Phil Steele ranks Michigan #7 in early poll

Plus a great QB returning in Barrett.

that each level of their defense had a player taken first round, if not Top 10, I guess you can look at the potential dropoff two ways: either not far, or a lot. That view would pretty much guide your ranking. And Phil Steele is nothing if not a pragmatist who goes by reputation if not strictly by the numbers. And what suggests there will be a major drop-off in Columbus: nothing, but hopeful developmental slack.

And we never get to face them when their team is just working out the kinks, anyway.

Maybe they found the threat...

Agree, but I am going to the Iowa game (should be a bit chilly), so I would also prefer we not lose to them. How about we just win all of the games. 

on the  bubble, should we run the table. And I'm glad you pointed that out because, as I said, it's true and it gives them viable subject matter which will be used two ways imo.

Bo Schembechler and Jim Harbaugh are the two greatest coaches since I began watching MI in '69. However there is a difference between mentor and student - lots of differences actually and the first one is Jim is fucking nuts, but only as to competition. I mean he has his quirks in other areas, but he is absolutely obsessed with winning and he is always aware of what's at stake.

Not stating Bo would have coached differently today due to the playoffs. In Bo's mind, and I absolutely loved the class he was able to win with. Many times he couldn't help the score because our third team was just as good as their first, but only one time I can remember him pounding someone on purpose and that was IN because he thought Mallory was not given enough time to do the job. Even he guaranteed Canham the job would be done in five years but I am sure he was shocked at all the All Americas he had waiting. I'm sure Bump was more shocked - lol. Let's say he would adjust his attitude toward the playoffs but I'm not sure.

And the difference is, regardless of playoff or not, Jim has no problem, never has, on running the score up and he'll do it just because he's offended the opposition beat him the last time around. Everyone on the site knows O'Korn is the better thrower of the ball than Speight. Jim is going to play the one that takes better care of the ball, of course. However I am not certain with Speight at the helm, your argument doesn't win out. If O'Korn is the one pulling the trigger, it means, somehow Harbaugh was able to remove the stumbling block and the makes the entire offense far, far more potent. And because of what's at stake Jim would not give one team a break. The announcers, in the bowl game were impressed that "Harbaugh is leaving Rudock in so the NFL gets more film to view." OK. He could have done that but one thing I am certain of if he did, he was sending more than one message then. His intent was to tell the SEC, "We've come a long way in a short amount of time, hey Nick? Yeah, I know they're from the other division but look what the hell we're doing to their defense. We're shredding them. And we're only going to get better.:"  There is little doubt in my mind that in the Speight scenario, if they wanted MI in they would be pushing hard, maybe too hard and that often turns out the wrong way. If O'Korn was the qb in the same undefeated scenario the argument would be something like, "Yes they did have an easy schedule, according to those who believe there is such a thing.  But regardless as to their schedule you just can't overlook the fact that they annihilated all teams but two by an average margin of 35 pts. In their two biggest games, when the pressure was  at its peak, and this is when you get the full measure of a team(love the way they use anything available when they're trying to win the debate) against MSU, in their house they beat them 42-14. That's impressive folks. This team was in last season's NC. And then against their arch-rival, although in a much tighter game, Harbaugh left no doubt, against an OSU team playing their best ball of the season and no starting unit is "young" at this point of the season. Now considering all that and the fact they have the nation's best defense, with their manchild improving every game.2 sacks three weeks is impressive against anyone. Against those three teams, it makes OCs in the BIG wish they would change the  rule to two years.  You have to be impressed how they were able in back-to-back away games against major rivals beat one by by 4 TDs and against their arch rival, just one week later beat them by 17. This is a good team guys. Pack your bags wolverines. Harbaugh, if you really want to make a statement to the SEC well buddy here's your chance.