The biggest reason the Michigan Wolverines will be back in the hunt for a Big 10 title in 2006 is a healthy Mike Hart. Hart rushed for 1,455 yards as a true freshman to take the Big 10 by storm, but last season he was hampered by injuries and missed 4 games entirely. O yeah, and the Wolverines have Chad Henne who is one of the best passers in the Big 10 along with Iowas Drew Tate. However, with the loss of top receiver Jason Avant, Steve Breaston, who went into hiding last season, will have to step up and be the Wolverines big play guy. It will ultimately be up to new offensive coordinator Mike DeBord to come off with an offensive game plan which best features his players talents. Michigan will be the most successful this season when they are running the football. If DeBord gets too pass-happy the Wolverines will run into some problems. Michigans defense, which returns 8 starters, could give the Wolverines a leg up on the Buckeyes and other top challengers in the Big 10 this season as the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes both will count on new guys to fill defensive gaps, especially the Buckeyes who return just 2 defensive starters. Defensive end Lamarr Woodley is the best in the Big 10 at causing havoc in their opponents backfields. He led the Wolverines last season with 14 tackles for loss and 7 quarterback sacks. The Wolverines also boast the best defensive back in the league in cornerback Leon Hall who came up with 4 interceptions a season ago. He is one of 3 returning D-Backs which make up the most solid secondary in the Big 10 and should force teams such as the Iowa Hawkeyes to run the football. Michigan will get their first major test of the season in week 3 when they go to South Bend to take on the Fighting Irish. Well find out just how good their secondary really is against Heisman-favorite Brady Quinn and Charlie Weiss explosive offense. Michigan State and Iowa could both be tough games, but the Wolverines will have the luxury of playing their in-state rival and the Hawkeyes in Ann Arbor. They do have to go to Columbus to conclude the season in the Horseshoe. The Big 10 Championship will come down to this meeting. Although Ohio State is my favorite to take the Big 10 right now, with just a 7-5 record last season and a poor 5-3 conference showing by Michigan standards, the Wolverines have plenty to prove. Odds to win National Title: 20/1
Odds to win Big 10 Championship: 2/1
Over/Under win totals: Over 9 -125/Under 9 -105 |
