Last year, was a nightmare for the Michigan Wolverines.  Four Big Ten losses and a heartbreak loss to Nebraska in the Alamo Bowl, have many people wondering about head coach Lloyd Carr's coaching abilities. Having said that, one should point out that Michigan holds the longest seasonal winning streak (38), along with the longest bowl invite streak (31), in the country. No national championship since 1997 is an irritant to the natives.

This is serious stuff for the Lloyd Carr regime at University of Michigan. Another ordinary season, is not healthy for his career at Michigan. If the Wolverines avoid injury this year, they can make an excellent run for the championship race with visits scheduled to Notre Dame, Penn State, and Ohio State, and a few home games against Michigan State and Iowa.

14 starters will be back this year, with the expectation of improvements on both ends of the field. Quarterback Chad Henne is back for a junior performance, after last year's 2,526 yards and 23 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 2005. Running back Mike Hart is expected to come back from an injury riddled season in 2005.  A 3.9 yards per carry average for the offensive line a year ago is expected to improve.

Defensively, the wolves seem to be in excellent condition going into the season. Experience in the secondary will allow them to clamp down on their opponents. The front seven should improve on the 3.8 yards per carry it permitted the previous year.

The special team comes back untouched, with Steve Breaston ready to get on the highlight reels.