Hello all, and welcome to the preseason college football top 10 countdown. With the college football season just a few months away, us college football junkies need a way to pass the time, and what better way to kill some time than to count down the preseason top 10 teams in the country? Without further delay, here is No. 10:
10. Michigan Wolverines
2011 Record: 11-2 (6-2 Big 10)
Bowl Game: Defeated Virginia Tech 23-20 in Sugar Bowl
Overview: Michigan had a breakthrough season under new coach Brady Hoke, as they defeated bitter rival Ohio State for the first time since 2003 and qualified for a Bowl Championship Series game for the first time since 2007; however, the Wolverines did fall short in their quest to win the Big 10 Championship. With that in mind, look for Michigan to be a serious contender once again ,for both the Big 10 Championship, as well as the BCS National Championship, as 13 starters are set to return from last year’s club. All of that experience will be vital for the Wolverines as they will step right into the fire in their first weekend of play when they take on defending national champion Alabama..
Offensive Player to Watch: QB Denard Robinson, Sr.
Once again, all eyes will be on quarterback Denard Robinson as he enters his senior season for the maize and blue. In order for the Wolverine offense to function properly, Robinson must play at a high level. The senior had 36 total touchdowns (20 passing, 16 rushing) and 3,349 total yards (2,173 passing, 1,176 rushing) last year, but must cut down on interceptions (15 last season) in order to reach his full potential.
Defensive Player to Watch: LB Kenny Demens, RS Sr.
Michigan’s defense was much improved last year under defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, and Kenny Demens was a big reason why. The redshirt senior registered 94 total tackles in 13 starts and also came away with five sacks. After the departures of three key starters on the defensive line, Demens figures to play an even more important role to ensure success for Michigan this year.
Key Games: September 1 vs. Alabama (Game in Arlington, TX), October 27 @ Nebraska, November 24 @ Ohio State
2012 Prediction: 9-3 (6-2 Big 10)
Wins: Air Force, Massachusetts, Notre Dame, Purdue, Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern, Iowa, Ohio State
Losses: Alabama, Michigan State, Nebraska
