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Updated: August 18, 5:51 PM ET Wolverines look poised for title run By Herb Gould Special to ESPN.com |
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Michigan Wolverines
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Coach: Lloyd Carr (76-23, 9th season) 2002 Overall record: 10-3 Conference record: 6-2 Returning starters Offense: 7, Defense: 6, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Chris Perry* (1,110 yds) Passing: John Navarre* (2,905 yds) Receiving: Braylon Edwards* (1,073 yds) Tackles: Victor Hobson (99) Sacks: Victor Hobson and Shantee Orr (6 each) Interceptions: Marlin Jackson* (3) Outlook: The Wolverines shape up as the chief threat to Ohio State, but they have issues. Senior quarterback John Navarre, who has had his ups and downs, appears ready to step up after a solid junior season. Junior wide receiver Braylon Edwards, the latest in a line of talented Michigan wideouts, figures to be Navarre's favorite target. The running game is not imposing, but should be competent behind another strong Wolverine offensive line. The defense remains talented despite the loss of five starters. But gifted junior cornerback Marlin Jackson, one of the nation's top defenders, ran into trouble with the law over the summer and would be a big loss. Ohio State is considered the Big Ten frontrunner, but the Buckeyes have even more distractions than Michigan. And the Wolverines' schedule sets up well. They don't play Penn State or Wisconsin, and their likely toughest games, including the season-ender against Ohio State, will be played in Ann Arbor. Keep an eye on: Senior running back Chris Perry. Like Navarre, he has not been the dominant skill player the Michigan program is expected to produce. But if Navarre gets the passing game going, holes could open up for Perry. Key game: Ohio State. It's a rare year when this game doesn't have Big Ten championship implications. That pattern is likely to continue this fall. It's a good year if. . .: The Wolverines win the Big Ten. They haven't won the title outright since their 1997 national championship season, which was also their last Pasadena trip. The loaded Buckeyes are a big hurdle to clear, but at Michigan, successful seasons include a victory over Ohio State. Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times.
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