Football
Big Ten Countdown - Number 1, Michigan
By Tony Gerdeman

Predicted Finish 11-1 (7-1)

Two-Cent Overview

There has been so much hype about the Wolverines' offense that you would think Jimmy Clausen was the quarterback. The big names on offense return and Michigan can put as much skill on the field as any team in the country. As far as the defense is concerned, it's a good thing Michigan can put so much offense on the field, because they may need it. However, those people expecting Michigan's defense to resemble Purdue's will be disappointed. There are still good players on the field who have been waiting their turn to play.

Schedule
Sept. 1 Appalachian State (W)
Sept. 8 Oregon (W)
Sept. 15 Notre Dame (W)
Sept. 22 Penn State (W)
Sept. 29 at Northwestern (W)
Oct. 6 Eastern Michigan (W)
Oct. 13 Purdue (W)
Oct. 20 at Illinois (W)
Oct. 27 Minnesota (W)
Nov. 3 at Michigan State (W)
Nov. 10 at Wisconsin (L)
Nov. 17 Ohio State (W)

Goal

National Championship. And not one of those cheap "half-championships", we're talking a real national championship.

Five Questions Looking For Answers

1. Will the playcalling allow the offense to be as explosive as everybody apparently thinks it should be?
2. Will a third playmaker at wide receiver emerge?
3. Is there any pass rushing on this defensive line?
4. How much will this defense be hurt by the loss of middle linebacker David Harris?
5. Will the Wolverines be able to put two quality cornerbacks on the field at the same time?

Something To Look For

Different starting lineups for the first few weeks. There are still quite a few jobs up for grabs and they probably won't be solidified until a few weeks in. The two biggest battles going on right now are John Thompson and Obi Ezeh at middle linebacker and a three-headed monster at kicker. Adding to that, is the fact that right guard Alex Mitchell is out for a bit with an injury, so the team you see early on may not be the same team you see on November 17.

Returning Starters

Seven on offense, five on defense and the punter.

Best Player

Wide receiver Mario Manningham. This may be a controversial pick, but Manningham is the most dynamic player on the team and since the defense will be concentrating so much on running back Michael Hart, Manningham becomes even more dangerous. Manningham is one of the few primary weapons for Michigan that can score from anywhere on the field. Defenses will always choose to stop Michigan's run first, leaving Manningham basically a free reign in the secondary.

Second Best Player

Running back Mike Hart. Everybody knows the numbers associated with Hart. Numbers that few running backs at Michigan have produced. That's right, 0-6 against Ohio State and in bowl games. Of course he's not entirely responsible for that, but don't think that that number isn't going to drive him and his teammates this year. Mike Hart is an extremely determined player, so it may be safe to expect Hart's best year ever in 2007.

Best Chance For a Big Loss

Ohio State. Again, with the best teams in the conference, there will be no statistically "big" losses, but another loss to the Buckeyes would be every other type of big you can come up with.

Most Important Game

Ohio State. This game is why Jake Long, Chad Henne and Michael Hart came back. (That, and draft position.)

Best Road Game To Pack Up The Family Truckster And Travel To

at Wisconsin. Do you ever look at your life and think to yourself that you just don't get things thrown at you as much as you'd like? If that's you, then Madison is the dream vacation you've always wanted.

Best Reason They Won't Be Undefeated

The secondary. Last year's secondary, which was a sore spot all year last year, lost its best player in cornerback Leon Hall. They replace him this year with Johnny Sears. The staff says he's made some nice strides, but those were probably the same nice strides Morgan Trent made from 2005 to 2006. Strong safety Jamar Adams is back, and he's probably the best player in the secondary, but he still has coverage issues. The new free safety will be Stevie Brown. Brown has been deemed the fastest safety Michigan has had in years. This, of course, means he runs a 4.65.

Best Reason They Will Be Undefeated

Head coach Lloyd Carr. The rumors are out and about that this could be Lloyd Carr's last season at Michigan. If it is, you can bet it will be used as a motivational factor when the time comes.

Game They Shouldn't Lose, But Could

at Michigan State. This isn't your John L. Father's Michigan State team anymore. No more spelunking without a head lamp for the Spartans. They now have a real semblance of direction and focus. And their focus is on Michigan. Mark Dantonio will have the Spartans extremely ready for the Wolverines.

Game On The Schedule That Would Make Bret Bielema Jealous

Notre Dame. If Bielema could schedule a series with Notre Dame, the trophy would probably be something like the "Cheddar Shillelagh".

Player People Are Expecting Too Much From

Strong safety Jamar Adams. Adams was a second-team All Big Ten player last season, so it's not unreasonable to expect him to maybe advance to first-team this year. But he's only one man. The linebacking corps has been decimated and the loss of middle linebacker David Harris will be felt all year long. Adams will be stretched very thin with all of the responsibilities in the run game and passing game. There will be more plays he'll have to make against the run, simply because Harris is gone. And the passing game...everybody knows the issues there. Adams is a very good player, but he is ONLY one player.

Player People Will Be Pleasantly Surprised By

Running back Brandon Minor. If Brandon Minor was the starting running back for the Wolverines this season, you could plug him in for 1,400 yards--provided he stayed healthy. It's been a while since Michigan has had a gamebreaker at running back like Minor. Since the Wolverines are pretty thin at running back this year, it will be necessary for Minor to give Hart plenty of rest. And he will definitely have some success in the time the coaches give him.

Best Newcomer

Right tackle Stephen Schilling. Schilling is essentially a redshirt freshman, and he is currently Michigan's starting right tackle. After sitting out last season, Schilling has improved constantly and his attitude and work ethic are fueled by his hunger to be the starter this season. It has paid off because everybody has said Schilling has gotten stronger and has vastly improved his footwork and his technique. Get used to seeing him for the next four years.

Something They Do Well

Keep the ball. The Wolverines led the Big Ten in time of possession last season and the only reason to believe that that may change this year is because they'll score a little quicker than they did last year. However, offensive coordinator Mike DeBord is about as freewheeling as an agoraphobic turtle, so while the quick-strike offense may seem like a neat idea, don't get your hopes up.

Something They Don't Do So Well

Finish the season with consecutive wins. The Wolverines haven't finished with a win over Ohio State and a bowl win since the 2000 season.

What's Improved?

Skill at wide receiver. Yes, Steve Breaston is gone, but he will be replaced pretty easily in the offense. The Wolverines will run a lot of three receiver sets, and with Manningham, Adrian Arrington and Greg Mathews, they have three extremely reliable weapons. Arrington is deadly down the field and is a terrific complement to Manningham. Mathews will be everywhere as well. Along with these three are freshmen Toney Clemons and Junior Hemingway, who have passed up various upperclassmen and are both in the two-deep. Lloyd Carr likes what both have done this summer and expects them to see action early and often.

What's Gotten Worse?

Place-kicking. Garrett Rivas is gone and replacing him isn't going to be easy. Seriously. Right now, the Wolverines look to be splitting kicking duties with Jason Gingell manning the field goal kicking job and Bryan Wright handling kickoffs. K.C. Lopata is also in the running for both jobs. You know the saying about "if you have two quarterbacks, you don't have one"? What if you have three kickers?

Anything Else We Should Know About?

The defensive ends. You can probably include Shawn Crable in this group at times as well. Crable is proven and you know what you're going to get, and no, it's not just going to be helmet-to-helmet shots that cost you games. Starting defensive end Tim Jamison is also proven, even though he's been a backup for two seasons. Last year he had five sacks in part-time duty. Double-digit sacks aren't out of the question this season. The unknown quantity here is Brandon Graham. Graham has moved down from linebacker and by all accounts, he is going to be very good. If Crable doesn't play much defensive end, it will be because Graham has given the Wolverines the luxury of keeping Crable at the strongside linebacker spot.

Anything Else?

The cornerbacks. This will be a target of ridicule until Johnny Sears and Morgan Trent prove themselves. Brandon Harrison will also be in the mix, as will a couple of freshmen. The sketchy situation at cornerback cannot be stressed enough. If Sears and Trent don't step up, Michigan loses at least two games.

One Prediction

Defensive end Tim Jamison will lead the Big Ten in sacks.

Did you know (Media Guide factoid)

In the 1920's, Fielding H. Yost envisioned a stadium that would seat between 100,000 and 150,000 people. But some believed a stadium that large would "injure the University academically, socially and intellectually." And "the increased interest would become a detriment to the community as it would overshadow academic and scholastic honors." And no, Jim Harbaugh was not one of those worriers.

Coach Speak

What Lloyd Carr says about the kickers: "The place-kicking has been very competitive. They have all done a good job. I think we have three guys who are very close, so that will necessitate a call here. We'll have confidence in whoever we choose."

What Lloyd Carr means about the kickers: "The place-kicking has been very competitive. They have all done a good job. I think we have three guys who are very close, so that will necessitate a call here. In fact, I've actually placed a call to the soccer team, looking for better options."

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