Michigan Football: Why Wolverines Will Tumble This Season

After a very successful 2011 season, the Michigan Wolverines will not be as successful in 2012.

Michigan finally returned to the national college football scene in 2011. They compiled a record of 11-2 and won the BCS Sugar Bowl, beating ACC Coastal champion Virginia Tech 23-20 in overtime.

Michigan brings back star quarterback Denard Robinson and will likely begin the season ranked inside the top 10.

Robinson and running back Fitz Toussaint form one of the most dangerous backfields in all of college football.

Head Coach Brady Hoke has not been happy with the play of the offensive and defensive lines this spring. 

The defensive line is the unit that will be under the most scrutiny early on this season. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison's system requires the front four to generate pressure on their own to be successful. 

Defensive end Craig Roe, who had four sacks last season, is the only established pass-rusher heading into next fall. They will need some of their younger defensive linemen to step up and play big roles in 2012. 

The toughest hurdle Michigan will have to overcome this fall is their difficult schedule.

They open up their season at Cowboys Stadium against the defending national champions, Alabama. 

Alabama lost key players after last season but with the way Saban recruits, the talent is there to replace the players they lost to the NFL draft and graduation. 

The Crimson Tide are expected to begin the season ranked inside the top five. 

The next week, Michigan's defense will have to contend with Air Force's tricky option offense in their home opener. 

They also have tough road games against the likes of Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State. 

The last time the Wolverines traveled to South Bend, they defeated the Irish 28-24. When the two meet there again this season, expect another tough close game. Michigan has won three straight in this long-time rivalry, and the Irish players will be out to end that streak this season. 

The Notre Dame defense will be formidable this season under Brian Kelly. If Kelly is able to get more production out of his offense, then the Irish will have a chance to upset Michigan.

Michigan beat their most bitter rival, Ohio State, 40-34 at home last season. 

Since that game, Urban Meyer has taken over as head coach in Columbus. Ohio State will be better this season and should give Michigan all they can handle to wrap up both teams' regular seasons.

Michigan will also have to play the two teams that beat them last season—Michigan State and Iowa. Luckily for the Wolverines, they will play both of them at home. 

Michigan had an excellent season in 2011 and although they have the potential to be better in 2012, it is unlikely that their record will reflect that. 

The seasons of many teams will be decided upon lucky and unlucky bounces of the pigskin. In 2011, Michigan caught many fortunate breaks. The breaks along with good play led to a great season. 

It is unlikely that fortune will favor Michigan as much this season. Michigan will have to win the Big Ten and be in the national title conversation late in the season to have a better season this year than they had in 2011.

The season of the Wolverines may hinge on their battle against Alabama on September 1st.

If they beat the Crimson Tide, they will be among the top-ranked teams in the country. However, if they lose to Alabama, they will quickly need to regroup and bounce back the following week. 

The Wolverines have a chance to be special this fall, but it is more likely that they finish 9-4 or 10-3.