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| Tuesday, August 13 Wolverines eye Rose Bowl return By Herb Gould Special to ESPN.com |
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Outlook: There's a lot to like here. Eight starters return from a defense that ranked 12th in the nation in total defense, and eighth in rushing defense. The offense lacks that kind of dominance, but abounds with athletes and has an experienced leader in quarterback John Navarre, who could be pushed by Spencer Brinton, a transfer from San Diego State.
One of the toughest schedules in the nation features two non-conference testers, Washington and Notre Dame, that will tell early whether the Wolverines, who always rank high on recruiting lists, have some new offensive stars who can step up. If runners such as Chris Perry and B.J. Askew and receivers such as Ron Bellamy emerge under new offensive coordinator Terry Malone, Michigan could be in for a big year. Key game: Ohio State, as usual. When the Wolverines travel to Columbus on Nov. 23, they won't merely be thinking about atoning for last year's loss to their archrivals, which cost them a piece of the Big Ten title and a BCS bowl berth. A Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl trip also are likely to be on the line. Keep an eye on: Running back Perry. He'll have an opportunity to shine. If Perry doesn't get the job done, David Underwood or fullback Askew could move into the spotlight. Michigan needs a ballcarrier to step up an complement what's likely to be a very stingy defense. It's a good year if. . . The Wolverines win the Big Ten and make a trip to Pasadena. Those lofty goals are within the Wolverines' reach this season. But the improvement of many traditional Big Ten also-rans, not to mention some traditional powers, will make the going difficult. Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times. |
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