Is Reality Setting in for the Michigan Wolverines?

It was just a few weeks ago when hope appeared to be restored for the Michigan Wolverines.

They had a dramatic thriller with Notre Dame. That victory was one for the ages. It was a game that made a statement that Michigan is back. Tate Forcier didn't look like a true freshman at all.

Prior to the season, Michigan fans were hoping for seven or eight wins. After the Notre Dame game, expectations immediately skyrocketed to winning the Big Ten and a BCS appearance. They showed no signs of slowing down the next week against Eastern Michigan.

Then the Big Ten season started. Michigan needed a late comeback to beat lowly Indiana. The next week they were dominated for most of the game against Michigan State but fought back only to suffer a heartbreaker in overtime.

Then the Wolverines put up a valiant fight against Iowa. That game showed that although Michigan is much improved, they still have some holes to fill. Forcier began looking like a true freshman in this game.

Then they completely dominated Delaware State. Let's be honest, that is nothing to write home about.

Last Saturday Penn State came in and provided Michigan a huge reality check.

I really don't mean to sound all negative. Michigan is really right about where I expected them to be before the season started. I was expecting seven or eight wins. That is what we are probably looking at.

I was as guilty as the next guy for getting too excited about their early season success. My expectations went to a Big Ten Title, but now I am back to expecting seven or eight wins. Looking at their remaining schedule, I would lean more for the seven.

The next two are against Illinois and Purdue. Those are winnable but not locks. Michigan has been great outside the Big Ten this year, where they are 4-0. However, within the Big Ten they are 1-3, with that one being the ugly win against Indiana. Having said that, I expect Michigan to win the next two.

They close the season with Wisconsin and Ohio State. That is just a brutal way to end it.

They will get a Bowl game. I know the Alamo, Champs Sports, and Outback Bowls are all possibilities.

Personally I would like to see them go to the hometown Motor City Bowl. Here is why .