The sophomore slumps that affected QB Chad Henne and TB Michael Hart (injury) will be over, and UM has much promise as 15 starters return. Henne was too streaky as a field general and must improve if this team is to ascend the rankings like most expect. Major losses on both lines are the Wolverines’ bane, but this is a school that churns out linemen like nearby plants churn out cars. Injuries to the receiving corps could prove damaging to the corps’ impact and eventually to team results. Three conference losses hasn’t happened since 1996, so expect Lloyd Carr to coach his guys up this offseason for optimal results. No one would wish even their worst enemy to have to go to Columbus (Ohio State), South Bend (Notre Dame) and State College (Penn State) in the same year, but that’s what their slate dictates. Recruiting has been exceptional in Ann Arbor as of late, which means we will again see names never before spoken helping Michigan to again compete for the Big Ten crown, let alone the national title. Topping the BCS may be too tall an order for this crew, but other Wolverine squads have been counted out only to then stay in the top five throughout a given season. All bets are off from year to year, just ask many a top ten Buckeye squad that has found you never know annually just how good Michigan can/will be. Nevertheless, these guys have to be considered a major player for a BCS birth.