[Michigan Wolverines News]

Everyone gushes over the offensive talent, but I get the impression everyone looks the other way and just trusts the defense will be ok. They may be right. It seems easier for teams to reload on defense than it is on offense. Ohio State had to replace a ton of talent on defense in 2006 and managed to go undefeated through the regular season. Maybe Michigan can do it too, but I wouldn't bank on going undefeated when you have to replace five of your front seven and your secondary got scorched in their last two games of 2006. Combine the unsettled issues on special teams and this team has too many questions in my mind to predict an undefeated season.

Getting through the Big Ten undefeated is extremely difficult. With three or four teams with a legitimate shot at competing for the title this year it's going to be even harder. The games against Penn State and Wisconsin will decide how the conference shakes out. I think Michigan has to be the favorite to win the conference, but with games against Oregon, Notre Dame, Penn State, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and a determined Michigan State they have to drop one in there somewhere. I'm going to say they finish 11-1 and win the conference title. We'll have to see if that's good enough to land them in the BCS championship game.

Black Shoe Diaries :: Sizing Up The Big Ten - Michigan Wolverines