2009 Michigan Wolverines Football: Will the Maize and Blue Return to Glory?

Did the Michigan Wolverines really finish 3-9 last season? Are you serious? 

Listen up Richy-Rich! This is Michigan Football! This is not West Virginia, where losing is sometimes acceptable. No offense to the Mountaineer fans out there, but in Ann Arbor, there are high expectations all the time.

Michigan Football is known for their winning tradition, and it's about time Hot Rod fixes this thing quickly or the die-hard and impatient Michigan fans will be calling for his head in no time.

Coach Rodriguez is entering the 2009 season with the No. seven overall recruiting class in the nation. Rodriguez has one 5-star commit, thirteen 4-star commits, and six 3-star commits.

The lone 5-star commit, William Campbell, is a 6'5", 317 pound defensive tackle from the Motor City. He was ranked as the 5th best defensive tackle and 26th overall prospect in the 2009 recruiting class. He is athletic, quick, and extremely powerful. As a senior in high school, this kid could bench 395 pounds and squat an eyebrow-raising 515 pounds.

Along with many other great recruits, the second most notable of the group is undoubtedly, quarterback Tate Forcier. Forcier is a dual-threat quarterback, which is a position Coach Rod and the Michigan program need to desperately improve.

Tate has a good arm, but the most important thing is his speed. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds, which is somewhat rare to find in a quarterback. His speed will also fit great in Coach Rod's newly installed spread offense. 

He was the 5th ranked QB in the 2009 recruiting class and a guy that all Michigan fans will be keeping their eyes on over the next couple of years. Hopefully, Tate will live up to his expectations.

Some of Michigan's other notable 2009 recruits include wide receivers Je' Ron Stokes and Cameron Gordon. Coach Rod also did his job on defense, snagging up two 4-star defensive backs, Justin Turner and Vladimir Emilien.

What can Michigan fans expect in 2009? After one year of experiece on campus, Rich will most likely finish his second season more successfully than he did his first. You can't get much worse than 3-9, especially if you are the University of Michigan. Last season was also the first time in four decades that the team did not make a bowl game—expect that to change this year.

After taking a glance at the upcoming 2009 football schedule, I predict Michigan will finish the year at 7-5, with a much needed bowl appearance and win. 

I know we want to see a win over the much hated Ohio State Buckeyes this year, but it is probably a year too soon for that. After the conclusion of the 09' season, this team can take the next step in 2010 and try and get back into the BCS picture.

Fans of the maize and blue should be excited. Things can't get any worse than they were last season.

The Wolverines may not have Hart, Henne, and Manningham, but I am sure Coach Rod will produce some superstar caliber players in the upcoming years. Stay strong and hopeful Michigan fans. It shouldn't be long before we are singing "Hail to the Victors" once again.