Michigan Spring Game 2012: Date, Start Time, TV Info and More

After a surprising 2011 season in which they won the Sugar Bowl, the Michigan Wolverines will be looking to make even more noise in the second year of the Brady Hoke era. Michigan went 11-2 on the season and is considered a strong candidate to win the Big Ten and play in another BCS bowl in 2012.

All of that will start on Saturday as the Wolverines will take part in their annual spring game. The spring game may not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but it gives fans an excuse to break out the maize and blue clothing, and to get excited for the upcoming season.

Michigan's roster will be largely intact as it lost very few impact players to graduation or the NFL. Quarterback Denard Robinson will lead the way once again on offense, while a defense that took incredible leaps forward last year will look to build upon that this season.

Here is everything you need to know in terms of what to watch for and where you can catch Michigan's spring game on Saturday.

Where: Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich.

When: Saturday, April 14 at 12 p.m. ET

Watch: Big Ten Network

Live Stream: BTN2Go

Listen: WTKA 1050 AM

Position Battle to Watch: Defensive Tackle

Michigan escaped the offseason unscathed for the most part in terms of players leaving, but one position that took a pretty big hit was defensive tackle. Senior anchor Mike Martin has graduated and is set to play on Sundays, so there is a huge hole in the middle of the Wolverine defense. There appears to be two starting spots up for grabs, but it's unclear who will seize them.

Senior Will Campbell is favored to take one of the spots, but he has been a major underachiever for his entire career and it is unclear whether he will be able to hold the spot down. Junior Jibreel Black also appears to have the inside track to a starting job, but he's going to be pushed. Kenny Wilkins, Richard Ash and Quinton Washington are all hungry to nab some extra playing time, so it will be interesting to see who comes out looking the best following the spring game.

Key Freshman to Watch: LB Joe Bolden

Although it seems unlikely that he will start from the onset, freshman inside linebacker Joe Bolden will be somebody to keep an eye on during the spring game. Bolden was one of the top recruits in Michigan's top 10 class and he figures to get a chance to show what he can do on Saturday. There is some playing time to be had at linebacker, and if Bolden is able to impress the coaching staff, then perhaps he'll find himself on the field in some big situations in 2012.

Not only does he already have decent size at 6'3" and 230 lbs., but Bolden has good speed and diagnosing skills. He'll be a key player on the Michigan defense in the near future, even if it isn't in the upcoming season. Bolden will get to play loose in the spring game as there won't be any pressure, and that might very well lead to an increased role.