While Chuck Pagano lies in a hospital bed at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis in a battle for his life, the Michigan football coaching staff will offer every bit of support it can.

Pagano, the first-year head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia and has been hospitalized since Sept. 26.

Michigan coach Brady Hoke and his staff purchased 40 #chuckstrong T-shirts and will wear them to Michigan Stadium for the Wolverines matchup against Illinois on Saturday.

Several members of the staff have ties with Pagano and his family. Pagano worked for defensive coordinator Greg Mattison when Mattison was with the Baltimore Ravens.

Hoke and the members of the staff that came from San Diego State knew Paganos brother, John, a defensive coordinator with the San Diego Chargers, rather well.

Theres a strong relationship, Hoke said Wednesday. Hes one of ours. Hes our kind of guy. So we want to pay a little tribute to him and also for the cause.

Hoke said he made the decision to do the #chuckstrong tribute on Sunday night, which was the same evening Paganos Colts upset the Green Bay Packers, 30-27, in Indianapolis.

CHASE THE RABBIT: Nathan Scheelhaase is the kind of guy you have to keep an eye on.

The third-year Illinois starting quarterback is a dual threat in the backfield, with major speed to boot. As a result, Hoke has done something a little different to prepare the defense for Scheelhaase.

Ive always done it with defensive linemen we do a little at the end of practice, some chase the rabbit, we call it, Hoke said. Drills where you instill a mindset, a mentality, I think.

Link:
Notebook: Michigan coaching staff supports Chuck Pagano, tight ends get Wellmanized