College Football 2012: Michigan and 9 Other Schools That Could Take a Step Back

As spring practice and games begin to come to an end, teams are beginning to take shape and fans, coaches and players are starting to have an idea of what this year's team and the future will look like. 

When you reflect back on last year, teams were able to rise above the talent that was perceived to be on their roster and reach goals that they may not have even known they could reach.

With the season drawing closer, here is a look at 10 teams that are in store for a step back in 2012.  

Houston

Last year, Houston had an undefeated season going into the Conference USA title game. Unfortunately for the Cougars, they came up short against Southern Miss and lost out on a chance to go to a BCS game. 

To make things worse for the Cougars, they are now without their former head coach and star quarterback Case Keenum and heading for a sure-fire step back. 

Southern Miss

Last year Southern Miss stunned a lot of people by upsetting Houston in the Conference USA title game. By seasons end, the Golden Eagles had elevated themselves into the national polls and finished at No. 20. 

Like Houston, Southern Miss also loses both its head coach and its starting quarterback and will struggle to even come close to last year's success. 

Boise State

Last year, Boise State went 12-1 and finished up the season at No. 8 in the polls. When the Broncos lost during the regular season, they knew their BCS hopes were done and it would be a somber end to Kellen Moore's career.

This year, the Broncos are without their star quarterback and facing a new challenge by not playing a big neutral field game but instead are facing a huge test on the road in East Lansing. 

While Boise State may have a good year, it will be a step back from the constant undefeated expectations they have had for seasons now. 

TCU

TCU climbed to No. 14 in the polls and are looking strong as they prepare to enter the Big 12 conference. 

While it is good news that the Horned Frogs will be playing in a respected conference, the downside is that they will be facing much stronger competition and the riggers of a week in and week out tough conference schedule will cause a setback in 2012. 

Stanford

Anytime you lose a quarterback like Andrew Luck, the expectation must be that the Cardinal will take a responsible step back in 2012.

This year, the Cardinal will lean on their running game and defense, but you cannot replace the production that Luck provided the past couple of years. 

Oklahoma State

Not only did Oklahoma State lose a outstanding quarterback but it also lost one of the nation's best wide receivers. During the offseason, both Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon left for the NFL Draft and the Cowboys are left rebuilding.

Last year they took strides toward an undefeated season, but this year it will be a lot different based on the talent that was lost. 

Wisconsin

Wisconsin has won the Big 10 the past two years running but have also fallen short in the Rose Bowl for two straight years.

Last year the Badgers relied on the combination of Russell Wilson and Montee Ball, but Wilson is gone, and Ball will be forced to carry the load on his own. Unfortunately, Ball can't do it on his own and the Badgers will suffer because of it. 

Baylor

Robert Griffin III was Baylor football last year. So many times, Griffin was able to carry the Bears to a win with his ability to both run and pass the ball. 

This year, Griffin is gone, and the Bears are on their own. Without his playmaking ability in the fold, the Bears are prepared for a huge step in the wrong direction. 

Alabama

Picking Alabama is a double edged sword. The Tide had a great season last year with their only loss occurring in overtime, but they still managed to win the BCS National Title. 

This year, the Tide lost a ton of talent to the NFL and graduation, but Nick Saban has found ways to reload instead of rebuild.

While the Tide are still extremely talented, nothing is harder than repeating. 

Michigan

Michigan was one of the most overachieving teams in 2011. Not many people saw them winning as many games as they did and end up in a BCS game.

This year, the schedule takes a turn for the worse, and it starts right away when they take on Alabama in Week 1. While the Wolverines are still talented, matching last year's success is truly a long shot.