Every once in a while I sit down at my computer and fire up last years game agains OSU or MSU. I’ll choose to watch that final drive of the MSU game where Tate took the offense over 90 yards with a couple minutes to go to tie the game. I’ll watch certain pieces of the OSU game where Michigan moved the ball at will against them. If you’re reading this – you’re just as ready for this next college football season to get rolling as I am. Here are ten reasons that I’m excited for this season – and quasi-why I think Michigan can come away with 8 wins…

1. An experienced QB is going to be on the field. Yeah, there hasn’t been one of those in a while now has there. I know there is a lot of chatter out there now that spring ball has been well under way – that both Denard Robinson and Devin Gardner are challenging Tate Forcier for the starting spot. It’s a lot of hype. It’s justifiable to an extent because Devin and Denard to talented and great athletes, but I’d be shocked if anyone but Tate starts on September 4th agains UCONN. As I watch some of last year’s moments – Tate played like an erratic freshman at times, but damn he played well at other times and made some incredible plays on the run.
2. Big House is Money. The home opener against UCONN officially marks the completion and grand opening of the Michigan Stadium renovation project. I made it to three home games last year and thought that the stadium looked damn awesome. So I expect it to be even better without the old press box and people filling up those boxes. A victory against UCONN would sure make September 4th a great day to go along with what will be a pretty cool day at Michigan Stadium.
3. The D-line will be solid. Many feel that the defensive line will be the strongest part of the defense – and I agree. With a healthy Mike Martin, along with big Will Campbell, Ryan Van Bergen and Craig Roh – the d-line should show some real speed and power. Will Campbell should turn into a force that will have to be double-teamed much of the time. Even though Brandon Graham is gone – damn was he illmatic last year – the overall strength of the line should be improved.
4. Roy Roundtree. I’m a huge fan of what Roundtree was able to do in the last few games last year – starting with the Purdue game. He’s got great hands and some decent speed (being mindful of the horrid showing at Illinios). I look for him to be a staple of steady production and I think he’ll continue to be Tate’s favorite target.
5. Beating at least 2 out of 3 rivals. With Michigan State coming to Ann Arbor and Notre Dame having what should be an inexperienced offense – I fully expect Michigan to win at least those two games. I don’t think I can stomach losing either one – dropping 3 in a row to State just ain’t an option – especially a third one in the Big House.
6. Denard Robinson. (glasses up!) Here’s to Denard getting on the field more and finding the ball in his arms. He’s just too fast and too good of an athlete to not have on the field more often than he was last season. I think that Rich Rod will plug him into more sets early in ball games to get his legs going and to get him some touches – even if it’s not at quarterback.
7. What happens on the field will matter most. I’m tired of off the field issues dominating the media for this program. It will stop if Michigan can start strong like last year – but maintain some continuity relative to winning. A winning season cures all problems as far as I’m concerned. Once the season starts – the NCAA allegations are in the rearview mirror and Michigan’s play on the field will dominate what finds it’s way into the headlines and blogs. Definitely excited about that.
8. An improved secondary. Don’t laugh. I’m serious. The secondary will be better this year simply because there will be more talent. Donovan Warren’s departure, while it’s somewhat of a hit, I don’t think it’s going to negatively affect this unit as most think it will. Donovan was good – but as you can clearly see by what the NFL scouts think – he ain’t all that and probably shoudl have stuck around for his senior season. I think with the incoming talent – Cullen Christian, Demar Dorsey, etc. – these guys should put some speed back there that Michigan hasn’t had in a number of years. Let’s not forget – Cam Gordon made the switch from offense to defense and from all the reports seems to be a natural fit back there. Michigan hasn’t had a natural fit back at safety in longer than I can remember – so I’m going to say this unit has nowhere to go but up – and will indeed do so.
9. The year 2 to year 3 jump. I expect the jump from year 2 to year 3 to be a hair better than 1 to 2. You can’t argue the point that last year’s team was 10 times more fun to watch than the team that RR fielded in 2008. The talent at the skill positions – namely QB – was just far superior. I expect that same effect to take place at other positions on the field – specifically the defense. My initial, spring camp-ish season win expectations sit right at about 8 games. Not sure how they are going to do it, but I think it can and will be done.
10. Damnit it’s college football season. Even though it’s been a tough couple of seasons being a Michigan fan. Part of me doesn’t even care – because I know that things will get turned around eventually – and when it does it’s going to be mother fucking sweet. I know if you’ve read this far – you agree with me. So I’ll be tickled that it’s time for college football once the season rolls around – and that in and of itself is a damn good reason to be excited for this upcoming, 2010 Michigan Wolverine football squad.

Go Blue

Related Posts:

• Monday Press Conference: BGSU Post / Indiana Pre
• The 2010 Jumpoff: Michigan 30 – UConn 10
• A Look at Michigan’s 2010 Offense
• Week 10 Trend Report
• Game Recap: Michigan’s D is Alive