8. MICHIGAN

2005 record: 7-5, 5-3 (3rd-tie in Big Ten)
2005 bowl: Lost to Nebraska 32-28 in Alamo
2005 final AP/coaches' ranking: Not ranked
Coach: Lloyd Carr (102-34, 11 years)
Offensive coordinator: Mike DeBord (1st year)
Defensive coordinator: Ron English (1st year)
Offensive scheme: Multiple
Defensive scheme: Situational
Returning offensive starters: 8
Returning defensive starters: 8
Location: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Stadium: Michigan (artificial, 107,501)
Last league title: 2004 (tie)
2006 schedule: [view]
2005 statistics: [view]

Offense: There’s a smart quarterback (Chad Henne), a potentially game-breaking tailback (Mike Hart) and a game-changing wide receiver (Steve Breaston). What’s not to like? But Michigan’s key offensive players must play up to the potential of their press clippings in order for the Wolverines to reclaim elite status in the Big Ten. Henne’s numbers (58.4 percent completions, 23 touchdowns, just eight interceptions) look great, but he must return to the savvy and guile of his freshman season, when Michigan reached the Rose Bowl. Hart missed four games (and was limited in others) due to ankle and hamstring injuries. Like Henne, Hart wants to regain his freshman mojo. There’s an insurance plan in place, sophomore Kevin Grady, in case there are more physical breakdowns for Hart. Breaston scares opposing defensive coordinators, but his impact was strangely minimal last season, and he’s determined for a senior-season comeback. Sophomore Mario Manningham is a nice weapon at the other receiver. Only left tackle Jake Long is set on the offensive line, which has considerable talent, but must replace three starters.

Brian Bahr / Getty Images Junior running back Mike Hart, who struggled with ankle and hamstring injuries last season, will be a key if Michigan is to bounce back and contend for the Big Ten title.

Defense: Michigan has some nice defensive elements, some of which must be refined (or retooled). The star is defensive end LaMarr Woodley, a terrorizing pass-rusher, and he’ll likely be complemented by junior defensive end Rondell Biggs, who had a great spring. Alan Branch, a 330-pound defensive tackle, has improved his conditioning and should be more of a factor. Linebackers Chris Graham and Prescott Burgess have all the tools necessary for success, but need to produce more big plays. Watch for incoming freshman Brandon Graham, who should push for playing time. Senior cornerback Leon Hall became last season’s major surprise, and coaches think the other corner, sophomore Morgan Trent, could have a similar coming-out party. Ryan Mundy, haunted by a shoulder injury most of last season, should reclaim his spot at free safety.

Specialists: Breaston gives Michigan one of the nation’s top return games. Senior place-kicker Garrett Rivas enters his fourth season after a career dotted by reliability and several clutch field goals.

Game of the year Oct. 16. vs. Texas Oh my. This one is big on so many levels. It’s a rematch of last season’s Big 12 title game, when 1 second was put back on the clock, allowing Texas a final-play field goal to win 13-12. It’s the potential for Nebraska’s parting shot against Big 12 kingpin Texas before the 'Huskers bolt for the Big Ten. Nebraska hasn’t beaten Texas in the regular season since 1974.

Coaching: Michigan has been to a bowl game each season since 1974. That streak almost ended last year, but the Wolverines put together a llate four-game winning streak to reach the Alamo Bowl. Coach Lloyd Carr had seen enough, though. He shook up his staff, bringing in Mike DeBord to run the offense (as he did in 1997-99, including the Wolverines’ national-title team) and promoting secondary coach Ron English to defensive coordinator. DeBord won’t change Michigan’s run-first offensive philosophy, but look for English to install a more aggressive, attacking defensive style.

Heisman Hopefuls: Henne, with two seasons of starting duty at a brand-name school, can put himself in the race with a quick start. Hart, too, could get some recognition, but he faded off the preseason radar following his injury-plagued sophomore season.

Overview: Michigan is coming off its worst season in 21 years. But the Wolverines were closer to a championship than many people suspected, losing its three Big Ten games by a combined 10 points. However the season was viewed, one notion can’t be dismissed. The Wolverines were underachievers. There’s too much skill, particularly at key offensive positions, for Michigan to settle for also-ran status in the Big Ten. There probably isn’t enough power to knock off Ohio State for the championship, but Michigan should be in contention for a BCS bowl, even with a schedule that features road games at Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State.