[MattC87]

Diagnosing 2009: Big Ten

Michigan
Coach: Rich Rodriguez
Returning Starters: 14(10 offense/4 defense)
Most Important Player: Tate Forcier/QB
Breakout Player: Brandon Minor/RB
Waiting In The Wings: Denard Robinson/RB,WR,QB

Schedule:
Sept. 5, 2009 Western Michigan
Sept. 12, 2009 Notre Dame
Sept. 19, 2009 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 26, 2009 Indiana
Oct. 3, 2009 at Michigan State
Oct. 10, 2009 at Iowa
Oct. 17, 2009 Delaware St.
Oct. 24, 2009 Penn State
Oct. 31, 2009 at Illinois
Nov. 7, 2009 Purdue
Nov. 14, 2009 at Wisconsin
Nov. 21, 2009 Ohio State

Forecast:
After a horrendous start for new head coach Rich Rodriguez in 2008, the Wolverines hope to make some progress in 2009. It looks like talented freshman Tate Forcier will be the QB(unless Denard Robinson can unseat him in the fall), and that's a much needed upgrade. The offense should be led by RB Brandon Minor, the unquestioned best player on this UM offense. The WR crew is loaded with raw speed and elusive bodies; Martavious Odoms, Terrance Robinson, Denard Robinson, Junior Hemingway, and Roy Roundtree should all see action. The O-Line is a patch work unit that will have to grow up quickly. The defense, the biggest disappointment last year, should be led by CB Donovan Warren and DE Brandon Graham. With new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson in the mix and a lot more talent on offense I would be surprised if Michigan didn't make a bowl game in 2009.

Top 10 Players

6. Brandon Graham/Michigan

On The Rise

Donovan Warren/CB/Michigan

Immediate Impact

Denard Robinson/ATH/Michigan
Tate Forcier/QB/Michigan
William Campbell/DT/Michigan
Jeremy Gallon/ATH/Michigan
Craig Roh/DE/Michigan

This site lists Michigan State LB Greg Jones as the Big 10's best player. Uh, yeah, about that.