After three straight wins to begin the Brady Hoke era in Ann Arbor, the Michigan Wolverines have finally joined the ranks of the top 25 as they currently sit at No. 21 in the USA Today Coaches' Poll, released this afternoon.
Denard Robinson has led the team to a solid start in 2011, with wins over Notre Dame and lower competition, but the road ahead is not easy for the Wolverines as Big Ten play looms in the distance.
After a game against Hoke’s previous team, San Diego State, the Wolverines will start conference play against Minnesota at the Big House in game that looks like a walk in the park, locking in the team’s first Big Ten win of 2011.
Northwestern is next on the schedule as Michigan will travel to Evanston to play against the Wildcats, who will returning home after being on the road three out of the first four weeks of the season. Michigan will most likely be favored in this game, as well, moving the Wolverines to 6-0 on the season.
The first big test of the season will be a trip across the state to East Lansing against a ranked Michigan State team that will coming off a game with the Wolverines' chief rival, Ohio State.
This year’s UM-MSU game will likely one of the best games that have been played in recent years as both programs are loaded with talent.
After a three-game stretch against Purdue, Iowa and Illinois, the Wolverines will have season-defining home games to end the season, against new Big Ten member Nebraska and rival Ohio State on November 19 and 26, respectively.
Brady Hoke can have a fantastic first season in Ann Arbor if Michigan can survive the tough three games against Michigan State, Nebraska and Ohio State, bringing the Wolverines back from several disappointing seasons.
Can the Wolverines make a splash this season and win the Big Ten in Hoke’s first season?
Bleacher Report is your home for college football for the 2011 season. From previews to game coverage, from live blogs to updates, from the rankings to the bowls, Bleacher Report blankets the sport of college football. Keep it here throughout the season for the best news, highlights, analysis and more.
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