Michigan Thursday: We Are Average!!!

Let's hope the Big Ten grades on a curve.

Dave Birkett did a story for AnnArbor.com that lists Michigan's pre-season ranking in a number of publication's early Big Ten Predictions.  Most have Michigan #6 or #7 in the Big Ten.  Which is not very impressive in what is expected to be somewhat of an average Big Ten.

Ohio State is clearly the #1 team in the league after their impressive Rose Bowl win.  After that, I expect Iowa and Wisconsin to be solid but the rest of the teams are up for grabs.   Some may argue Penn State will be a solid team, but they have a number of questions on offense mostly at the QB position.   I believe Iowa and OSU will fight it out for the Big Ten title with Wisconsin doing what they do most years and the rest of the Big Ten is up for grabs.

Michigan ceiling is 3rd place and the basement would be last.   For Rich Rodriquez's sake, I hope he is closer to 3rd than 11th.   If you're wondering, sixth or seventh place with seven wins would qualify for anywhere from the Champs, Insight, or Pizza Bowls.

• Mgoblog give us a weekly recruiting update

• ESPN  has a story on Michigan running back recruit Justice Hayes

• Det News Sam Webb profiles some WR recruits that Michigan is focusing on

• We may know what the NCAA is going to do to USC as early as Friday

• Ohio QB Braxton Miller is expected to announce he will attend Ohio State this afternoon.