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- WOLVERINE FOOTBALL PREVIEW by Mike DeSimone
It's about a month and a half until the Michigan Football season commences. Notably, this year is the re-dedication of the University of Michigan Stadium on September 4th. Michigan will open its doors with a new official capacity of 109,901 part of the $226 million dollar renovation to be completed this summer.
As we all know, this is a do or die season for Rich Rodriguez. It is expected that he needs to have a least 7 wins to keep his job. The quarterback position is up for grabs between Tate Forcier lasts years true freshman and Denard Robinson. Forcier started out strong in 2009 and eventually played to the level of a true freshman as the wear and tear of the Big Ten season and the Rodriguez scheme wore him down. Robinson had some inspiring runs, but was not ready for prime time as far as passing. This year looks like a fresh start for both players at the QB position. Gone are two veteran running backs, Brandon Graham (undrafted but signed as a free agent Chicago Bears) and Carlos Brown (undrafted but signed as a free agent by the New Orleans Saints).
Defensively Michigan has a lot of positions to fill. Gone to the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles is team leader Brandon Graham, who accounted for 64 tackles and 10.5 sacks. In addition, gone is cornerback Donovan Warren who left after his junior year (undrafted but signed as a free agent for the NY Jets) as well as Stevie Brown (Drafted by the Oakland Raiders).
Michigan's opening day opponent is the University of Connecticut Huskies (2009 record: 8-5 & 3-4 Big East). A school noted for basketball prowess, has been improving each year, but is solely a Big East powerhouse. Expect Michigan start off slow and for the game to be close until the 4th quarter, with Michigan winning by a touchdown.
In conclusion, this will be a year where all Michigan Fans can hope for the best whereby Rodriquez keeps his job, or worst case we start a new era with a new coach next season.