College Football Predictions: Michigan Wolverines 2010 Preview, Schedule, Odds, and Picks: As a player who lined up against Rich Rodriguez back when he was a speedy wide out and swingman on the basketball court for North Marion High School, I know the Michigan head football coach has as much drive to win as anyone in the game. He has proven it both as a player and coach and is now trying to gain that respect on college football’s biggest field. Well since the renovations have been completed the Big House now seats a whopping 109,901 the most in college football.
Entering his third season he is just 8-16 and without a bowl bid for the first time in 3 decades for the Wolverines which puts him on the win or go home plan. In his defense he took over a program that was on a down slide without the normal talent and installed a new system that requires different styles of players. He has brought in some good recruits, but I can’t say he has “his” team in place yet so he will have to rely on a mix of leftover upperclassmen and young inexperienced talent to determine his fate. Vegas odds makers have the Michigan Wolverines +6000 odds to win the 2011 BCS National Championship.
Offensively the quarterback competition between sophomores Denard Robinson and Tate Forcier is in full tilt. “It’s wide-open. I hope it’s answered who will be the starter by the first game, but it may take a couple of games before someone clearly separates themselves, if they do,” says Michigan coach Rodriguez. Forcier had a better start to last season and Robinson has had a better spring and then there is true freshman Devin Gardner, with size, speed and a strong arm who also played well during spring practice. If it can stay healthy the offensive line should help the running game as well as protecting the quarterback. The odds makers at BetUS have the Michigan Wolverines +1200 to win the Big Ten Conference.
Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, whose NFL pedigree makes him well-respected, needs to get more solid play and less scoring so the offense isn’t trying to catch up. This spring they worked on installing a three-man front, often in a 3-3-5 scheme which will feature the defensive back field one of the teams strengths. The odds makers at BetUS Sportsbook and Casino have the Michigan Wolverines middle number listed at over/under 7 wins for the 2010 NCAA Football regular season.
The fans and alum may be upset with the losing, but it bothers coach Rodriguez more. For my 2010 NCAA College Football Picks, I predict a super September giving the team the confidence it showed early last season leading them to a 9-4 season, a 2nd or 3rd place Big Ten finish and a bowl berth, go BIG BLUE!
2010 Michigan Wolverines Football Schedule
Sat, Sept 4 vs Connecticut 3:30 PM ET
Sat, Sept 11 @ Notre Dame 3:30 PM ET
Sat, Sept 18 vs Massachusetts 12:00 PM ET
Sat, Sept 25 vs Bowling Green TBD
Sat, Oct 2 @ Indiana TBD
Sat, Oct 9 vs Michigan State TBD
Sat, Oct 16 vs Iowa 3:30 PM ET
Sat, Oct 30 @ Penn State 8:00 PM ET
Sat, Nov 6 vs Illinois
Sat, Nov 13 @ Purdue
Sat, Nov 20 vs Wisconsin
Sat, Nov 27 @ Ohio State