6. Michigan

Top Offensive Player: RB Brandon Minor
Scouting the offense: With head coach Rich Rodriguez planning on using three quarterbacks for the Wolverines' home opener, there remains no clear starter for the season. The three fighting for the job are Tate Forcier, Denard Robinson and Nick Sheridan. Sheridan played in eight games last season but completed just 46 percent of his passes and tossed five interceptions with just two touchdowns. No matter who takes most of the snaps behind center, Minor figures to lead the offense and should top his 533 rushing yards from last season and will challenge for conference honors. For the QBs' targets, the top three return, but this group won't be confused with past top-notch ones for the school. Perhaps most important is the return of the entire offensive line, which should better last season's stat of 3.9 yards per carry.

Top Defensive Player: DE Brandon Graham
Scouting the defense: The Wolverines gave up at least 35 points six times in 2008 as opponents averaged 28.9 points per game. Graham anchors the line with his 10 sacks last season. The linebackers should be improved from last year as the team's top two tacklers are back, led by Obi Ezeh and his 98. The secondary struggled at times last season, giving up 230 yards per game through the air. New defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, who was the head coach at Syracuse from 2005-2008, should see improvement across the board after last season's unit surrendered the most points in school history.

Overall Outlook: Michigan won't lose nine games again, but it still looks to have a way to go before it returns to the Big Ten elite. The opening two games against Western Michigan and Notre Dame are both in Ann Arbor and will set the tone for the season. If the Wolverines win those two, a 4-0 start is likely. Regardless, Michigan should be back in the postseason in year No. 2 of the Rodriguez era.

-Staats