Even With Quarterback Questions, It's Bowl or Bust for Michigan, Rodriguez

After suffering through their most dreadful season in school history, the Michigan Wolverines know exactly what they have entering the start of preseason practice Saturday. For starters, a short -- if not selective -- memory.

`"Obviously, we have a lot of work to do," second-year coach Rich Rodriguez said. "And the last year, we don't want to talk about it obviously for as bad a season as we had. But, at the same time, I think we've learned some things from it. I think we've grown from it.

"I think our team is closer, and I think we know what we need to do."

Naturally, what Michigan needs to do is win consistently, a trademark that fans have grown accustomed to during the program's storied history. Last season was a disaster as the Wolverines posted their worst record since 1967. Beating an old rival or a fellow traditional power this year would certainly do wonders for the program's psyche and accelerate the Rodriguez reclamation.

"I think we're on that track," Rodriquez said.

"I don't want to make any predictions, and I don't think our players do either, but I do expect us to be a lot better. I think our players will expect us to be a lot better, and I think we're on our way."

Considering that Michigan has lost its last two openers at the Big House, a win over visiting Western Michigan Sept. 5 would be a big step in the right direction, under the circumstances. Especially with improved Notre Dame in the on-deck circle. While the Wolverines feature nice experience along the offensive line and have individual star power at running back, receiver, defensive end and linebacker, their biggest question mark is at the most important position - quarterback.

Michigan expects to have a mobile quarterback that fits Rodriguez's spread offense, but the starter will be either a true freshman or a former walk-on.

Californian Tate Forcier enrolled in January and turned in a strong spring showing, while classmate, Floridian Denard Robinson, made a strong first impression during summer workouts. Redshirt junior Nick Sheridan, the former walk-on, threw just two touchdowns against five interceptions in eight games last year, suffered a broken leg during spring drills but expects to be back in time for the season.

While there's no way to put it politely - fans plugged their nose last season when watching a Michigan offense that had 30 turnovers and ranked last in the league in passing yards, pass efficiency, and completion percentage - Rodriguez blamed the unit's struggles on overall inexperience and not necessarily the quarterback. He's hopeful returning players help make for a smoother transition this season.

"You focus on the quarterback and a lack of experience there, but we had a lack of experience everywhere on offense," Rodriguez said.

"Now all those guys, particularly up front on the offensive line, have played before. The big thing experience brings you, particularly if you're in the same system, now this year when they go through a game and the bullets are flying and there's adjustments to be made, they've been there and done that."

Of course, Michigan has been there and done that. And, in case you are wondering, Rodriguez expects the Wolverines to be back in the postseason this year. The Wolverines lost three games by three touchdowns or more and five by at least 14 points in 2008. Rodriguez changed defensive coordinators in the offseason and the unit expects to have more of a 3-4 look than the 4-3 it often employed last year.

"If we're not in a bowl game we're all going to be ticked," Rodriguez said.

"If we're not competing better in every game, we're all going to be upset. Not talking about the fans, but us. We think that we should be a whole lot better in a whole lot of areas even though we lost a lot of guys on defense."

For the second consecutive season, however, the media did not select Michigan to finish in the top three in the Big Ten. From 1997 to 2007, the Wolverines were never expected to finish lower than second in the conference. On the national stage, Michigan will certainly miss the preseason top-25 ranking for just the fourth time since 1969.

"I understand it's a bottom-line business," Rodriguez said. "Until we have the wins and losses, that type of success, people will always question it. I wish there was more patience, but I ain't got much patience myself so I hope it shows up pretty soon."



It also goes without saying that Michigan's overall mood is often dictated by the success or shortcomings of rival Ohio State. The Buckeyes have held the upper hand, winning at least a share of the last four Big Ten Championships and looking to become the first school in conference history to win five or more straight crowns on multiple occasions. Ohio State, which has gone 29-3 in the Big Ten during that time, also has beaten Michigan five consecutive years.

"I wish we were better so the game would have been better," Rodriguez said of last year's 42-7 defeat.

"But the intensity was what you thought it was. I think it's the greatest rivalry in sports. But I didn't enjoy the atmosphere because we weren't playing well. I think if we would have played better and been more competitive, which is certainly our plan and our attention, it will be a whole lot better. But the rivalry is second to none."

While the Wolverines also have had to deal with a rash of transfers under the new coaching regime, Rodriguez doesn't concern himself with players who have left the program. Last month offensive lineman Kurt Wermer transferred to Ball State and fired a few parting shots on the way out of Ann Arbor, Mich. Slot receiver Justin Feagin was recently dismissed from the team for a "violation of team rules." On the flip side, Michigan's 50 returning lettermen are the second-most in the league.

"I think my team is fine," Rodriguez said.

"I think you lose a little - I think you probably lose a few more players in a transition year, probably within the first year and a half, two years than normal and that was the case in the last two places I've coached. Our players I think have come closer together in the last five or six months than I could even have hoped for."