Mike Hart did not attend Michigan’s pre-bowl press conference today. Neither did Coach Lloyd Carr. That only meant we couldn’t hear, from the horse’s mouth, the latest update on Mike’s recovering high ankle sprain.

In his absense, we did receive a small update from today’s presser. Other players attending essentially repeated what Carr stated a few week’s back: Mike Hart will definitely play in the Capital One Bowl vs. Florida. The Ann Arbor News reports that Mike has been looking good in practices. Not surprised.

More good news: QB Chad Henne reveals that he is recovering well and notes that he feels his strength returning.

In particular, this little nugget from Jake Long, should ease our minds:

“I think everybody’s feeling healthy and doing well. You can tell this rest definitely helped us all out because we’re having faster, harder, more intense practices.”

The team will leave for Orlando on Tuesday, Christmas Day. In addition the warmer climate, the players are probably looking forward to their $400 Best Buy Gift Certificates. The Wolverines and Gators will redeem them in privacy, as the store will open early to accomodate them.