Michigan Not Back Yet, but Taking Some Positive Steps

2008 was tough for Michigan fans. Any time a team goes 3-9, that makes for a long year.

To be fair, most fans expected Michigan to take a step back. After all, they did totally rebuild the look of Michigan. Guys like Jake Long, Chad Henne, Mike Hart, Mario Manningham, etc. all went to the NFL.

So not only did Michigan implement an entire new system, but they also had new players as well. If Michigan were a web site in 2008, it would say "under construction."

Now looking forward to 2009, I think it still says "under construction." However, fans will begin to see the results of the construction.

The good thing is the schedule starts soft, but does get tougher midway through the year. After going through the schedule, I predict seven wins and a return to a bowl game. The bowl I pick is a surprise.

Now I am going through my picks and they are based totally on gut feeling. I believe in going with your gut over research any day.

Western Michigan Goes Down in the Big House

This is definitely a team that scares me. They have one of the most underrated quarterbacks in Tim Hiller.

Western did beat Illinois last year and has been one of the best MAC teams in recent years. However, it turns out that they lost starters on both sides of the ball.

They give Michigan a little scare, but at the end of the day it is:

Michigan 27, Western 17

Record: 1-0

Notre Dame Is Too Much for the Young Wolverines

Many Michigan fans are thinking they can win this one. I just don't see it.

If you look at Notre Dame and Michigan, the programs have gone down similar paths the last two years. The difference is that Notre Dame has already had the two years of rebuilding and look ready to be Notre Dame once again.

Notre Dame seems to be a year ahead of Michigan in the rebuilding effort. Notre Dame has all but one senior on the O-line. We all know how important an experienced line is.

The receiving corps highlighted by Golden Tate and Michael Floyd will be too much for Michigan's young secondary.

Michigan puts up a great effort but at the end of the day, it will be:

Notre Dame 35, Michigan 23

Record: 1-1

Ron English Returns to the Big House with Loss

I think I am not alone among Michigan fans when I hope that Ron English is successful at Eastern Michigan.

However, he is just getting started there and it will be a long road to get them there. Because of that, Tate Forcier and the offense really break out in this game.

Michigan 41, Eastern 13

Record: 2-1

Michigan Continues to roll Against Indiana

There is not much to say here. Indiana isn't exactly a Big Ten powerhouse. Because of that Michigan continues to make strides as a team.

Michigan 38, Indiana 6

Record: 3-1

Michigan Travels to East Lansing and Gets Revenge

This will be the first road trip for the Wolverines. Fortunately they don't have to go far.

Michigan fans don't like losing to Notre Dame or Ohio State, but they at least respect the schools. However, losing to Michigan State is a really hard one to swallow. Not only do Michigan fans hate them but they don't respect them either.

Last year was one of the rare times that the Spartans actually had a good team. However, they lost their quarterback Brian Hoyer and their work horse Javon Ringer.

Michigan responds with vengeance here.

Michigan 33, Michigan State 17

Record: 4-1

Michigan Gets Huge Reality Check at Iowa

At this point, Michigan is 4-1 and feeling pretty good about themselves.

They start to think that they are back. Then reality sets in. After being the only Big Ten team to win a Bowl game last year, the Hawkeyes are definitely a program on the rise. The game is at Iowa.

Michigan takes it hard here.

Iowa 45, Michigan 14

Record: 4-2

Delaware State, You're No Appalachian State

After the embarrassing loss to Iowa, Michigan responds big time here. They are constantly reminded of Appalachian State throughout the week. For that reason, they win big.

Michigan 39, Delaware State 3

Record: 5-2

Penn State Is Way Too Much for Young Michigan

This is the start of a very tough stretch for Michigan to end the year. This could be Joe Paterno's last trip to the big house. It won't be a disappointing one for him. Michigan takes it hard here.

Penn State 49, Michigan 17

Record: 5-3

Michigan Puts Up Great Effort but Comes Up Short Versus Illinois

Illinois is a hard team to figure out. Two years ago, they were in the Rose Bowl and last year they go 5-7 and lose to Western Michigan.

My gut tells me that they will respond well in 2009. Juice Williams is a big reason for that.

Michigan puts up a great effort here and the game goes into multiple overtimes, but at the end of the day it will be:

Illinois 39, Michigan 37 (after a failed two point conversion attempt)

Record: 5-4

Michigan Handles Purdue

Purdue is another hard one to figure out.

They have a new coach, and plenty of new players including a new quarterback. It is hard to say how good they will be. My gut says not very.

I like Michigan big here.

Michigan 40, Purdue 16

Record: 6-4

Wisconsin Gets Revenge After Last Year's Embarrassing Loss

Ordinarily, there is no shame in losing to Michigan.

That wasn't the case last year. Wisconsin was embarrassed by Michigan and haven't forgotten about it. Because of that, it will be:

Wisconsin 28, Michigan 24

Record: 6-5

Six in a Row for the Buckeyes Really Hurts

I think Michigan makes this a lot closer than people expect they will. However, they still can't compete at the level of Ohio State. It hurts to say that.

Ohio State 38, Michigan 31

Record: 6-6

Michigan Shows No Aloha to Hawaii

After earning a trip to the Hawaii Bowl, Michigan will face the hometown Hawaii Warriors.

After an up and down season, a trip to paradise is exactly what they need to get away and bond as a team. It will show up big on the field.

Michigan 48, Hawaii 19

Final Record: 7-6

That will be a four game improvement and a big step in the right direction.