Michigan Friday: Week Away From Football - What Do We Know?

When I think how good or bad the Wolverines will be each year, I try to separate what we know from what we don't to determine how the season might play out.   

What we know

• I expect the defense to be much better with the return of Pewee and a fully healthy Jake Ryan.  Add Peppers to the mix, the Wolverines defense could win a few games just by themselves if they are not on the field all game.  

• Devin Gardner is now in his 5th year.   After a down year, I expect much improved and smarter QB play from him.  He has had 3 OC's in those 5 years and this is the first year he has had a QB coach. 

• The Offensive Line is still an issue.  The best we can expect is somewhere near "serviceable".  If this unit, isn't losing games for the Wolverines it will be a nice upside.

• We have a strong punt game.  Hagerup is back from his year long suspension.

• Our RB's are talented but it won't make a difference if the Oline doesn't block somebody.

• Funchess is a first round talent and will have a big year

• I'm confident in saying that Greg Mattison and Doug Nussmeier know what they are doing and on one side of the ball, that is a big upgrade from last year.

What we don't know

• Can Darrell Funk coach and develop offensive lineman?
• Will Michigan have a running game this year?
• Is Peppers already one of our top cornerbacks?  Peppers and The Count sound pretty good to me!
• Which young WR is the next Mario Manningham?   Canteen has gotten a ton of spring and fall hype and Ways had a nice scrimmage. 
• Can Coach Nuss find a way to use Norfleet in the offense?
• Will Michigan's Dline dominate?  Pipkins, Henry, Hurst Jr., Poggi, Taco, Wormly, Clark, Mone, Beyer, Glasgow and Ojemudia.  There is a ton of talent in this group and it's time for them to dominate.

I hate to use Sparty as an example, but the way their 2013 season played out would be nice goal for the Wolverines.   Their offense started slow early but got better game by game.   The defense held the other teams down, so MSU could win games early with only a loss to ND.   They ended up winning the Big Ten and getting to the Rose Bowl.  

Michigan has Big Ten Championship talent on the field, but if the offensive line doesn't block anyone the Wolverines will struggle in every game they play.   The defense was clearly worn down by year end last year.   Funk has one more week to get those guys to block somebody.