By BUTCH HARMON
After a strong start last season, the University of Michigan football team fell apart at the end, as it lost six of its final eight games, including its bowl game. The heat is beginning to rise on head coach Brady Hoke, especially in light of losses to both Michigan State University and the Ohio State University last season.
OFFENSE: The Wolverine offense needs a big season from senior quarterback Devin Gardner, who had more negtives than positives last year. Michigan must also rebuild the offensive line that will be missing Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield. The ground game was a major issue for the Wolverines last season and must be improved this year.
DEFENSE: The Wolverine defense surrendered almost 27 points per game last fall, and improvement is imperative this season. The return of a healthy Jake Ryan will help, while freshman defensive back Jabrill Peppers has been compared to Wolverine legend Charles Woodson.
OUR TAKE: With road games at University of Notre Dame, Michigan State, and Ohio State the course will be anything but easy for the Wolverines. Enough talent is on hand for the Wolverines to realistically win eight games if they take care of business, and nine would be a reasonable goal.
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