We learned in '98 it also was the most irreplaceable. Thomas has run sluggishly at times but the job is all his now. Indications are, he's quicker and more mature. He should find larger gaps than the peepholes he encountered last season. The Wolverines, wracked by injuries, couldn't block, not by U-M standards.
Power still matters in the Big Ten.
Ask Wisconsin, which annually bashes its way to fraudulent contention. Balance is important, obviously, and because U-M and MSU have experienced quarterbacks, balance is attainable. Don't expect Carr and Saban to heave the ball at will. That works for a while but not in the long run. And frankly, a few long runs would be nice to see, for reputation's sake.