Quote Originally Posted by MGoBlue View Post
Zero. The defense is just pitiful at this point, unles there is a major growth spurt between the spring game and now, Rich Rodriguez will be looking for a new job. The linebacking corps is non-existent, Kenny Demons needs to usurp Obi Ezeh ASAP if Michigan plans on stopping the run this year. The secondary upgraded from not-being-there to being-there-two-steps-too-late in regards to defending the pass, Kovac's should make less highlite reel plays now that he's a box player. The defensive line has a lot of talent, so going to a 3-man front makes little sense to me, Van Bergen was set to take over Graham's spot, with Roh on the other edge and Campbell/Martin inside. Not that scheme really matters at this point, they need to improve fundamentals quite a bit.
The offense isn't looking so hot either, no runningback has made a statement yet (Not that i expected one to, Vincent Smith is far and away the best back in the program, and he was out), the receiver's hands just keep getting worse from year to year, and we don't have a quarterback. Other than that we should be set to dominate MAC-Caliber teams to build even more false hype. The only beacon of hope I see is if Denard continues to improve at his current rate, and if Vincent Smith comes back healthy, they could grind us out a few wins. I see them winning about 6 games, to give you an idea of where I see them.
Seems like a pretty good but gloomy review. I just picked up the TSN mag at lunch and I'm reading up on the Big 10. I'm not too optimistic about UM. Not a single player in the AA list (first, second or third team). A good OL but nothing proven or special at the skill positions. The worst defense in the Big 10 loses Brandon Graham and Donovan Warren and I don't see much improvement there either. Some young guys are going to have to progress into something special or this season is going to be another disappointment.