BCS Standings 2011: Why No. 18 Michigan Is Still a Year Away from BCS Berth

Some will say that Michigan deserves to be ranked higher than No. 18, while others will argue that they are ranked too high.  Realistically, though, it is probably a good spot for them.

This team is still a year away from competing for Big Ten titles and BCS berths, and it showed on Saturday.  The most discouraging fact about the Michigan-Michigan State game was the way Michigan's offensive and defensive lines were manhandled.

They just simply don't have the size or strength on either line to be a great team yet.  That will obviously change very soon, though.  The offensive line is very close to returning to the type of group they need to be, with linemen such as Kyle Kalis, Erik Magnuson and Blake Bars soon arriving.

The defensive line isn't far off, either.  Ondre Pipkins will be an absolute stud at tackle once he arrives, and defensive ends such as Pharaoh Brown, Tom Strobel and Chris Wormley will once again provide size and speed off the edge.

When looking at Michigan's defensive line this season, they've been a big disappointment.  Mike Martin hasn't had the impact that many were hoping, and Craig Roh was nonexistent through the first two games.

They've come around some lately, but still need to play at a higher level.  Michigan State ran the ball too easily on them Saturday, but some of the blame needs to go on the linebackers as well.

Jake Ryan has had his moments as a freshman, but he still overruns and misreads plays too often.  Even though he's the leading tackler, Kenny Demens hasn't played as well as some had hoped.  Brandin Hawthorne has been a surprise starter, but he has been criticized for a lack of size.

Looking at the bright side, all three will be back next year, and they can only get better.  When looking at the secondary, the only real disappointment has been Troy Woolfolk.  Injuries and ineffectiveness have slowed him mightily.

Blake Countess has filled in and looks like a future star.  Along with J.T. Floyd and Courtney Avery, the trio should give Michigan a solid group of cornerbacks next season.  Carvin Johnson has been somewhat of a disappointment at safety, but Thomas Gordon has surprisingly stepped up in a big way.

Again, he and Jordan Kovacs should give Michigan a solid safety duo next season.  That would allow Johnson and Marvin Robinson to learn the position better and then make an impact once Kovacs graduates.

The Michigan offense has been disappointing at times, and unfortunately the coaches aren't hitting the offensive side of the ball as hard on the recruiting trail.  They currently have no quarterbacks, running backs, or receivers committed.

However, some feel it's only a matter of time before star receivers Jordan Payton and Amara Darboh commit.  Some also feel that it's only a matter of time before Bri'onte Dunn ditches the Bucks and commits to Michigan.

Regardless, Michigan does have some good young talent at running back.  Both Justice Hayes and Thomas Rawls are true freshmen this year, and they should have a big impact in the future.  Plus, the two backs that get the bulk of the carries, Smith and Toussaint, will both return next season.

At receiver, Jeremy Gallon has stepped up in a big way and that's a huge plus.  Junior Hemingway will definitely be missed next season, but Gallon, Roundtree and the potential return of Darryl Stonum may ease the pain.

Tight end could be somewhat of a question mark heading into next season.  Both Kevin Koger and Steve Watson will be gone, and nobody else has much experience.  Brandon Moore and Ricardo Miller will probably be the top two guys.

Everyone knows that Denard Robinson will be back next season at quarterback.  The real question is how much Devin Gardner will see the field next year.

Michigan's young talent this season will be an experienced and veteran group next year.  Will they have enough talent to go to a BCS bowl?  Yes.  The biggest thing that may hold them back, though, is a brutal schedule.

The Wolverines won't be playing in a BCS bowl this season, but next year will be a different story.