richrod_2Michigan brought in Rich Rod’s smarm and spread offense last season, leading them to a 3-9 record.  It was Michigan’s first losing season since the pre-Schembechler era, and their first time missing a bowl game since the Big Ten allowed teams to attend bowls other than the Rose Bowl in 1976.  If you judge football conferences by frivolous things, such as winning bowl games or competitiveness, the Big Ten has declined.  But, given the revenue figures, a number of you still think the Big Ten and Michigan are important.  So, we ask, how will year two of the Rich Rod regime turn out?

Rodriguez imported a radically different offense, foisting it on players not his own.  Most crucially, he did not sign Terrell Pryor, leaving the Wolverines without a suitable quarterback.  Rodriguez started with a blight but did nothing to stem it.  Talent and system hiccups, often, were not the issue.  It was poor morale, poor communication and poor execution.

The offense should improve.  Projected starting QB Tate Forcier is a freshman, but was a legitimate prospect, making him an upgrade over the Threet/Sheridan trainwreck.  Michigan has talent and depth at running back, wide receiver and tight end.  They also return four starters on the offensive line, who, presumably, should be more comfortable in the system.

Michigan’s greater trouble will be defensively.  Last year’s unit gave up the most points in Michigan history.  They will need a performance from the front seven, as they have just one returning starter in the secondary, Donovan Warren, who has an ankle injury.  Stevie Brown will be a fluid playmaker, shifting between safety and linebacker.  If the Wolverines can hold possession better on offense, that will help, though they may be exposed against better passing attacks.

Chemistry needs to be better. Departures by malcontents should help, and so should the first influx of Rodriguez recruits.  Presumably, Rich Rod has cultivated the same relationship with his team as with Jamie Foxx.

The schedule favors Michigan.  Their non-conference schedule is weak, with both Eastern and Western Michigan and Delaware St.  Eight of their 12 games are at home, including the big ones against Notre Dame, Penn St. and Ohio St.  If the goal is a bowl game, that’s easily attainable.  Beating Western, Eastern, Delaware St, Indiana and Purdue at home gets them five of the six required.  If they don’t win at least six, Rodriguez should be fired.