Matt Millen, Kirk Herbstreit Predict Big Improvement for Michigan in 2009

While we're not in the habit of following Mr. Herbstreit's every move, he did have some positive things to say about the Wolverines in 2009. So did former WR-loving-NFL-GM-turned-college-analyst Matt Millen.

Herbstreit says the X factor may be the strength and conditioning improvements made by the team this off-season.

"The way they played (last year) I know was frustrating for Michigan fans, but in talking to Rich and listening to him give me some examples of how the team has collectively improved in the weight room, and you know when a coach says that, some people might roll their eyes," Herbstreit said.

"But that was an area where the Michigan program really needed to kind of go to the next level and it sounds like they've done that this offseason. So I think, No. 1, you're going to see a team that's going to be faster and in better shape and much stronger, and I think that's going to help them."

Both think that coach Rodriguez's decision to play three QBs in the opener is a solid move.

"As (Rodriguez) says, there aren't any preseason games, (so) you have to give them a chance to play in front of 100,000 people, especially when they have limited reps (in practice), to see how they perform," Herbstreit said Tuesday during a teleconference.

"They might be 10 times better than what they've shown during two-a-days. They might get nervous and not know how to react. But until you give them that chance, it's unfair to really make a decision.

"I understand he wants to play all three, but at the end of the day, I think one of the freshmen—for them to get to that seven or eight win mark—I think one of the freshmen will have to take the reins and take this offense to a different level."

Herbstreit gives the nod to Forcier, and has a few questions remaining about Robinson.

"My thought is although Robinson seems to be getting a ton of hype in the last week with the whole 'Shoelace' comments and he's a 4.3 40, I wonder, just from what I've been reading, does he have enough of a high school background where he can come in in front of 100,000 people and make checks, do what he needs to do and know the offense well enough?" Herbstreit said.

"The Forcier kid came in in the spring. Even though that's not a ton of a head start, it's enough when you're talking about true freshmen.

"And my guess is that Forcier will emerge and become the guy because of his ability and knowledge of the offense, and his ability to run and throw."

Millen agrees.

"(Playing all three QBs in the opener is) a good way for Rich to get reps for all three guys, but I will tell you this, if Rich knew right now that he had one, he'd have one. He wouldn't have three.

"He's still in the process of finding out which guy is going to be the real deal. The biggest thing, you can go into a 107,501, but for some guys the game isn't too big, and some the game's too big, and that's part of what he's going to find out now. I think he knows where they're at from a skill set, now let's see how they can apply it to a game situation."