# 13 Michigan Wolverines Preview
Fall camps are underway and the regular season is coming soon, so that means having an early jump into the 2006 NCAA football season. Knowing the teams now will save you time and Matt Fargo is here to help you understand what wait next year. We go from worst to first in this 2006 college football preview.
# 13 – Michigan Wolverines 7-5 SU; 5-7 ATS
Fargo’s Take Michigan had a very disappointing 2005 season, at least by Michigan standards. The Wolverines were decimated by injuries on offense, but all of their losses were by touchdown or less, but that included three losses at home. Showing how rare it is, Michigan had lost a total of three games combined in the previous six years in the Big House, so last year can definitely be considered an aberration. The offense finished 45th in scoring and 55th overall, but with a healthy group returning most of their skill players, the Wolverines should be ready to bounce back. The defense was decent but not dominant and that could change in 2006. National Championship aspirations are plentiful in Ann Arbor every season and this year is no different, but a very difficult schedule stands in the way. Expect Michigan to be in the race for the Big Ten with an outside shot at a BSC degree if it can pull off a few surprises along the way.
Starters Returning To Offense – 6 Junior quarterback Chad Henne had a sensational season as a sophomore and is on his way to becoming the most prolific signal caller in Michigan history. He threw for 2,536 yards and 23 touchdowns while throwing just eight interceptions and this was accomplished with almost no running games behind him. Mike Hart, who gained 1,455 yards like a true freshman in 2004, suffered from hamstring and ankle injuries during the second half of the year and missed four games. If it stays healthy, it is one of the best in the Big Ten. The offensive line needs to replace three starters, but there is a lot of experience and depth in the unit. Great playmaker Jason Avant is gone as a receiver, but the return of Steve Breaston and Mario Manningham gives Henne two solid options as a receiver. Depth at quarterback is the big concern if Henne goes down.
Matches Returning to Defense – 8 This is a very experienced unit and should greatly improve its 36th position in total defense from a season ago. First, the defense has to find a way to put pressure on the quarterback, as the Wolverines generated just 24 sacks last season. The new defensive coordinator, Ron English, brings much more enthusiasm and intensity to the defense, something that has been lacking. The secondary is the best in the conference led by five safeties who could all be starters. The return of Ryan Mundy is a huge bonus. The corners will be led by Leon Hall, All-Big Ten senior. Linebackers have the potential for an outstanding season, but underperformance has been a big problem for the unit. The defensive line has LaMarr Woodley at the end and Alan Branch at tackle, two of the best in the conference. A repeat of a 10th-ranked conference in red zone defense last season won’t sit well with him.
Calendar This is where the Wolverines must step up things and prove they belong to the nation’s elite. Two easy wins against Vanderbilt and Central Michigan will start the year and then it’s a great game at Notre Dame that will go a long way for both teams. The Big Ten schedule begins with a tough home game against Wisconsin followed by a game at Minnesota. Hosting an improved Michigan St. team will be a challenge and then it will go to Penn St. followed by another tough home game against Iowa. Northwestern, Ball St. and Indiana will be three easy wins and then the season finale in Ohio St. could be one of the biggest and best meetings in recent times. There are four potential losses on the board and three of them are on the road.
You can bet on … Head coach Lloyd Carr is feeling the heat after last year’s disappointing season and another offseason could be costly. Both coordinators were replaced and with several players returning from injuries, things should change, but the difficult schedule does not help. However, getting to a bowling game for the 31st year in a row will not be a problem. Carr has lost four of five to Ohio St. and another loss to the Buckeyes could show him the door, since that counts almost as much as competing in the Big Ten. Michigan is generally putting the number up, but he’s 6-2 ATS as a road dog since 1999 and will score points in at least two games this year. The first will be against Notre Dame and that benefits the Wolverines as the underdog is 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
