Journal-News.com

Scouting the Wolverines

2007: 9-4, 6-2 Big Ten

Last 5 years: 46-17, 32-8 Big Ten

Last bowl: 2007 Capital One Bowl, 41-35 win against Florida

Coach: Rich Rodriguez (first season at Michigan, 105-62-2 in 15 seasons overall)

Starters returning: 3 offense, 7 defense

Positive vibes: Rodriguez brings his spread offense to Ann Arbor, which has worked against Big Ten defenses in the past. New renovations to Michigan Stadium will keep the donors pleased — for a game or two. Although shaky on offensive returners, Michigan does bring back both key specialists, kicker K.C. Lopata (11-of-12 field goals last season) and punter Zoltan Mesko (41.1 yards per kick).

Negative vibes: Since losing the race for Terrelle Pryor, Michigan is left without a proven quarterback. The Wolverines are also surrounded by drama regarding Rodriguez's departure from West Virginia and his recruiting. The defense returns seven starters but just one of last season's Top 5 tacklers, linebacker Obi Ezeh (68 tackles, 2 sacks).

Numbers game

385.1 — Yards per game last season, which ranked only behind Iowa in the Big Ten

2 — Number of Michigan's top 3 running backs, Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown, who return this season (although neither is Mike Hart)

1 — Pass thrown last season by a QB on this season's roster, sophomore David Cone

Schedule

Aug. 30 Utah ABC 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 Miami (Ohio) ESPN or ESPN2 Noon

Sept. 13 at Notre Dame NBC 3:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Wisconsin TBA TBA

Oct. 4 Illinois ABC 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Toledo TBA TBA

Oct. 18 at Penn State ESPN or ESPN2 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Michigan State TBA TBA

Nov. 1 at Purdue TBA TBA

Nov. 8 at Minnesota TBA TBA

Nov. 15 Northwestern TBA TBA

Nov. 22 at Ohio State TBA TBA