Michigan hoping to bounce back from 2005 debacle

Some players refuse to talk about it. Others try to think about it every day. Either way, it's out there: Michigan went 7-5 a year ago and lost three games at the Big House.

After being ranked as high as third, the Wolverines ended the season out of the Top 25 for the first time since 1982.

"Sometimes we forget who we are, who we're playing for," receiver Mario Manningham says. "Passion is going to be a big thing this year. You'll see it."

You'll also see some new schemes. Last year was so bad that even loyal-to-a-fault coach Lloyd Carr promoted Ron English to replace defensive coordinator Jim Herrmann and dumped offensive coordinator Terry Malone in favor of Mike DeBord, who guided Michigan's offensive attack in 1997-99 before taking the head position at Central Michigan.

DeBord plans to simplify the playbook, saying, "We have to become great at what we're doing. You can only do that by keeping it limited."

English, whom the Bears courted as a defensive backs coach, says, "I want to play fast, and I want to play physical."

Michigan:

Will contend for the Big Ten title if ... Its studs stay healthy. Tailback Mike Hart, left tackle Jake Long and receiver/return man Steve Breaston missed time last season. That put more pressure on quarterback Chad Henne, whose completion mark was below 50 percent in losses to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Nebraska.

Will drive Carr nuts if ... It keeps blowing late leads. Last season included late flubs against Wisconsin, Ohio State and Nebraska. No wonder so many Wolverines shed pounds in the off-season by running on the campus golf course. The goal: increased stamina.

The Wolverines' indispensable players are ... Henne, Hart and Long.

Henne's backup, Jason Forcier, hasn't a drop of college experience. But he's the likely No. 2 after Matt Gutierrez transferred to Idaho State.

On paper Hart has a worthy backup in Kevin Grady, but last season the much-hyped freshman averaged just 4.0 yards per carry. Compare that to Hart, who ran for more than 200 yards in three straight Big Ten games as a freshman in 2004.

Long has no substitute. The entire offense suffered after a leg injury cost Long the first seven games last season. Long, who has moved from right to left tackle, shed 20 pounds in the off-season but still carries 315.

One player who needs to step up is ... Breaston. He's an ace punt returner, but Michigan needs more from its fastest player. Breaston's catches have dropped each year, from 38 to 34 to 26, leading many to wonder whether he is an adequate replacement for Jason Avant, who snagged 82 balls a year ago.

In a word, the schedule can be described as ... Usual. Breezy home non-conference games with Vanderbilt, Central Michigan and Ball State are offset by a Week 3 trip to Notre Dame. The Wolverines miss Illinois and Purdue, making the conference slate tougher. The grand finale is a Nov. 18 trip to Ohio State.

Last season's defining moment was ... Michigan's inability to beat Minnesota on Homecoming. The Wolverines rushed for just 94 yards, gave up three sacks and converted 3 of 14 first downs. But the biggest sin came in the final minute, when the Gophers were trying to run out the clock and play for overtime. On third-and-10, the Wolverines gave up a 61-yard run to Gary Russell, setting up the game-winning field goal.

This season will be a success if ... Michigan saves Carr's job. To do that the Wolverines might have to beat Ohio State and win nine games. Carr is 1-4 against Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel and winless in his last three bowl trips. Though Carr has won or shared five Big Ten titles in 11 years, the natives are beyond restless.