Michigan Football: Will the Wolverines Impress or Regress in 2012?

The 2011 season was one of redemption for the University of Michigan football team.

After getting rid of Rich Rodriguez, the Wolverines brought in Brady Hoke to turn the program around and get it back to traditional Michigan football.

Under Hoke, the Wolverines went 11-2, including a win over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl, a win over arch-rival Ohio State (first time since 2003) and a win over Notre Dame in the first-ever night game at Michigan Stadium.

Now, the question is, what will the Wolverines do in the 2012 season? Will they impress or regress?

Here's a look at the factors that will determine Michigan's success this year.

The Schedule

Before fans get to know who their starters will be on both sides of the ball, they have no doubt looked at their schedule and seen who is in their path towards a conference, and possibly a national championship.

For the Wolverines, things don't start out easy. Here's a look at their entire schedule for the 2012 season.

Preseason Ranking: No. 8

• Sept. 1: vs. No. 2 Alabama (at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
• Sept. 8: vs. Air Force
• Sept. 15: vs. Massachusetts
• Sept. 22: at No. 24 Notre Dame
• Oct. 6: at Purdue
• Oct. 13: vs. Illinois
• Oct. 20: vs. No. 13 Michigan State
• Oct. 27: at No. 16 Nebraska
• Nov. 3: at Minnesota
• Nov. 10: vs. Northwestern
• Nov. 17: vs. Iowa
• Nov. 24: at Ohio State

When looking at this schedule,the first thing that comes to mind is what a way to start the season. If you thought last year's Oregon vs. LSU clash was a good one, just wait for Michigan and Alabama.

The second thing that comes to mind is that No. 12 Wisconsin is missing, which could be a nice thing when it comes to winning their division for the conference championship game.

Overall, it's a schedule that favors the Wolverines, at least after they play Alabama.

It All Starts with Denard Robinson

As goes Denard Robinson, so will Michigan.

Robinson threw for 2,173 yards and ran for another 1,166 yards, accounting for 36 total touchdowns.

Known for his quick feet and his ability to elude defenders, Robinson is going to have to do the same, but do it that much better for the Wolverines to advance to the Big 10 title game.

Robinson has continued to develop, and with his second year under Brady Hoke, he will only get better.

Wide receiver Roy Roundtree is going to be one of those players who will help make or break Robinson. With both being seniors, they know they have to step up and make it happen for the Wolverines.

One thing that plays to Robinson's favor in terms of his possible Heisman candidacy is the fact that the Wolverines start the year with Alabama and end it with Ohio State.

If he can shine in the Alabama game, he'll go to the top of the Heisman leaderboard. Then, if he can book end the year with another strong performance against the Buckeyes, Robinson may be striking the pose before it's all said and done.

Defense, Defense, Defense

A year after they were one of the worst defenses in the country, the Wolverines' defense in 2011 was significantly better.

Michigan ranked sixth in the country with 17.4 points allowed per game and had 36 takeaways.

Linebacker Kenny Demens will return a year after leading the team with 94 tackles and three sacks.

One thing that should prove well for the Wolverines is that seven of the 11 projected starters are upperclassmen with a lot of experience.

Alabama Game Will Set Tone for Season

Imagine for a second if the Wolverines pull the upset over the Crimson Tide.

Now, I know most SEC fans will laugh at this, as well as many others.

But just think for a moment if Michigan does indeed beat the defending national champions. What does that do for their season? What does it mean for them going forward?

The one thing a victory will do is likely vault the Wolverines into the top three of the rankings.

Next, it gives them all of the confidence in the world in each game during the season, because if you can beat an SEC powerhouse like Alabama, you can beat anybody.

I'm not predicting that the Wolverines will in fact win, but I think it's a possibility. I guess that's why you play the game.

It Comes Down to Senior Leadership

Just like on any football team, the senior leaders are going to be instrumental in the success of the program.

Their attitudes and work ethic on and off the field are going to be followed by the underclassmen. Just look what happened at UCLA and players skipping out on practice.

If seniors like Robinson, Fitzgerald Touissant and Craig Roh (among others) put in that extra time throughout the year, they not only ensure the program has a successful season, but they leave the program better than they found it.

After taking all of these factors into consideration, I believe the Wolverines will impress in 2012. They may not beat Alabama in the opening game, but I don't see too many other roadblocks in their way.