Michigan Football: Can the Wolverines Win the BCS in 2012?

In a previous article, I argued that it maybe difficult for Big Ten teams to win the BCS national title due to a disadvantage of not being able to fully recruit in SEC country.  But Michigan already has an elite athlete from SEC country, and it may not be too far out of the realm to suggest that the 2012 Heisman Trophy front runner cannot lead Michigan to challenge for the BCS title. 

Here are some reasons Michigan should be in the discussion.

Denard Robinson

Michigan has not had such an exciting player since Charles Woodson. Robinson will not only challenge for the Heisman Trophy, he will be a headache for opposing teams to deal with. 

The game of football has evolved to be QB dominant; look at the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. In one year, they have gone from playoff/Super Bowl contender to a team that will receive the first pick in the NFL draft. Undoubtedly, not having Peyton Manning was the difference. 

Denard Robinson can single handily carry UM to victory.

Scheduling

Michigan opens the season against Alabama and must play Notre Dame in South Bend, Nebraska in Lincoln and Ohio State in Columbus. They also host Michigan State and Iowa, likely preseason top 25. If Michigan can win out, their strength of schedule should overtake any undefeated non-AQ school or in the case that two SEC teams again are 1 and 2.

Improved Defense and Running Game

Greg Mattison has worked wonders in his first year at Michigan. There is no reason to believe year two will be any different. While they lose three starters on the defensive line, the players on the two deep will be more than adequate replacements given Mattison and Hoke's ability to coach. A number of starters on defense return, as well as Fitz on the offense.  There is no reason to believe Fitz's return will not take pressure off of Denard.

Denard Robinson

OK, so we already mentioned him, but he is the key to next year. Remember Vince Young in leading the University of Texas over a USC team that some were touting as the greatest college football team ever? Denard Robinson has similar ability to take over a game like VY did. 

With tough games against Alabama, Notre Dame and Ohio State, Denard may need to put the team on his shoulders to win these games. He has the ability to do it.