It's never too early to start thinking about the upcoming football season. The Orlando Sentinel rates the Spartans as the 69th best team in the nation for 2010.
I have a little difficulty in a ranking system that puts us at 69 while placing the program in Ann Arbor at 68. I realize that we have some serious question marks (offensive line, defensive secondary, PK) but we also return one of the best quarterbacks (statistically) in the Big Ten (if not the country). We have a plethora of weapons at wide receiver, tight end and running back. Our defensive line is strong and our linebackers are outstanding. We may give up some points in the secondary (although Adams is back) but we should certainly be able to score them to match anyone we face.
I realize it is year three of Rich Rod (his recruits....) but it seems UM still has some significant issues. Defense. Quarterback. Adapting to the Rich Rod spread...
I'm not suggesting we should be considered National Title contenders (yet!), but if you look at last year's result, incoming recruits who will play, and returning starters it seems to me that we should be ranked at least 5 to 10 spots ahead of Michigan. I'm definitely looking forward to th
Hat tip to Maize and Brew.