Michigan Wolverines 2009 Preview: The Resurrection

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The entire offensive line returns, as well as some incoming freshmen for depth. Not only are all of the skill positions intact, but there's actually some impressive depth at both running back and wide receiver. 

Brandon Minor spearheads the rushing attack with his strong finish to last year, and he'll have some help from a healthy Carlos Brown, Kevin Grady, Michael Shaw, and the newest addition to the backfield, Vincent Smith.

The starting trio of Greg Mathews, Martavious Odoms, and Darryl Stonum will give the QB's some varied weapons to throw at, while incoming freshmen Je'Ron Stokes, Terrence Robinson, and Roy Roundtree could push for some playing time.

4. Stronger pedigree across the board on defense. While most experts knew that the Wolverines' offense would be a work in progress in 2008, no one predicted that the defense would perform as poorly as it did. 

There were some dubious records claimed by last year's defensive squad, the most telling one being the most points allowed in Michigan history (347).

With the talent that Michigan had on the roster, this equated to the resignation of Scott Schafer and the hiring of Greg Robinson. 

Robinson will have to deal with losing six starters, but I believe that this year's defense actually has more talent and depth than last year's squad. The scheme is going from 3-3-5 to 3-4, but don't be surprised to see the 4-3 thrown into the mix to provide a different look.

The combination of Max Martin and William Campbell will make it difficult on opposing running games, and, along with end Brandon Graham, will have the potential of being one of the best defensive lines in the conference by season's end. 

The linebacking corp. looks very deep as well, with the maturation of Obi Ezeh and Jams Mouton, along with the hybrid safety/linebacker role of Steve Brown.

The secondary looks to be much improved over last year, as the highly touted Boubacar Cissoko steps in at cornerback opposite Donovan Warren, going into his third year as a starter.

5. An easier schedule. I'm not the biggest proponent of a weak non-conference schedule, but this year's relatively easy matchups couldn't come at a better time for the Wolverines.

This team should go into their matchup with Michigan St. no worse than 3-1, and could quite possibly be 4-0. A start like this will go a long way into boosting the confidence of this young team, and could help to push them towards making it back into the bowl season.

Add it all together, and you have a team that should be vastly improved in 2009, and if everything falls their way, could make some noise in the conference title run.

Prediction: 7-5 overall, 4-4 conference, with an eye to the sky for 2010 and beyond.

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