Michigan Football Predictions: 4 Reasons Why the Wolverines Will Dominate

Michigan is still celebrating the Wolverines' 2011 Sugar Bowl victory.  But it gets better for Michigan fans: the Wolverines will dominate in 2012!

The Big Ten is loaded again after years of decline, and top programs like Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Nebraska will definitely give Michigan a run for its money.  But after an exceptional 2011, the Wolverines return most of their best players, have added several new ones, and are poised to take another step forward this season.

So, let's look at four compelling reasons the Wolverines will dominate their rivals in 2012!

Denard Robinson Will Become a Star at Quarterback

Robinson will build on his 2011 performance to become a star in 2012.

Why?  The Michigan quarterback spent 2011 adjusting from pure spread-option system of former coach Rich Rodriguez to the mixed pro-option offense of coach Brady Hoke.  Now that he knows the system, Robinson's talent will shine through and he should take an impressive leap forward.

In particular, if Robinson can push his completion rate back above 60 percent while improving his touchdown-interception ratio, Michigan will be very hard to beat.  

Michigan Will Build on Its Momentum from 2011

Momentum isn't a scientific measurement of progress but it plays an important role in sports.

Michigan football felt lost from 2007-10.  Brady Hoke has come in and restored a sense of excellence and stability to the program.  That created tangible success last season and Michigan will build on it this year.  

Young Stars Ondre Pipkins, Devin Funchess, and Jerald Robinson Will Produce

Michigan's greatest asset in 2012 may be consistency; most of the team's 2011 starters are returning. The Wolverines will also be incorporating three impact talents: defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins, tight end Devin Funchess, and wide receiver Jerald Robinson.

All three can help Michigan in very important ways.  The Wolverines lost two defensive line starters, Ryan Van Bergen and Mike Martin, so the talented Pipkins will need to step up and produce right away.  If he lives up to his considerable talent, Michigan won't miss a beat.

The Wolverines also need to replace receivers, which is where Robinson and Funchess will come in handy: Robinson is a big-play, No. 1 receiver type who can ignite this offense and Funchess is the team's most talented tight end in years and a great potential security blanket for Denard Robinson.  

Michigan's Top Rivals Are a Year Away

2012 looks like Michigan's year to rule the Big Ten before everyone else catches up.

Ohio State will be a heavyweight under new coach Urban Meyer.  But they need a year to adjust to his system and style.  Nebraska has lost a lot of talent and needs to reload.  Penn State needs a season to recover from scandal.  And Wisconsin needs to find its replacement for dynamic quarterback Russell Wilson.

So the bottom line is 2013 will be a mad dash to the finish, but 2012 looks like the Wolverines' year to shine!