subject: 2010 Michigan Football Predictions [print this page] 2010 Michigan Football Predictions 2010 Michigan Football Predictions
I was not surprised to see the Michigan Wolverines drop in the Big 10 standings when Rich Rodriguez took over this program in 2008, but I am shocked at just how bad this team has been the past two seasons. After setting a school record with nine losses in Rodriguez's first season, the Wolverines continued to disappoint in 2009, losing their final five games of the season to finish the year at 5-7 and tied for last in the Big 10 at 1-7.
R
odriguez has now had the chance to get his players into the program, and everyone is expecting to see some improvement this season, but if the team struggles to produce wins in 2010 it could be the final season for Rodriquez in Ann Arbor. Here is a look at what the Wolverines are expected to send on the field in 2010, plus my prediction on where they will finish up in the Big 10 this season.
Offense:The Wolverines improved greatly on the offensive side of the ball in 2009 scoring nearly 30 points a game after barely scoring 20 points a game in 2008. Even though Rodriguez has said the starting quarterback spot is up for grabs, I believe it will be sophomore Tate Forcier leading this team onto the field for the opener, and if he can stay healthy I expect him to put up some big numbers this season. The Wolverines will count on red-shirt freshman Fitzgerald Toussaint and sophomore Vincent Smith to lead the rushing attack. At wide receiver I look for a big season out of sophomore Roy Roundtree, who really emerged late in the season. The offensive line has to replace two starters on the right side of the ball, but still should be solid as a group in 2010.
Defense: The Wolverines defense let this team down in 2009 allowing nearly 28 points a game, and was a big reason this team finished the year with five straight losses. They were terrible against the run allowing nearly 175 yards per game on the ground, and lose star defensive end Brandon Graham. Still this unit could be better against the run in 2010, as they plug in sophomore nose tackle William Campbell, who is a massive 6'5 324 lbs. The Wolverines are experienced at linebacker with all three starters back, and will benefit greatly if Williams can clog up the middle and allow them to roam more freely. Sophomore strong safety Jordan Kovacs will lead the secondary, as he comes in as the leading tackler back from the 2009 season. They will need strong play out of sophomore corner JT Floyd and red-shirt freshman free safety Cameron Gordon for this defense to really improve this season.
Prediction 5th Big Ten: Not the easiest schedule for the Wolverines to turn things around, as they have to travel to take on Penn State and Ohio State and get two very good football teams in Iowa and Wisconsin at home, also must play a pretty good Michigan State team at home.
Find out where the rest of the teams in the stand in my 2010 Big 10 football predictions. Also, be sure to check out our college football odds page each week to make sure you have the best possible odds for every game this season.
