ESPN College Football

2011 overall record: 11-2
2011 conference record: 6-2 (2nd, Legends Division)
Returning starters: Offense: 6; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 2

Top returners
QB Denard Robinson; RB Fitzgerald Toussaint; WR Roy Roundtree; WR Jeremy Gallon; LT Taylor Lewan; RT Michael Schofield; DE Craig Roh; LB Jake Ryan; LB Kenny Demens; LB Desmond Morgan; CB J.T. Floyd; CB Blake Countess; S Thomas Gordon; S Jordan Kovacs.

Key losses
WR Junior Hemingway; WR Darryl Stonum; WR/KR Martavious Odoms; TE Kevin Koger; C David Molk; RT Mark Huyge; DT Mike Martin; DE/DT Ryan Van Bergen; DT Will Heininger.

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Denard Robinson* (1,176 yards)
Passing: Denard Robinson* (2,173 yards)
Receiving: Junior Hemingway (699 yards)
Tackles: Kenny Demens* (94)
Sacks: Ryan Van Bergen (5.5)
Interceptions: Courtney Avery* and J.T. Floyd* (2)

Spring answers

1. Quarterback accuracy: Denard Robinson played one series in the public spring scrimmage, but coaches raved about his improved leadership, decision-making and accuracy throughout the spring. The latter two were major issues for Michigan last season. While it is unknown whether Robinson will truly be more accurate until Sept. 1 against Alabama -- Michigan closed all of its practices to the media this spring -- offensive coordinator Al Borges was very confident in Robinson’s potential for his senior season.

2. Cornerback has depth: Two seasons ago, cornerback was the biggest question on Michigan’s team because of youth, inexperience and a lack of talent. That is no longer an issue. The Wolverines have as many as six players they could feel comfortable with come the fall, and that doesn’t include incoming freshman Terry Richardson (Detroit/Cass Tech), the highest-ranked player in Michigan’s incoming signing class. Sophomore Blake Countess could turn into a star, and fifth-year senior J.T. Floyd is the most consistent corner the Wolverines have. They’ll be the likely starters.

3. A featured back is set: Borges made no hesitation: Redshirt junior Fitzgerald Toussaint is going into the fall as his top tailback -- a marked change from what the Wolverines endured last spring and through the first half of last season. Toussaint rushed for 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns last season, giving Michigan a dynamic dual running game with Robinson. With major questions at wide receiver and tight end, expect a lot of running from Toussaint and Robinson, especially early in the season.

Fall questions

1. Who is catching the ball: Michigan’s coaches spoke highly of Jeremy Gallon, Jerald Robinson and Roy Roundtree during the spring as their top three receivers, but Robinson has never caught a pass, Gallon has had one season of consistent productivity, and Roundtree saw his numbers plummet last season to 19 catches for 355 yards. Tight end isn’t much better, as the position group has two career catches. Denard Robinson’s two best safety valves -- Junior Hemingway and Kevin Koger -- graduated, so even if Denard Robinson is improved, he might need to hunt to find a reliable receiving option. Incoming freshman Devin Funchess (Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison) could be an option at tight end.

2. Who is pressuring the quarterback: Michigan took its biggest hits on the defensive line, which saw three starters graduate -- Mike Martin was a third-round draft pick, Ryan Van Bergen signed as a free agent, and Will Heininger graduated -- and its fourth starter, Craig Roh, switch positions. Michigan insists it’ll be OK there. Will Campbell and converted end Jibreel Black will likely start inside, and either sophomore Brennen Beyer or sophomore Frank Clark will start at rush end. The success of Michigan’s defense last season relied on pressure the front four created. With an almost completely new group there, how they fare against opponents will be interesting to see.

3. Punting problems: Somewhere along the way last season, Will Hagerup lost his mojo, much like kicker Brendan Gibbons the year before. A strong-legged punter, Hagerup wasn’t connecting with the ball well and eventually lost his job to freshman Matt Wile. Now entering his junior year, Michigan hopes either Hagerup regains his form or Wile becomes more consistent. The Wolverines’ offense should be fairly prolific, but with a defense searching for pressure early on, it needs to be able to control field position with the punter.

NEW ORLEANS -- A speck of LSU purple and another of Alabama crimson stood out in the sea of Michigan blue in the east stands of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The two fans looked out of place in the front row, but they didn't seem to mind. The LSU backer, sitting alongside her companion in crimson, took every chance she could to hold up a made-for-TV sign.

It read: "Oops! We're a week too early Alabama LSU"

The two SEC fans came to the Allstate Sugar Bowl for a starter course before the southern-style entrée is served Monday night. From the looks of it, they didn't come away with a good taste.

The countdown is under way for the BCS title game, and the SEC will take over the Big Easy as it prepares to crown its sixth consecutive national champion Monday night. The next six days mark an unparalleled celebration for a conference that has plenty of them in recent years, a love fest for a league that has become king of college football -- and wants everyone to know about it.

No one doubts the SEC's dominance, but there's a curiosity about which league has the best chance to catch up. If nothing else, the bowls leading up to the national title game provide showcase opportunities for teams from also-ran conferences to prove they're getting closer.
Virginia Tech and Michigan both had chances to help themselves and their much-maligned conferences Tuesday night. While the matchup itself drew groans from most corners of the country, the Wolverines and Hokies had the stage to themselves before the big show comes to town.

At the end of the night, it became clear the Big Ten and the ACC still have a long way to go, although the Big Ten has one of its big dogs back in the chase.

For more of Adam Rittenberg's story, click here.

Wrapping up Michigan's hard-fought win and Virginia Tech's heartbreak in the Sugar Bowl.

Brady Hoke talks after Michigan defeats Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.

NEW ORLEANS -- A paddleboat ride, curfew and for Michigan's players and its head coach, Brady Hoke, a night so close to New Orleans' party center on New Year's Eve, Bourbon Street, was something none could see.

"They always have curfew," Hoke said. "(I) didn't go out on Bourbon Street. They went out on a paddleboat ride, did that."

Senior tight end Kevin Koger said the team had a 9:30 p.m. curfew on New Year's Eve, and keeping his team out of trouble was just one of the many things Hoke hit on during his first news conference of 2012.

(Read full post)

NEW ORLEANS -- Will Heininger might have played his last game at Michigan.

All week, the Michigan coaching staff held out hope the senior defensive lineman would be able to play in Tuesday's Allstate Sugar Bowl despite a foot injury.

Now, it looks like it isn't going to happen.

"Heininger probably won't be ready," Michigan coach Brady Hoke said Sunday. "He's tried and it's just going to be a shame because he's played his senior year like a senior should and done a great job as a leader up front."

Heininger's absence likely means Will Campbell and Quinton Washington will see increased playing time next to defensive tackle Mike Martin. Heininger started all 12 games for Michigan this season, making 23 tackles and four tackles for loss, including one sack.

Campbell played in 12 games this season, making 11 tackles and two sacks. Washington played in eight games, making one tackle.

Hoke also said Thomas Gordon will likely start over Troy Woolfolk at free safety. and Will Hagerup beat out Matt Wile for punter. When asked what nudged Gordon, Michigan's third-leading tackler, over Woolfolk, Hoke said Gordon has been more consistent.

Adam Rittenberg and Heather Dinich look at Virginia Tech's defensive mindset and how running back Fitzgerald Toussaint provides a second option for Michigan's offense.

INDIANAPOLIS -- There would have been no qualifiers this time for Michigan State.

No talk of Hail Marys or fortunate breaks or uncharacteristic mistakes from the opponent everyone assumed was better and more talented. The win wouldn't have been chalked up to the home crowd or questionable timeout choices or a few good bounces or the lack of penalty flags on the turf.

Had Michigan State held on to beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game, the Spartans would have earned every bit of the victory. For most of the night, they had been the better team, the more dominant team, the better prepared team, the more energized team. Their offense was seemingly unstoppable, racking up 23 first downs and 471 total yards. After a rough start, their defense made more plays than Wisconsin's, receiving a huge performance from linebacker Denicos Allen (3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss) and others.

Michigan State would be heading to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 24 years, and no one would be questioning whether the Spartans were the Big Ten's best team. The Spartans might have finally grasped the thing that eluded them despite another 10-win season: respect.

But what seemed so inevitable throughout Saturday night didn't come to pass. A handful of plays and a handful of mistakes kept the Spartans from putting roses between their teeth and celebrating with their large contingent of fans.

What if Isaiah Lewis never touches Wisconsin punter Brad Nortman? What if coach Mark Dantonio doesn't go for the punt block? What if quarterback Kirk Cousins takes off and runs on third-and-8 rather than attempt a tough throw to Keshawn Martin?

"It's tough," said Cousins, who was brilliant Saturday night with 281 pass yards and three touchdowns. "Came close two years in a row. It's tough."

In 2010, the BCS standings kept Michigan State from Pasadena even though the Spartans had beaten Wisconsin, which received the Big Ten's automatic berth. While the Spartans had a legitimate gripe, Dantonio noted that they didn't look BCS-worthy in a blowout loss to Alabama in the Capital One Bowl.

Saturday night, they looked the part, which might be the most painful element of the loss. Michigan State looked better than Wisconsin and had the edge in first downs (23-16), rushing yards (190-126) and total yards (471-345).

"We felt like we were having our way offensively all game long," Cousins said.

Offensive coordinator Dan Roushar called an excellent game, employing swing passes to capitalize on the Spartans' superior speed on the edge.

The defense recovered from a 21-point first quarter to allow minus-4 yards in the second quarter. Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson had only 30 passing yards in the first half. Badgers running back Montee Ball had only 32 rushing yards on 14 carries in the final three quarters.

"It's tough to deal with it," Dantonio said, "because you're going to replay a lot of things in your mind because you are so close. It could be one little thing, one little inch here or there and we could have won the football game."

Michigan State's loss likely takes the Spartans out of BCS at-large contention, while their rival Michigan, a team the Spartans beat on Oct. 15, could reach a BCS bowl. Dantonio made one final plea for his team.

"I do think the two best teams in the Big Ten played today," he said. "I do think we're worthy to compete and play at a BCS level, but you've got to get the votes to do that. I do believe we're a BCS-type football team."

The Spartans performed like one for much of the night. And while their Rose Bowl drought will reach a quarter-century, the program is getting closer and closer to its ultimate goal.

"Very difficult, the end of the football game, the way it all went down," Dantonio said. "But we'll rise again."

WolverineNation has more on Michigan's most recent win and latest recruiting news:

Michael Rothstein writes: Michigan is feeling good after its eighth victory and finally looking sharp on the road, with Nebraska and Ohio State coming to the Big House.

Tom VanHaaren writes : Stefon Diggs, the No. 2 WR in the country, suddenly is talking up Michigan and says he’ll visit in December.

Rothstein writes : Illinois tape analysis

Video: Wolverines look ahead to Nebraska.

Turning point: Michigan cornerback J.T. Floyd read a Nathan Scheelhaase pass perfectly, jumping to pick off the play and return it 65 yards into Illinois territory with 10:50 left in the game. The Wolverines then scored on the following drive with a Devin Gardner 27-yard touchdown pass to Martavious Odoms for a 24-7 Michigan lead.

Player of the game: Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin. The senior nose tackle was in the Illinois backfield all day, making a team-high nine tackles and having a half-sack. The nine tackles are one off his career high of 10, set against Wisconsin in 2009. He disrupted everything Illinois tried to do on offense in the first half.

Unsung hero of the game: Michigan running back Fitzgerald Toussaint. The Michigan running back started the game hot, gaining 134 of his career-high 192 yards in the first half, but his play led to two early Wolverines touchdowns and forced Illinois to shift its defensive plan and focus on the running back.

What Michigan learned, What Illinois learned: Michigan -- The Wolverines learned two things Saturday. First, that it can win with defense. Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison called the best game of his first season in his second stint with the Wolverines against Illinois. Michigan held Illinois to negative-12 yards rushing in the first half and pressured Scheelhaase all game long. It also learned it might have a good quarterback in backup Gardner. As he received more snaps, he looked more comfortable and his touchdown pass to Odoms was one of the better throws of the season. Illinois -- That the offensive line needs some work. Illinois couldn't block much of what Michigan ran at the Illini on Saturday, barely being able to run the ball and not giving Scheelhaase time to stay in the pocket. It seemed to throw Illinois' entire offense out of rhythm.

What it means: For Michigan, it gives the Wolverines the most wins they've had since 2007, when Michigan went 9-4 in the final season for former coach Lloyd Carr. It also showed Michigan it could win on the road in a hostile atmosphere. For Illinois, it is four straight losses and what looked like a special season in Champaign, Ill. is now in freefall as the Illini have to face Wisconsin next Saturday.

Record performance: It may not seem like a big record, but Odoms had a season-high two catches for 46 yards, including his first touchdown catch of the season. The 46 yards, though, pushed Odoms over 1,000 yards receiving for his career.

Stat of the half: Negative-12. That is the rushing yards Illinois had in the first half. And for how many turnovers the Illini had (a fumble, which was recovered by Michigan safety Thomas Gordon). Michigan's defense stifled Illinois with whatever it tried to do on offense, forcing quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase from the pocket and loading up on running back Jason Ford.

Best player in the half: For the first time this season, two different players. Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin was dominant in the first half. He took up massive amounts of space, drew two defenders and generally ended up helping freeing the rest of his teammates to be able to pressure Scheelhaase. He also was able to get free and add pressure himself. Offensively, Fitzgerald Toussaint was crucial to Michigan. He had 18 carries for 134 yards, close to his career-high of 170 yards set two weeks ago.

What Michigan needs to do, What Illinois needs to do: Michigan -- Stop turning the ball over. The Wolverines have been in control of the game, outgaining Illinois 249-30 and have moved the ball at will. But Michigan has two fumbles -- both by quarterback Denard Robinson -- and an interception on a Hail Mary. It has negated a stellar defensive performance by Michigan. Illinois -- Find a semblance of an offense. The Illini defense has been good enough, pressuring Robinson and adjusting to Michigan's run game in the second quarter. But Illinois' offense has been terrible. Haven't been able to do anything correctly. Some of that goes to Michigan. A lot goes to Illinois.

Turning point: Michigan was driving, trying to cut into Iowa’s lead when quarterback Denard Robinson threw into coverage on a slant route to Roy Roundtree. The pass bounced off Roundtree and was intercepted by Christian Kirksey -- the Wolverines’ second turnover in as many possessions. It turned a Michigan red zone opportunity into a turnover and kept Iowa's lead at 17-6 heading into the half. Critical error by Robinson.

Best player in the half: Iowa running back Marcus Coker. The 230-pound running back is the latest in a string of strong, powerful Hawkeyes backs. And he crushed Michigan in the first half, gaining 74 yards and scoring Iowa’s first touchdown. Perhaps more important, the threat of him running has opened up the Hawkeyes’ passing game on play-action.

What Michigan needs to do, What Iowa needs to do: Michigan -- A lot. The offense needs to keep running the ball. After running back Fitzgerald Toussaint ran through the Hawkeyes on Michigan’s one touchdown drive, the Wolverines went away from it -- trying to throw the ball more. It didn’t work, with two turnovers in two possessions (a Robinson fumble and Robinson interception). On defense, Michigan needs to figure out a way to get better play out of its linebackers. It is struggling to tackle Coker as a unit and biting hard on play-action. Iowa -- Keep to its offensive gameplan. So far, it is working. Using Coker as a bruising back to set up the play-action fakes for quarterback James Vandenberg has really hurt the Wolverines. Vandenberg is 9 of 12 passing for 114 yards and a touchdown.

WolverineNation examines Michigan's season thus far.

Chantel Jennings writes: The Wolverines are tied for the lead in the Legends Division with four to play.

Michael Rothstein writes : Analyzing Michigan's game tape against Purdue.

Video: Wolverines look ahead to Iowa

WolverineNation takes a closer look at the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry.

Chantel Jennings writes : Both teams, Wolverines and Spartans, ran wild in 2004, but in the end it was Michigan’s Braylon Edwards who stole the show in the fourth quarter and the third overtime.

Michael Rothstein writes: Four keys to the game include accounting for Spartans DT Jerel Worthy and using the short passing game.

WolverineNation breaks down the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State.

Michael Rothstein writes : The controversial finish to the 2001 game, won by the Spartans in the final seconds, still stings for the Wolverines.

Chantel Jennings writes: The losses the past two seasons to Michigan State have sent Michigan into a tailspin.

Tom VanHaaren writes : Joliet (Ill.) Catholic’s Ty Isaac is 6-2, 215 and he’s only a junior. He’s a power back who still moves well, too.

Video: Tom VanHaaren interviews Ty Isaac