing the Penn State football program.

During his news conference today, head coach Brady Hoke opened his statements by addressing the situation…

“The one thing I can tell you is I have the utmost respect for everything coach Paterno has done on the field,” Hoke said. “It’s a situation that’s, obviously, unfortunate. It’s one that doesn’t affect us. We’ve got to worry about Michigan and the decisions we make getting ready for this week, going to Illinois and winning the football game.”

According to Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press, Hoke refused any further comments regarding the Penn State matter.

In addition to Hoke, players from the Michigan football team commented on the situation.

U-M guard Patrick Omameh was asked for his thoughts about Paterno’s departure and said, “It’s something that’s been talked about all over the place and in the news” but U-M’s focus remains on Illinois. As for what Penn State will be like without Paterno, he said, “That’s going to be the reality now.”

Co-captain Mike Martin noted that Paterno’s name is on the Big Ten championship trophy, along with former University of Chicago coach Amos Alonzo Stagg.

“That says it all, how much he’s given to college football,” Martin said. “But I haven’t given (his departure) much thought. Just focused on our task at hand.”

Ref: Detroit Free Press, theblockm (image)