2009 Michigan Wolverines College Football Predictions

2009 Michigan Wolverines Predictions
2008 Record: (3-9, 3-6)
Coach: Rich Rodriguez, 2nd year (3-9 at Michigan, 108-70-2 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Calvin Magee (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Greg Robinson (1st year)
Returning Starters: 15 (9 offense, 5 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense: Sometimes you have to take a step back, before you move forward. Michigan fans may not have wanted to hear that, but last season’s disaster was due to lack of talent and a brand new system. Michigan’s spread offense was a disaster, as they produced just 20.3ppg (99th in the nation) and 290.8 yards per game (109th in the nation). They didn’t have the talent to run the offense, but with a new starting quarterback in freshman Tate Forcier (6-1, 187). With Steven Threet transferring and junior Nick Sheridan (6-1, 220) missing most of the spring with a broken leg, Forcier appears to be the man. At running back, senior Brandon Minor (6-1, 216) returns after rushing for 533 yards last season. At receiver, the team brings back starting wideouts Greg Mathews (35 catches) and slot man Martavious Odom (49 receptions). An offensive line with four returning starters can only help speed the process along.

Defense: The defense returns five starters from a unit that allowed 28.9ppg (84th in the nation) and 366.9 yards per game (67th in the nation). They allowed 40 or more points by four different team and set a school-record for more points allowed (347). They added former Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson to coach the defense and replace Scott Shafer. The defensive line returns just one starter, but that may not be a bad thing. Senior Brandon Graham (6-4, 258) was the stalwart of the defense last year as he managed 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Junior linebacker Obi Ezeh (6-2, 240) is coming off an excellent season, recording 98 tackles. In the secondary, the Wolverines return cornerback Donovan Warren, but he’s the lone returner.

Outlook: Rich Rodriguez will be allowed another year of rebuilding, but another 3-8 season will have the natives restless. This should be a much-improved team and the schedule should give them at least three wins (assuming they don’t lose to Toledo again), facing Western and Eastern Michigan along with Delaware State. They also face Notre Dame at home, along with Ohio State and Penn State. They only have four road games so the schedule is certainly beneficial to a possible .500 season and a minor bowl game.

ATS Consultants is a featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year!!