Michigan Football: Will It Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

With a new era upon us, uncertainty is in the air as we wonder whether or not we will see significant improvement from the 2011 Michigan Wolverines. After three years of embarrassing defense, it’s essential that the Maize and Blue emphasize the importance of being able to stop the other team and not rely on out-scoring them.

Brady Hoke seems to have brought that mindset with him from San Diego State. He was an assistant under Lloyd Carr and has bought into the Schembechler mentality that hangs around Ann Arbor. 

Here are a few reasons for Wolverines fans to be optimistic about not taking a step back, but rather, a step forward in 2011.

The Defense Will Be Greatly Improved 

Now I know that isn’t saying much considering how abysmal it was last year, but expect for the Wolverines to give up about seven to 10 less points per game than they did in 2010. Coach Hoke will no longer accept players not being physical at the point of attack and will play the kids who earn the right to have the job.

Denard Robinson Is Still Here

Yes, it’s a new offensive system, but all reports are that Denard is grasping it very quickly and has vastly improved his pass accuracy over the offseason. Michigan will still run Robinson, but not nearly as much in an attempt to keep him healthy and able to play a larger part of the season at a high level.

The Team, the Team, the Team 

Brady Hoke’s focus will be on making every decision based on what is best for the team. The players who work the hardest and show the most will earn time on the field. Positions will not be handed out to kids because they are upperclassmen or because they were starters last year.  By getting the best talent on the field, the Wolverines can expect to see an increase in performance this season.

Transition can be a scary thing for any team. Having two new systems and an entirely new coaching staff is a challenge, but with enough hard work, it isn’t impossible to have success.  The Wolverines will look to do just that in 2011 as they begin a new under Brady Hoke. 

Will they take a step back? It doesn’t seem likely considering the amount of talent they have on the roster. If these kids can finally be coached up by a competent staff, don’t expect the Maize and Blue to stay idle for long. They very well may take step forward before even thinking about taking a step back.