[wvuauthor]

What does everyone think about the Wolverines chances at a Big Ten Title in 2006?

I know they had a down year in 05, but will they be able to pick it up in 06? In my opinion, they are going to have a similar year to 05, with maybe one more win. The Big Ten is tough, year in and year out, and I am not so sure that Michigan has improved as much as needed to catch up with OSU, etc.

Does anyone know anything about the freshman that the Wolverines will have available? Anyone who may be able to give them an extra push?

[Lefty Noob]

I must admit that I don't know for certain, 100-percent that the following guys signed with the U of M, but they had committed to Michigan and they should make a big impact in the NCAA soon enough.

First is Brandon Graham, a 6-1, 25-1 linebacker. He runs a 4.67 40 and was dubbed the best inside LB in the nation by Scout.com. Also watch for G Stephen Schilling, DT Marques Slocum, G/T Justin Borne, DB Jai Eugene and RBs Carlos Brown and Brandon Minor. Most of these guys, if not all of them, were rated as blue-chips and should excel as Wolverines.

EDIT -- Looks like Jai Eugene wound up signing with LSU, not Michigan. Scout.com had him ranked as the top CB this season, so this is a HUGE loss for the Wolverines.

[wvuauthor]

I saw pretty much the same thing on Scout.com, and figured that they would have a major impact on the program in the next couple of years. I think Michigan has a chance to be very competitive next year if they can get a couple of guys to step in and sure up a couple of key positions. I still think OSU is the team to beat though!

[cjg11582]

If it comes down to the OSU-Michigan game to determine the Big Ten champion, I have to give the edge to OSU if for no other reason than the game is at Ohio Stadium, and Llyod Carr is to Jim Tressel what Jon Cooper was to Lloyd Carr. I mean, if Michigan is now at the stage where they are losing supplemental bowl games to teams as suspect as Nebraska was last year, than winning the Big Ten title should be the last thing they are concerned with.

[anrobins]

I have always liked Lloyd Carr as a coach, but if he wants to win, he needs to let his talented offense fly. Few teams in the country have running threat of U of M and the big play passing ability to go deep for big plays. Also, the defense was really the team's strong point after big question marks. If he proves able to adjust this season, they should challenge for the conference title. If they prove unable to do so, then expect another loss or two before mid-October and for Michigan fans attempt a coup.

[jabbey]

I am anxious to see what Ron English does with the defense. Hopefully they get a little more agressive and after it.