Michigan Football: Why Wolverines Could Falter with Such High Expectations

The last time we saw expectations this high surrounding a Michigan football team was all the way back to 2007. The Wolverines did not live up to expectations that year, though they did go on to have a solid season.

There are plenty of reasons why this 2012 Michigan team could disappoint. Here's a look at the leading factors that could possibly prevent a great season.

A Brutal Schedule

This is the most obvious one, so I figured I'd mention it first.

Michigan's 2012 schedule is absolutely brutal.

The opener against Alabama is almost assuredly a loss, while the Notre Dame game a few weeks later could be a loss as well. There is a decent chance that Michigan comes out of September with a 2-2 record.

The Wolverines then have a tough game on Oct. 20 against Michigan State, and a brutally hard game a week later when they travel to Nebraska.

The slate isn't as hard in early November, but an extremely tough game at Ohio closes out the month.

Although I wouldn't call it likely, I would say there is a reasonable chance that Michigan will lose to Alabama, Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio, giving them four losses.

They could be a very good team, but they could still have a mediocre 8-4 record—all because of a deadly schedule.

If the New Starters on the Defensive Line Don't Produce

Without a doubt, the defensive line is Michigan's biggest concern on defense. Unfortunately, that is the defensive unit a team would most prefer to have as a strength.

With three starters gone, it will be interesting to see how the new men do. They better be up to the challenge, as they will be going against the likes of Barrett Jones, D.J. Fluker and some of the best offensive linemen in the country in Week 1.

If Michigan's D-line can at least penetrate somewhat and show promise, then we'll know that this is going to be a darned good group. However, I think that is somewhat unlikely, and there will be growing pains with this unit.

Every single starter has questions surrounding him. Craig Roh has been inconsistent his entire career, William Campbell has never been able to produce, Jibreel Black is learning a new position and both Brennen Beyer and Frank Clark are pretty inexperienced.

If these men don't grow up fast, an ineffective D-line is capable of losing this team a game or two.

Injuries Along the Offensive Line

Michigan is extremely talented and deep at some positions; however, the offensive line is not one of them. In fact, they lack depth so badly, they basically can't afford a single starter to get hurt.

This unit was able to stay mainly intact all of last year, and the same thing will need to happen in 2012. If not, it could be disastrous.

Chris Bryant will be a big part of this offensive line someday, but he just isn't ready yet. Jack Miller may or may not be the future center, but he just isn't ready yet either.

Guys like Kyle Kalis, Erik Magnuson and Ben Braden will all likely be future starters, but, other than Kalis, I would hate to have to throw a true freshman right into the action.

This is why the starters' health is so important. It is hard to be a good team with poor offensive line play.

Lack of an Effective Passing Game

Michigan's passing game was downright awful at times last year—and that was with Junior Hemingway.  He won't be around in 2012 to help Robinson out.

Robinson will certainly need to make better reads and use better throwing technique, but the receivers are going to have to step up as well.

Roy Roundtree is going to have to rebound from an abysmal 2011, and Jeremy Gallon could try and be a bigger force as well. What if those two don't step up, though?

I don't have a whole lot of confidence in the receivers behind them, and I would be surprised if one of them emerged as a big threat.

If nobody emerges, Michigan's passing game could be in big trouble. If that is the case, some opponents will be able to shut down Michigan's running game, which could cost them a game or two.

Conclusion

There are obviously many factors that could prevent Michigan from having a great season. Some are controllable, while others aren't. For example, complacency is something that can be avoided, while the brutal schedule is just something the team is going to have to deal with.

So, how will they respond? Well, we'll know in a few months.

However, I think this coaching staff is way too good to let complacency or arrogance affect this team. If they do struggle, it will be because of injuries or something that the coaches have no control over.

We'll find out soon enough.