Angelique S. Chengelis: Burning Questions
Burning questions as Michigan tries to live up to the usual high expectations:
Q . How good is this Michigan offense?
A . How good? How great can it be, I think, is the more appropriate question. Clearly, the potential is there for this to be the most potent and powerful Michigan offense. Yes, the offense with Drew Henson at quarterback was quite good (and the defense not so good) in 2006, but this one is better. It's more seasoned, obviously, with Chad Henne, Mike Hart and Jake Long back for their final seasons, and the receivers -- Adrian Arrington, Mario Manningham and Greg Mathews -- could be stellar. Don't forget Brandon Minor backing up Hart. Of course, the right side of the offensive line could be an issue, but we've all seen how much the Wolverines run to the left behind Long and Adam Kraus.
Q . So the talent is there, but will offensive coordinator Mike DeBord open it up and let the players show their stuff?
A . Without a doubt. Why does DeBord get so much criticism anyway? The zone blocking scheme he installed last season was a good thing, as evidenced by Michigan's rushing average last season (not to mention a healthy Hart running behind a healthy Long). Henne is in his final season and he has plenty to prove. Can he throw down the middle of the field? Can he escape the rush? Is he more mobile? I think we'll see that Henne is a smart quarterback with a strong arm, and a bevy of receivers will make him look even better.
Q . Anyone on offense we don't know about but should know about?
A . Remember this name -- Mark Moundros. He could very well be the starting fullback for the Wolverines. He's an impressive blocker and likes the contact, and he turned heads during Rose Bowl practices and during the spring. Pretty impressive for a local kid who came to Michigan as a walk-on and now has a scholarship.
Q . The defense ... what can we expect?
A . This will be a different look and mentality from a year ago when the defense was peppered by experienced players who had the attitude they wanted to be challenged every minute by defensive coordinator Ron English and his staff. What this defense needs is time to mature. It's a young group, but not completely inexperienced. There's depth but it will take time.
Q . Who will be most missed from last year's defense?
A . So many of them are going to be missed -- Alan Branch, LaMarr Woodley, Leon Hall -- but I've got to believe the biggest loss is linebacker David Harris. Harris was a quiet leader who made an impact every time he was on the field. He is a major loss and tough to replace.
Q . How much is Michigan's recent record against Ohio State and in bowl games fueling this team?
A . It's hard to believe that guys who desperately want to win focus deeply on their major losses. But they certainly are aware that going unbeaten through the bulk of the regular season, then losing to OSU and in a bowl game is an unacceptable habit. You've heard it before from former players who say their record against Ohio State carries with them throughout their lives; it's the proverbial defining game of their careers. Hart, Long and Henne, in particular, are well aware of that.
Q . Ryan Mallett is the much-talked-about backup quarterback. Will we see him on the field much this season?
A . No doubt about it. The Appalachian State game will provide that opportunity, as will the Eastern Michigan game.
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