JR’s top 25 - #5 Michigan

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Monday, August 22, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The Michigan Wolverines have seen two straight Rose Bowl appearances the past two years and are hoping for a third, as this year it's the National Championship game. Michigan is no stranger to the postseason though, appearing in 30 straight bowls, and every year they seem to be in contention for a Big Ten title.

This year's offensive unit returns eight starters and has two very talented sophomores in QB Chad Henne and RB Michael Hart. The loss of star WR Braylon Edwards will hurt a little, but not as much as you may think. Jason Avant and Steve Breaston are among the nation's best. Add to that talented TE Tim Massaquoi and you have yourself a fantastic set of receiving options. The O-line is very experienced and riddled with talent, including 2nd Team Big 10 RT Jake Long.

The defense loses leaders Marlin Jackson and Ernest Shazor but returns some top talent. The D-line is anchored by 1st Team Big Ten DT Gabe Watson and should stop the run better than last year's 39th ranked squad. The linebacking crew is very talented and has a lot of depth. The DBs will miss Shazor and Jackson, so the passing numbers may slip a bit, but they are still a solid group.

The Michigan Wolverines have the talent to make it to the Rose Bowl in January but the Big Ten isn't going to be easy this year. The benefit of playing Ohio State at home may help their cause. Look for the Wolverines to be 3-0 heading in to Big Ten play.
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