Michigan Preview

Many college football analysts, magazines and fans alike are very interested in the situation going on in Ann Arbor this season. Michigan, the university with the most wins in college football history is not making news on how high they may finish, but how low.

Many predict Michigan to finish in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten this year, maybe 5th or 6th. Sports Illustrated even went as far as to predict that the Wolverines would finish 8th with a 5-7 overall record. Im not buying it. I too am thinking that Michigan will be down a bit this season...but to not even make a bowl? I say Michigan will drop, but can still come through with 7 or 8 wins, and here is my reasoning behind it.

All the focus has been put on the fact Michigan doesn't have a running quarterback. This is true but Rich Rodriguez has also ran successful offenses with throwing quarterbacks. The biggest example of this is when he coached Shaun King at Tulane and allowed him to be drafted into the NFL as a passer, not a runner.

Michigan also has too much talent to not make a Bowl game. The talent surrounding the Michigan quarterback, most likely Steven Threet consists of dozens of blue chip prospects such as top recievers Greg Matthews, Daryl Stonum and Toney Clemons. A very talented backfield with Carlos Brown, Brandon Minor and true freshman Sam McGuffie and Michael Shaw. Look for McGuffie and Shaw to play plenty right away, being used in Reggie Bush type situations getting out in the open field and allowing their athletic ability to take over.

The defense is going to be tough this year with guys like Brandon Graham and Terrance Taylor applying the pressure up front. Linbackers Obi Ezeh and Jonus Mouton being able to cover sideline to sideline. And maybe one of the best defensive backfields in a while at Michigan with Donovan Warren, Morgan Trent, Boubacar Cissoko and Stevie Brown.

On top of all the talent, Michigan also has a different, more aggresive philosophy on how to use this top talent. I believe gone are the days of laying back hoping the talent will come through. Here are the days of aggressive play, making sure the top talent not only comes through, but dominates.