2003: 10-3 overall; 7-1 Big Ten (1st)
Coach: Lloyd Carr 86-26 in 9 years at the school
Returning starters: 15; 7 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter
Players to watch: QB Matt Gutierezz (13-19, 153, 1 TD, 0 Int.), WR Braylon Edwards (85 rec., 1,138 yds., 14 TD), G David Bass, TE Tim Massaquoi (15 rec., 199 yds., 2 TD), WR Steve Breaston (38 rec., 444 yds., 3 TD), WR Jason Avant (47 rec., 772 yds., 2 TD), LB Pierre Woods (68 tackles, 7 sacks, 14 TFL), CB Marlin Jackson, SS Ernest Shazor (57 tackles)
Hot topics: Gutierezz is leading a charmed life. Michigan's new starting quarterback hasn't lost a game since ninth grade and won two mythical national championships in high school. Now he'll be throwing to arguably the best receiving corps in the nation, which should open some holes for a tailback committee. And with Jackson returning to cornerback from safety, an always strong Michigan defense should keep pace.
Cold facts: The entire front four on defense is gone, but junior tackles Gabe Watson and Larry Harrison are a pair of 300-pounders ready to plug some holes. And by the end of last season sophomore end LaMarr Woodley had developed into one of the Big Ten's best pass rushers.
Overview: There's a reason Edwards, Jackson and Bass decided to bypass the NFL draft and return to Michigan. They believe the Wolverines have the potential to win a national championship as well as repeat in the Big Ten. But they'll have to go through Columbus to do it.
--Jon Spencer
Originally published Wednesday, September 8, 2004
