The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MICHIGAN FOOTBALL Early Look At 2012 Opponents: Massachusetts ball Championship Subdivision team that came into The Big House in 2010 and nearly upset the Wolverines before falling, 42-37. In 2012, Massachusetts is back, with a bit of flair — former Michigan fans may remember the Minutemen, the Foot- Notre Dame offensive coordinator Charley Molnar has taken the job of head coach; the team has moved up to Football Bowl Subdivision status as the newest member of the Mid- American Conference; and the Minutemen have a brand- new permanent home in Gillette Stadium (home of the New England Patriots). In short, Michigan gets to welcome the Minutemen to the Big Show. As with any transition, it's hard to say what shape the Molnar-led offense will take in 2012, but there are several holes to fill. Massachusetts loses 1,000-yard rusher Jonathan Hernan- dez, who ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan in 2010. Also gone are All-Colonial Athletic Association selections Emil Igwenagu, a tight end who averaged nearly 10 yards per catch last season; Julian Talley, the go-to wide receiver who hauled in 60 catches for 759 yards; and wide receiver Jesse Julmiste, who tallied 522 receiving yards and two spe- cial teams touchdowns. The line must replace both guards. But the quarterback race is the one to watch. Redshirt soph- Head coach Brian Kelly, who has gone 16-10 in two seasons at Notre Dame, will have to make a decision in the competition for the Irish starting quarterback job. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN omore Brandon Hill won the job in fall camp a year ago, but quickly lost it to junior Kellen Pagel. In seven starts last season, Pagel threw for 1,725 yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. Both quarterbacks will be back in 2012. The Minutemen defense returns nearly everyone from last year's squad, which surrendered 365.4 yards per game. Outside linebacker Tyler Holmes, who led the team with 118 tackles last year, is the lone full-time starter to graduate. Thirteen of the team's top 15 tacklers return, including de- fensive back Darren Thellen, who posted 67 tackles and five interceptions, one of which was returned for a score. — Andy Reid Early Look At 2012 Opponents: Notre Dame The Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry is headed to a new timeslot in 2012. Traditionally, the Wolverines and Fighting Irish have met early in the season — either the first or sec- ond weekend — to do gridiron battle. But next season, the old foes will play a full month into the season, on Sept. 22, the latest the game has been since the 1943 season (Oct. 9). Blue and Gold Illustrated senior editor Lou Somogyi thinks the delay may play into Notre Dame's favor. If the Irish have a few games under their belts to smooth out the kinks, it may help exorcise the late-game demons that have haunted them in three consecutive last-minute losses to Michigan. "Michigan has been the bogeyman, nard Robinson has been about the worst nightmare for Notre Dame that you could imagine. " Somogyi said. "De- Every Notre Dame fan will be keenly watching the devel- opments in the Irish quarterback race from now until open- ing weekend. " mate Andrew Hendrix, who spelled Rees during stretches last season, is eager to compete for the job. Add sophomore Everett Golson — a dual-threat option — and incoming blue-chipper Gunner Kiel, who enrolled a semester early, into the mix, and the competition will be very heated. "Some people almost look at the quarterback situation like Junior Tommy Rees started 12 games last season, but class- you have to use that season to build to 2013," Somogyi said. "On offense, the receiving corps, without Michael Floyd, will be in a transition, as well. "At quarterback, you just have to get someone who can lead you to that next level. anything, it's that strong and disciplined front seven play can cause nightmares for Robinson, and that is where ND has a chance. "The front seven, most people believe, will be the strength of the team. You have some bona-fide star power," Somogyi If the Michigan State and Virginia Tech games proved " said. "Getting Manti Te'o back to be the centerpiece in the middle was huge. been a first-round NFL Draft pick this spring had he de- clared, the Irish feature sophomore defensive ends Stephon Tuitt and Aaron Lynch, while junior nose guard Louis Nix put together a very strong season plugging up the middle. Lynch had 5.5 sacks last year, and another pass rusher, Along with Te'o, a senior linebacker who likely would have " fifth-year senior Kapron Lewis-Moore, who was hampered by injury last season, is back to further put the heat on op- posing quarterbacks. The big question mark on defense will be cornerback, where Robert Blanton and Gary Gray both graduate. — Andy Reid APRIL 2012 THE WOLVERINE 41