Even though Michigan didn’t make it into the official top 25 of USA Today’s coaches poll, ESPN writer Bruce Feldman had them down on his preseason ballot at number 25.
A portion of Feldman’s explanation for the ranking: “I think you’ll see (defensive end/linebacker) Craig Roh emerge and a batch of really outstanding O-linemen. Rich Rodriguez is so fired up by the development of QB Denard Robinson, who is so dynamic he evokes memories of West Virginia great Pat White.”
According to a Detroit News article, Feldman’s top five included Alabama, Texas, Wisconsin, Oklahoma and Miami. He also had two other Big Ten teams in his top 25 — Ohio State sixth and Iowa 14th.