Skinny - Oh how one season can take a prideful program downhill. Yes, Michigan is just regrouping after a drastic change in tradition. Out is giving the number 1 jersey to the star receiver, in is the spread offense. The problem for Rich Rodriguez in his first season was the quarterbacks he had in the cupboard. Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan both weren't suited to run his system efficiently. It tooks Rodriguez awhile to figure out Brandon Minor was his best option at running back too. The defense performed way under expectations and was the reason Michigan played so awful and lost to Toledo. The learning curve and adjustment to the system is still going to be taking place this season, but Tate Forcier, the true freshman quarterback, should immediately take the reigns after coming in for the spring. Forcier and Minor will solidify two unstable positions last season. Greg Mathews and Martavious Odoms provide solid support at the receiver position and the offensive line will be much better. Michigan is still a year or two from competeting in the Big Ten, but they shouldn't be quite as bad as last season and should match their win total from last season in the non-conference slate.
Strength - Offensive Line
Stephen Schilling leads one of the best offensive lines in the Big Ten and if Justin Boren wouldn't have transferred, Michigan would have two All-Big Ten first teamers going into the season. 4.5 starters return to a unit that had to adjust to blocking for a spread based attack last season. Mark Ortmann, Schilling, David Molk, and David Moosman all return as starters and Perry Dorrestein started a few games before facing injury last season. With a definitive number 1 at running back this season, the offensive line will have better cohesion with the running game and the quarterback situtation, despite having a true freshman, should see an immediate upgrade and pass blocking should be easier for a more dual-threat quarterback in Forcier.
Weakness - Lack of star power
Michigan is a solid team across the board units wise, but no unit stands out as a superhuman unit. Michigan has good players; Schilling, Minor, and Brandon Graham are all All Big Ten players, but the team is just solid. Mathews and Odoms are good at receiver, Minor is solid at running back, but none of the offensive players are the breakaway threats that Rich Rodriguez was famous for at West Virginia. There is no Steve Slaton, Noel Devine, or Pat White on the team. There's also no tough grit player like an Owen Schmidt. Michigan needs playmakers to be competing for titles again not a bunch of role players. Role players complement playmakers, not displace them.
Key Game - 11/14/09 at Wisconsin
This is a very winnable game for the Wolverines despite having to play in a very difficult climate. Michigan should go 3-1 in non-conference play with a chance at 4-0 just because Michigan always plays Notre Dame tough despite the talent on the teams. Indiana, Purdue, and Wisconsin present three winnable games in the Big Ten and Michigan could return to a bowl game. Michigan can compete with anyone as they were beating Penn State for a good portion of the game last season. Stealing a game at Michigan State, Iowa, or Illinois will be tough however, so winning 6 would be a good goal for the Wolverines. 7 or 8 is probably the highest this team can go, but winning in Madison is a must for postseason play.
Key Player - Tate Forcier
Forcier's family lineage isn't too great in terms of success. Both his brothers Jason and Chris were recruited for division 1 football, but it didn't work out for either of them and usually the Forcier name is heard in terms of failure (see Furman letter) rather than living up to the expectations. Tate hopes to change that as he is the best of the bunch and is already being given the reigns to the position at Michigan. His competition isn't too much and he is more of a dual threat than the rest of the quarterbacks in competition. He has a solid supporting cast and the adjustment will be made easier with lightened expectations at Michigan.
Impact Freshman - Tate Forcier
Predicted Big Ten finish - 8th
Top 5 Players
1. OL Stephen Schilling
2. DE Brandon Graham
3. RB Brandon Minor
4. LB Obi Ezeh
5. LB Jonas Mouton
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