#4-MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Third year bench boss Brady Hoke hopes to continue to build the maze & blue program back to previous heights in 2013. Denard Robinson is gone but capable Devin Gardner returns to Ann Arbor to lead what looks to be a young but very talented Wolverine squad.

Gardner took over last year after the Robinson injury and looked electric at times. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Fitzgerald Toussaint (who is hoping to return from injury) and Derrick Green. The group of wide receivers appears to be the weak spot on the Michigan offense. Jeremy Gallon and Drew Dileo will attempt to fill the shoes of the departed Roy Roundtree. Up front, All-American tackle Taylor Lewan will lead an offensive line that only returns two starters.

The past few years the defense has been the reason that Michigan has not been able to take that final step back into national relevancy. Frank Clark looks to be a difference maker on the defensive line and sophomore Ondre Pipkins should challenge for even more playing time this fall. The Wolverine linebackers have been hit with injuries this spring and summer but Desmond Morgan moving to the inside slot should make this a solid trio. The secondary was hit hard by graduation and there could be some early growing pains in the back end.

The annual match-up vs Notre Dame is the only highlight of the non-conference schedule. Once Big Ten play kicks off, Michigan will avoid Illinois, Wisconsin and Purdue. Nebraska and Ohio State both have to visit the Big House in 2013.

PREDICTION: 4-0 non-conference, 6-2 conference, 10-2 overall.