Hope for the Wolverines in 2010

Will this be the year that Michigan reclaims the top spot in the Big Ten?

The Michigan Wolverines. That name used to strike fear into the hearts of many college football teams. It used to strike fear into the hearts of all Big Ten teams. Yes, that name used to strike fear into the hearts of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

That is until a few short years ago, when Michigan seemed to hit a rough patch, which now seems to have lasted forever.

In 2008, Lloyd Carr left his head coaching job at Michigan, and Rich Rodriguez took over. Rodriguez brought in the spread-style offense, which Michigan had never seen. His first year on the job, the team went 3-9. Of course, he didn't have the players to fit his offensive style, so most Michigan fans knew that the year was going to be a tough one.

In 2009 however, Rodriguez ended up with two quarterbacks that fit the spread offense, and everyone from the 2008 team who stayed for the 2009 season. The team had more experience, and was more hungry to get as far away from the losing season of 2008 as they could.

Michigan started out the season with a nice win over Western Michigan, a nail-biter of a win over Notre Dame, and wins over Eastern Michigan and Indiana.

Michigan then lost their next two, one against Michigan State, which ended in overtime, and the other against No. 14 Iowa. The Wolverines next game was a give me against Delaware State, and they won 63-6.

With that victory, Michigan only needed one more win to become bowl eligible, something they missed out on in 2008, which was the first time in 32 years they missed a bowl.

Sadly, however, Michigan lost the rest of their remaining five games. They lost to No. 11 Penn State, Illinois, Purdue, No. 20 Wisconsin, and of course, No. 8 Ohio State, which was the sixth straight loss to the Buckeyes—the highest win streak the Buckeyes have ever had in the rivalry's history.

But, 2010 is a new year! Michigan's young quarterbacks have gotten better, quicker, faster and smarter. The team has had another year together, and gained more experience. Because of that, Michigan and its fans, are ready for 2010, and hoping (and praying) that this season, will be a winning season. That this season, they will be heading back to a bowl game and that this season, they will finally serve another loss to Ohio State, which would make their rivalry record against the Buckeyes an amazing 58-43-6.

Michigan's schedule looks as if they can have a winning season, although they still have quite a few tough games, such as against Michigan State, Iowa, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State, at the Horse Shoe.

Michigan starts the season off against Connecticut. Next up, they play Notre Dame, Massachusetts, Bowling Green and Indiana. The toughest game in that group will be against Notre Dame, which is always a tough battle.

After that, the Wolverines begin the tough part of their schedule, as they play Michigan State, Iowa, and Penn State (in Happy Valley). Next, they play Illinois, Purdue (at Purdue), Wisconsin and Ohio State in Columbus.

Although most think that Michigan against Ohio State this year is an automatic win for the Bucks, it is still questionable. That rivalry game is unlike any other game, and both teams and their fans are nervous every time they meet up to play.

Looking at the schedule, Michigan should not do any worse than 7-5, which not only would be their best record with Rodriguez as their head coach, but it would also get them to a bowl game. And, honestly, depending on how other Big Ten teams do, it could lead the Wolverines to a shot at the Big Ten championship, though that could be a stretch.

As a Michigan fan myself, I always look forward to the start of the season, but this year is different. This year it seems they have made the right moves to make this team a good team. Not only does quarterback Tate Forcier seem to possess the skills to get it done in high pressure situations, but quarterback Denard Robinson seems to have only gotten better from last year, as well.

Michigan also adds a new quarterback to the mix this year in Devin Gardner, who's style compliments Rodriguez’s offense 100 percent. Michigan also has a committee of running backs to look to be able to get the job done, and most are young, which only makes the season look brighter.

On September 4, Michigan kicks off its season taking on Connecticut at the Big House, and all Michigan fans are looking forward to it. The start of a new season means more football, more excitement and the thought and hope that this year everything can turn around for our beloved Wolverines.