Tom Dienhart, Rivals, wrote a preview of Michigan and ranked them 46th overall in the nation.
OFFENSE
THE SCHEME: “Coach Rich Rodriguez is the modern-day pioneer of the run-heavy version of the spread offense…. The attack has worked at every stop since.. there's no reason to think it won't start humming now as he further blends personnel with scheme.”
STAR POWER: “Senior RB Brandon Minor looks primed to be one of the Big Ten's top backs this fall. (He) is an explosive combination of size and speed who can run inside and outside.”
IMPACT NEWCOMER: “True freshman QB Tate Forcier graduated high school early (and has) impressed coaches as a runner and passer in the spring. He'll be pushed by fellow true freshman Denard Robinson, a terrific athlete who.. is built for this attack. Rodriguez loves the promise of both, but worries about their youth and inexperience.”
WATCH FOR HIM TO EMERGE: “Offensive coordinator Calvin Magee.. knows a good tight end when he sees one. (He) thinks highly of sophomore Kevin Koger.”
STRONGEST AREA: “Rodriguez's attacks at West Virginia never featured deep receiving corps, but look for him to take advantage of the talent on hand. The group will be led by senior Greg Mathews and sophomores Martavious Odoms and Darryl Stonum. If the quarterbacks can deliver, these guys are ready.”
BIGGEST PROBLEM: “The line needs to step up. The unit struggled last season when adapting to new blocking schemes and techniques.”
OVERALL GRADE: C
DEFENSE
THE SCHEME: “Michigan scored a coup by landing former Syracuse coach Greg Robinson.. Look for him to employ a lot of 3-4 sets. It's all about scheming and playing to the strengths of the personnel, which includes a load of speedy athletes in the back seven (or eight). A hybrid linebacker/safety spot has been incorporated”
STAR POWER: “Senior E Brandon Graham is a pass-rushing demon (10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss last year). Graham's presence will create opportunities for others, as opposing lines will needs to make sure they know where he is.”
IMPACT NEWCOMER: “Mike Martin is slated to start at nose tackle, but don't be shocked if massive true freshman William Campbell ends up playing a big role. Campbell (6-5/330) enrolled early and impressed during spring drills with his strength and quickness.”
William Campbell Interview
WATCH FOR HIM TO EMERGE: “Now is the time for sophomore E Ryan Van Bergen. He should benefit from the attention that Graham will draw on the other side. Van Bergen is an underrated athlete who plays like his hair is on fire.”
STRONGEST AREA: “The linebacking corps should be one of the Big Ten's best. The leaders are Obi Ezeh and Jonas Mouton. Keep an eye on Stevie Brown. He will occupy the "spinner" spot, a hybrid linebacker/safety. Brown will cover slot receivers and tight ends while also supporting the run. Ezeh, who has lost weight and is quicker, has to be a productive leader after battling inconsistency last season.”
BIGGEST PROBLEM: “While Graham is an undeniable star up front, he'll be surrounded by youngsters who have a lot to prove. That's a major reason the Wolverines likely often will employ a three-man front.”
OVERALL GRADE: B-
SPECIAL TEAMS
“Zoltan Mesko may be the top punter in the nation. He averaged 43 yards per boot in 2008 and combines power and finesse. K.C. Lopata is gone, so keep an eye on the kicking situation. Junior Bryan Wright will get first crack; he hasn't attempted a college field goal but has been the kickoff specialist. Odoms has skills as a kickoff and punt return man. There are a plethora of athletes to cover kicks.”
OVERALL GRADE: B
COACHING
“Rodriguez remains one of college football's top coaches, a true innovator who has reshaped offenses nationally. Like many, he was blindsided by last season's struggles. But he feels the personnel is adapting. His cause is helped by a strong staff headed by Magee and Robinson. A real secret to Rodriguez's success is strength coach Mike Barwis, who is getting the roster in line from a conditioning standpoint.”
Definitely a uptick compared to other analysts. Phil Steele ranked Michigan’s Coaching Staff 6th in the Conference.
OVERALL GRADE: A
SCHEDULE
“Things set up for a fast start with four consecutive home games to open the season…. We'll learn all we need to know about the Wolverines when they play consecutive Big Ten road games at Michigan State and Iowa in early October. Lose both, and getting to a bowl may be difficult.”
OVERALL OUTLOOK
“Rodriguez knew there would be some struggles during his debut season in Ann Arbor.. An offense that ranked 109th nationally received much of the blame; there were no quarterbacks equipped to run Rodriguez's spread-option offense. The only thing fans could count on was turnovers, and Michigan committed 30 – with many of them unforced. The defense also gets its share of the blame, as chemistry, stopping the pass and getting off the field on third downs were the main culprits. But Rodriguez has tweaked his staff, turned the page and further ingrained his system. His goal: contending for the Big Ten title. Don't bet against him if a quarterback emerges and the defense buys into Robinson's schemes.”
Go Back to: '09 Preview and Predictions