Sugar Bowl 2012: 5 Reasons Michigan Wolverines Should Be Optimistic for 2012

It wasn't pretty as the Virginia Tech Hokies out-gained Brady Hoke's Wolverines by 197 yards but lost in part because of a number of stupid mistakes and a questionable call, but the Michigan Wolverines won the 2012 Sugar Bowl and have a lot of reasons to be optimistic heading into next season.

There is the fact that big playmaker Denard Robinson returns, along with seven defensive starters. Moreover, Brady Hoke's staff is currently in the process of notching a top-five recruiting class.

After watching the Wolverines win in the Superdome last night, here are five reasons why they may be headed for an even better finish in 2012.

Denard Robinson's Big Plays

For much of the game on Thursday, the normally high-powered Michigan Wolverines offense was stifled by Bud Foster's defense. The Virginia Tech Hokies held Michigan to just 184 yards.

However, in the few opportunities he had, Denard Robinson made the big plays that the Virginia Tech offense could not seem to make at any point during the game.

On a crucial 3rd-and-17 play at the end of the second quarter, Robinson narrowly escaped a sack from Kyle Fuller and threw a perfect pass down the sideline to Junior Hemingway just before safety Eddie Whitley could come over the top for the interception.

In the third quarter, Robinson made another perfect pass to Hemingway for a second touchdown, this time just over safety Antone Exum, who was also in good coverage.

Just like he did against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish earlier this season, Denard Robinson made some some fantastic passes in this game to help the Wolverines win. They should feel very confident in his ability to win big games in the clutch next season.

The Red Zone Defense

Just like on the offensive side of the ball, the Michigan Wolverines defense had their struggles last night, but they made the big plays necessary to spur the team to victory.

With Logan Thomas, David Wilson, and a corps of seasoned receivers, the Virginia Tech Hokies have an explosive offense. And unsurprisingly, they had success moving the ball last night, as they finished with 377 total yards.

However, the Michigan defense was phenomenal with their backs against the wall. The Hokies got inside the Wolverines 30-yard line three times and inside the 10 twice in the first half, but only came away with six total points. The Wolverines forced Wilson to backtrack and lose 20 yards on a 1st-and-goal, and stopped Thomas on a crucial 4th-and-2 at the Michigan six-yard line.

The Wolverines also helped themselves by intercepting Logan Thomas when the Hokies were in good field position at the start of the second half and forcing Virginia Tech to settle for a field goal when the Hokies were driving for a potential game-winning touchdown at the end of regulation.

Michigan's defense was not great last night, but they were tough when it mattered.

Momentum from a Marquee Win Against the Virginia Tech Hokies

Some BCS critics contend that outside of the BCS Championship Game the bowls don't matter, but anyone who knows anything about sports knows the importance of momentum and confidence building.

This Sugar Bowl victory could be huge in propelling the Michigan Wolverines next season. The Wolverines notched their first win over a top-15 team since 2008. Not only that, but they also beat a Virginia Tech Hokies team that has dominated the ACC recently and has been to BCS Bowls in three out of the last four seasons.

Moreover, Michigan finally finished a season on a positive note. The Wolverines lost three in a row to close last season, five in a row to finish out the 2009 campaign, and their last two in 2008.

Michigan now enters the 2012 season riding a four-game winning streak.

The Wolverines Overcame an Elite Defense

This Virginia Tech Hokies defense was perhaps the best the Michigan Wolverines have faced all season, aside from maybe the Michigan State Spartans (who held Michigan to just 14 points).

Though the Wolverines struggled in getting the offense going in last night's Sugar Bowl, they got the ball in the end zone and made the big plays on offense they needed to win the game. The fact that Michigan was able to overcome a stifling defense should give them confidence heading into their opener next season with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Alabama has a better defense than Virginia Tech right now, but the Crimson Tide may lose as many as eight starters from this year's unit to the NFL. If the Wolverines were able to make enough offensive plays to win against Virginia Tech, they should be able to get something going against an Alabama defense that will be in serious rebuilding mode.

A Stellar Recruiting Class

This has nothing to do with last night's Sugar Bowl (although BCS Bowl appearances do help with recruiting), but Brady Hoke's coaching staff is currently in the process of reeling in one of the best recruiting classes in the country.

As the Clemson Tigers receiver Sammy Watkins has shown this year (and guys like Adrian Peterson showed in the past), an über-talented freshman can make a difference right from the start.

With Junior Hemingway graduating, the Michigan Wolverines will need some more playmakers to emerge and help out Denard Robinson. Wide receiver Amara Darboh might be up for the challenge.