Michigan 2007 Preview

Can you start a season by mentioning the final game on the schedule? When it’s Michigan that’s an absolute. The Wolverines will never overlook an opponent, but not a week will go by when they won’t think about their Nov. 17 date with Ohio State. Michigan has lost five of its last six against the Buckeyes, with the last Michigan win coming in 2003. Of course, to set that up as a key game — like last season — they need to win the first 11.

Once again motivation will not be an issue for the Wolverines. They still have to get the nasty taste out of their mouths from finishing last year with two losses (at Ohio State, to USC at the Rose Bowl) after beginning the season with 11 straight wins.

It’s the last chance for the core of the offense — quarterback Chad Henne, tailback Mike Hart and left tackle Jake Long. This trio is driven, competitive and poised, and when they talk, their teammates listen. Coach Lloyd Carr could not ask for a stronger leadership core, and he will depend on them heavily throughout the run.

The seniors have never beaten Ohio State — something that obviously doesn’t sit well. In addition, they have never ended the season with a win. Michigan has lost four straight bowl games, including three in the Rose Bowl.

The schedule could not be much better. The Wolverines play their first four games at home, and Notre Dame and Ohio State are among their eight home games. The key stretch will come in November when they play at Michigan State, at Wisconsin and then Ohio State in Ann Arbor to wrap up the season.

This team has the talent to win at least as many games as last season. The only issue is whether the defense, which is lacking in experience, can grow up fast.

Quarterbacks
Now in his fourth full year as the starter, Henne should be more comfortable in the pocket this season after studying tapes of former Wolverine and Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady. Henne has set goals for himself each season, and he says the focus of this offseason has been his pocket presence. Henne is the stabilizing force of an offense that helped Michigan win its first 11 games last season. His numbers were down a bit, with career lows in yards (2,508) and touchdowns (22), but his completion percentage was up (61.9), and he threw only eight interceptions. Those are numbers Carr can live with. Henne’s backup figures to be true freshman Ryan Mallett, who enrolled in January and went through spring practice. Mallett has the size (6'6", 247) and arm strength to be a starter at Michigan. But for now, this is Henne’s team.

Running Backs
It all starts with Hart, a Heisman contender who rushed for a career-high 1,562 yards during a banner junior season. After minor offseason surgery on his left shoulder, Hart is healthy, and his competitiveness is contagious. Expect sophomore Brandon Minor to step up to the No. 2 spot with Kevin Grady possibly out for the season following major knee surgery in April. Minor made major strides in the offseason, especially in pass protection. Initially, there was a concern about depth at fullback, but that was erased with the emergence of true freshman Vince Helmuth, walk-on Mark Moundros and Quintin Patilla, who moved over from linebacker. Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord was pleased with the play of this group in the spring.

Receivers
It seems each season the Wolverines lose a big-time receiver, and each season the receiving corps steps up as a team strength. With Steve Breaston (58 catches as a senior) gone, the door is open for Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington to take on even larger roles. Arrington’s off-field problems in the offseason could be a factor here. Still, the Wolverines like their depth at this position. Sophomore Greg Mathews’ confidence has been boosted with a top-notch showing in the spring. His route-running and hands have been compared to former Wolverine Jason Avant. Expect Henne to also target LaTerryal Savoy, another receiver who has the talent to step up to the front of the line. Junior tight end Mike Massey, who caught eight passes and started a pair of games last year, should serve as an integral part of the offense.

2007 Schedule
S. 1	Appalachian State	W
S. 8	Oregon	W
S. 15	Notre Dame	W
S. 22	Penn State	W
S. 29	at Northwestern	W
O. 6	Eastern Michigan	W
O. 13	Purdue	W
O. 20	at Illinois	W
O. 27	Minnesota	W
N. 3	at Michigan State	W
N. 10	at Wisconsin	*
N. 17	Ohio State	*
Games in bold represent swing games. W or L indicates a projected win or loss.

Offensive Linemen 
Long’s decision to return for his senior season was huge for the Wolverines’ hopes this year. Possibly the best tackle in the country, Long protects Henne’s blind side, makes everyone around him better and provides leadership for the entire team. Guards Adam Kraus and Alex Mitchell bring some more experience to a line that will be in its second season working with zone blocking schemes. Justin Boren may be left-handed and has never played the position, but he seems a natural fit at center. He is smart player, and he benefited from working with Henne during the spring. The biggest question mark on the line falls at right tackle. The competition has been fierce, but look for Steve Schilling to get a good look.

Defensive Linemen
Coordinator Ron English has more than a few worries on defense because he has more than a few holes to fill. But the line is not one of his concerns, despite the loss of All-America tackle Alan Branch. Tackle Terrance “Ball of Muscle” Taylor made an impact last year and will set the tone. While experience is a factor elsewhere defensively, juniors Will Johnson and Tim Jamison should solidify a line that will also feature up-and-coming ends Brandon Graham and Greg Banks.

Linebackers
Carr was so desperate for experience at linebacker that he went the junior college route to bring in Austin Panter. It’s a rarity for Carr, but Panter’s maturity could be just the ticket at middle linebacker. Holdover John Thompson will also be in the mix in the middle. Senior Shawn Crable had a breakout season last year on the strong side but was surrounded by big-time talent. He’s going to have to make an impact as a leader now that David Harris and Prescott Burgess are gone. Jonas Mouton, who made the move from safety, will be a factor on the weak side, along with Chris Graham, a four-game starter last year. English likes the talent at linebacker, but he understands there will be some growing pains with this young unit.

Defensive Backs
Cornerback Morgan Trent has never been shy about his boast that he’s the speediest (and best-dressed) Wolverine on the squad. After 11 starts a year ago, the light has clicked on for Trent. Replacing future NFL corner Leon Hall is no easy task, but there are a handful of candidates eager to prove themselves. Johnny Sears has a bit of experience, while Doug Dutch does not — at this position anyway. Dutch made the move from the receiving corps in the offseason. True freshman Donovan Warren is also expected to get playing time. Jamar Adams holds down one safety spot, while the other starting assignment likely will go to speedy sophomore Stevie Brown or former cornerback Charles Stewart.

Specialists
A kicker is not always appreciated until he’s gone, but the Wolverines realize they will miss Garrett Rivas. Bryan Wright and K.C. Lopata will now get their chance. Punter Zoltan Mesko possesses the experience and the power to have a banner season; he had eight punts of 50 yards or more last year. Breaston will be missed as a return specialist, but the Wolverines have a group of speedsters who will get their shot.

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