The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/140507
M Magazines Predict U-M-OSU Big Ten Title Game The Wolverines and Buckeyes first met in 1897 and have played every season since 1918, building a bitter rivalry that has developed into one of the nation's fiercest annual battles. But there's one thing the two old foes have never done: play twice in one season. That could change in 2013. Among the national preseason magazines, there's a consensus that Michigan and Ohio State will face each other in the Big Ten Championship Game, just seven days after their regular-season meeting. The Wolverines' Predicted Finish National Legends Big Ten OutletRank ChampChamp Lindy's 16 Michigan OSU over U-M Athlon 14 Michigan OSU over U-M Sporting News13 Michigan OSU over U-M bowl is evident. … Don't be surprised if this team is playing for a national title." Sporting News ranked Ohio State fifth nationally and said, "Meyer wants an SEC clone, and Ohio State isn't there yet. Still, this is an excellent team, and if the defensive front comes around, it could be great." Taylor Lewan Receives Praise According to the major preseason publications, fifth-year senior left tackle Taylor Lewan is a consensus first-team All-American, the lone Wolverine who cracks the national lists this preseason. Although some critics questioned Lewan's de- cision to stay in school instead of entering the 2013 NFL Draft, the magazines celebrated the move — and predicted a big year for the big man. "Lewan will anchor a Michigan offensive line that will have three new starters this fall," wrote Lindy's, which ranked Lewan the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country. "Once known for his inconsistent play and penchant for penalties, he is now considered a mentor, helping bring along the new members of a fraternity of linemen steeped in Michigan tradition. Lewan says he will play with a mauler's mentality this year." They also called Lewan the Big Ten's best pass blocker. Michigan Overview The preview magazines are excited to see redshirt junior quarterback Devin Gardner take full control of the offense, with the Wolverines moving on from Denard Robinson. "Gardner's comfort and confidence as a prostyle quarterback gives Michigan off-the-charts passing potential," Lindy's wrote. But there are offensive concerns, with lack of depth in the receiving corps and three new starters on the offensive line. "The Wolverines have uncertainty elsewhere," wrote Athlon. "The tailbacks were awful last year, averaging a school-worst 72.8 yards per game. … They also need a third receiver behind proven weapon Jeremy Gallon and reliable slot Drew Dileo." On defense, the ACL injury of outside linebacker Jake Ryan was a big blow, said the magazine. But there is plenty to like, even with some young players filling key roles. "The return of cornerback Blake Countess from a torn ACL helps fortify the secondary," wrote Sporting News. "And keep an eye on freshman defensive end Taco Charlton, who could play his way into the rotation." The Year Of The Buckeyes? In head coach Urban Meyer's first season in Columbus, the Buckeyes went 12-0, although they could not compete for championships because of NCAA sanctions. Lindy's, Athlon and Sporting News are all in agreement that Ohio State will play Michigan twice in two weeks, meeting in the Big Ten Championship Game. They also agree that the Buckeyes will get the best of the Wolverines. Lindy's pegged Ohio State as the No. 2 team in the country, behind Alabama. "Braxton Miller could win the Heisman," Lindy's wrote. "There won't be much push back from an unsteady Big Ten. … The Bucks will play in a BCS bowl. What Pasadena bowl that will be — Jan. 1 as a Big Ten champion or Jan. 6 for a BCS title — depends on Miller and his leadership." Athlon predicted another undefeated season for Ohio State. "Ohio State looks formidable on paper, and the hunger to return to a high-profile Lindy's preseason magazine tabbed fifth-year senior left tackle Taylor Lewan the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country, and Athlon pegged him as a first-team All-American. photo by lon horwedel Preseason All-Big Ten Selections PlayerPos. Lindy's Taylor Lewan OT 1st Team Brendan Gibbons K 2nd Team Devin Gardner QB 3rd Team Devin Funchess TE 2nd Team Dennis Norfleet KR N/A Jeremy Gallon WR 3rd Team Michael Schofield OT 3rd Team Thomas Gordon S 3rd Team Blake Countess CB 2nd Team Frank Clark DE N/A Q. Washington DT N/A Desmond Morgan LB N/A Derrick Green RB N/A 14 ■ The Wolverine 2013 Football Preview Athlon 1st Team N/A N/A N/A 2nd Team N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Sporting News 1st Team 1st Team N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Phil Steele's 1st Team 2nd Team 3rd Team 4th Team 2nd Team 2nd Team 4th Team 4th Team N/A 3rd Team 3rd Team 3rd Team 4th Team