The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/111015
continues to gain confidence and has led by example, but there are few upperclassmen returning who have shown the vocal propensity. At the same time, there aren���t all that many veterans, giving some of the young guys a chance to assume the role. 5. Will the running backs be more productive? That depends on who���s carrying the ball. Fifth-year senior-to-be Fitz Toussaint is recov- ering from a major leg injury, junior Thomas Rawls is unproven (and has been injury prone) ��� a true freshman (Ohio���s Deveon Smith or Virginia five-star Derrick Green) could get an opportunity. Redshirt sophomore Justice Hayes and redshirt frosh Drake Johnson will also get a shot ��� but as was the case last year, they���ll only be as good as the line in front of them. Five Big Ten Teams To Watch 1. Northwestern ��� Early polling has the Wildcats ranked ahead of Michigan on several lists, due to 18 starters back on a team that finished 10���3, and probably should have been 12���1. Quarterback Kain Colter emerged as one of the Big Ten���s better runners and will head an offense that should be explosive. 2. Ohio State ��� Many project the Buckeyes to finish undefeated for a second straight year, and they���ll have a decent shot at it playing in the weaker Leaders Division. Quarterback Braxton Miller is one of the nation���s top players and could be a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. A game at Michigan should be the Buckeyes��� biggest test ��� and could be the first of two against the Wolverines. 3. Michigan ��� Northwestern has been getting more pre-preseason pub based on its finish, but the Wolverines will be right in the thick of it for the Legends Division ��� and it says here they���ll win it if quarter��� back Devin Gardner stays healthy. Head coach Brady Hoke has stockpiled talent in each of the last two classes, and while they���re young, they���re hungry for a first conference title since 2004. 4. Nebraska ��� The Cornhuskers got every break in the book in win��� ning the Legends Division in 2012, and it will take more than that to repeat in 2013. That said, quarterback Taylor Martinez returns along with running back Ameer Abdullah. Just as importantly, Ohio State and Wisconsin are replaced on the schedule by Illinois and Purdue. Michigan, on the road, is the Cornhuskers��� toughest game. 5. Wisconsin ��� The Badgers lost head coach Bret Beilema to Arkan��� sas and will have a new identity with former Utah State head coach Gary Andersen, but there���s enough talent that they should remain competitive. They have three quarterbacks returning who have at least some experience, and while running back Montee Ball is gone, Wisconsin should be strong up front.