ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan is ranked right around where it should be in the preseason coaches poll.
The Wolverines landed at No. 17 in the poll, just ahead of No. 18 Nebraska and a few slots ahead of No. 22 Northwestern, another divisional rival. They are the second Big Ten team in the poll, behind No. 2 Ohio State.
With questions at running back (who will run the ball?), wide receiver (who, other than Jeremy Gallon, will catch it?), the interior of the offensive line (three new starters there), the defensive line (not much experience, even from fifth-year senior Quinton Washington) and the running game, there is a lot which remains to be seen.
Michigan has the talent and a favorable schedule to have a strong season and could end up ranked the entire season, but right now there are not enough certainties to label Michigan a top 10 team.
Among the Wolverines’ opponents, they will face the No. 2 (Ohio State), 11 (Notre Dame), 18 (Nebraska) and 22 (Northwestern) ranked teams in the poll. Of those games, all but one, Notre Dame, are in November.
