2001: 8-4, 6-2 in the Big Ten (2nd)
Coach: Lloyd Carr, 66-20 in seven years at the school
Returning starters: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense)
Top returnees: QB John Navarre (207 com., 385 att., 53.8
pct., 19 TD, 13 Int.); LB Victor Hobson (80 tackles, 5 sacks); DE
Shantee Orr (10.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks)
Outlook: This defense is being compared with the one Michigan
fielded on its 1997 national championship run. The veteran unit
allowed just 90 yards rushing per game last season and recorded
50 sacks. The big question mark is a running attack that ranked
eighth in the league. Navarre showed he can’t carry a team
on his shoulders without a ground threat to keep defenses honest.
Soundbite: “The thing we have to do defensively is
cause more turnovers. We were very, very poor a year ago in turnover
margin (minus-6, 10th in the league). The offensive line is definitely
stronger and bigger, and I think more talented.” — Lloyd
Carr
