The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/144506
Junior defensive end Frank Clark posted career highs in total tackles (25), tackles for loss (nine) and sacks (two) last season, and he will be counted on to be a playmaker in 2013. Photo by per kjeldsen tricky. I don't want to look past Penn State, although at some point that program is going to take a step back. Those games stand out as the potentially trickiest. "I think Northwestern is probably fuming over what happened last year … and Michigan State's always fuming." The Wolverine: Does Michigan make it to the Big Ten championship game this year … and win it? Karsch: "That's a tough question. This is one of those seasons that could run the gamut between Brady's first season and last year. If a bounce goes their way here or there, a player exceeds expectations here or there, you've got yourself a team that's playing for the Big Ten championship. "If I had to bet, I would probably bet against it. But this might be the last year I say that, because of what's on its way. This year, if they get to the Big Ten championship, it's icing on the cake. In Gardner's fifth-year senior year, I think they should be competing for the Big Ten championship and more. "I just don't know if all the young pieces are ready to grow up just yet. If they do, wow." Dienhart: "I guess I'd be picking Nebraska as the Legends champion, and I'll stick with that. I will say this, though — it's a razor-thin margin between Nebraska and Michigan and Northwestern. If you want to keep Michigan State in the conversation, you can — it's going to be a tight race. "In the end, I think Nebraska is going to find a way to win it. They're going to have the best offense in the Big Ten. Yes, their defense has some concerns. I think the front seven is going to be better for Nebraska. "I try to talk myself into falling in love with Michigan, but I can never find enough reason to fall in love with Michigan. I'd like to. I like Brady Hoke, and I like his staff a lot." Heininger: "They're going to make the title game, and they're going to win it. We're going to have to beat Ohio twice and get out to the Rose Bowl. I'll say we'll win it, because I've never been to California, and I really want to go." ❑