Centered around the leading tackles for loss king, Larry Foote, the linebacking crew will have a chance to lay some big time hits on opposing ball carriers. Especially considering the men up front taking on blockers. The defensive backfield is just as loaded. Todd Howard is back after picking off opponents six times. UM's strength will definitely be on the defensive side of the ball which isn't such a bad deal while playing in the hard-nosed Big Ten.
Defense wins championships.
It still will be mighty tough to go unbeaten in the Big Ten and a road trip to UCLA has been replaced with one to Seattle to take on the Huskies. Another grueling, grind out Big Ten season may still find some of the best teams with two losses. Michigan is one of the largest living examples for the need of a college football playoff. For the eighth strait season, Bill Snyder's Kansas State Wildcats have made an appearance in a bowl. And for the fourth season in a row they have 11 victories, and Florida State is the only other team to reach that plateau.