_ -U-J ai it - w -'_ w o v w Th ihgnDiv ikf 03- 6B - The Michigan Daily - Kickoff 2003 - Thursday, September 4, 2003 ThA Mlhi l laitv ~- Kknff 9003 - it I \ The Wolverines haven't been national champions or played in a Rose Bowl since 1997, whe ing losses and disappointing performances have prevented Michigan from getting back to th for Michigan to once again get back to the top? What are its keys to u n they did both. Since that season, e pinnacle of college football. Wh .nlocking a championship? Chris Perry staying healthy could be the biggest key for the Wolverines this season. The running back is poised for a huge season, evident by his career-best 22-carry, 232-yard performance against Central Michigan this past weekend. He also ran for a pair of touchdowns. Backup running back David Underwood also ran well in the opener, and will be getting some significant playing time this season if he keeps itup, but losing Perry could put an end to a very promising season for the Wolverines. After the departure of the "A-train" Anthony Thomas in 2000, Michigan turned into a one-dimensional offensive football team. Although Perry was waiting in the wings, he did not make an immediate impact and doubts arose about who would emerge as a solid running option. Last season, though, Perry answered all the questions. He finished the season on a very high note at the Outback Bowl against Florida, and entered this sea- son wth very high expectations. It's only been one game, but Braylon Edwards has already had a cou- ple dropped passes and is "not on the same page" as coach Lloyd Carr. But just ~o important is Edwards this season? Desite his limited playing time against Central Michigan, he still had two touchdown catches, and is the most talented receiver on Michigan's roster. Disagreements with Carr, though, could cost Edwards significant playing, that which would put a major dent in the Wolverines' aerial The key for Edwards is to stay out of trouble and to hold onto the ball. Along with several amazing catches last season came the occasional dropped pass. Edwards says he has corrected that problem, though, and is ready to wear the No. 1 jersey with With receivers such as Calvin Bell and Jason Avant, John Navarre has many options out of the huddle, and doesn't always need to look in Edwards' direction. But in key situations, Edwards must be the main option because he is the big-time playmaker. He's the one who will pull in the impossible catch, or turn a no-gain situation into positive yardage. He needs to be in the games to be the man, though. If he can resolve his issues with Carr, Edwards could be catching touch- down passes in the national championship game. R Two words: Maurice Clarett. Remember him? He's not playin now, but he will be Nov. 22 when the Buckeyes come to town. You can bet on that. Clarett is the most explosive tailback in college football, and last season, he abused the Wolverines for 122 yards on 20 carries, and the kid only had half his body to work with. This season, Clarett will be well-rested and ready to pick up where he left off last season in Columbus. That means Michigan's run defense must improve from what was seen Saturday at the Big House, when the Wolverines gave up 218 yards on the ground to Central Michigan. They made three Central tailbacks look like Clarett, Maurice Hall and Lydell Ross of the Buckeyes, missing crucial tackles and not filling their gaps. Michigan will count on its linebacking corps, most of which is coming back from injury, to get back to full game speed. Carl Diggs, Zach Kaufman, Lawrence Reid and Roy Manning are all returning from season-ending injuries last season, and the rust showed Saturday. The Wolverines should have more speed than last year's 'D,' as athletes Alain Kashama and Pierre Woods should log significant time throughout the year. Kashama made two run stops in a row g ust the Chips, showg that he isn't just a pass-rushing ~theat. SThe Wolverines will get some prep for Clarett against Notre Dame's Ryan Grant, Northwestern's Jason Wright and Iowa's Fred Russell. For Michigan, it's either buck up, or get bucked by Clarett. TheA,01 hree years, the Michigan E S football team appears to have started a new tradition: Lose a nonconference road game, wiping away the hopes of a national championship by the beginnir October. The Wolverines will have ample opportunity to ex Notre Dame rolls into Ann Arbor and Sept. 20 wh a road clash with the Ducks. Those games won't b unlocking a championship for Michigan will be to unscathed for the first time since 1999. It's somet seen yet, and if Michigan was able to accomp pus would reach an all-time high. These are the games where Michigan fans for Heisman" talk is really legitimate, or j p ability to lead Michigan to victory, but car Stadium, one of the most ferocious places tc played the best game of his Michigan careei season, but he didn't do one thing: Win the g Of course, none of this matters for the Big Te it has bigger goals. Like walking away with the national champic loss, it is possible that Michigan could crawl back into the pictur loss will keep the Wolverines from taking over Bourbon Street. Marlin Jackson has a new role infthe Michigan defensive backfield. After a tremend< son, in which Jackson broke the Michigan recc breakups, Carr has decided to move his top def to safety where he can anchor the Michigan sec the key here is how quickly Jackson can adjust role, and if he can be a leader out there. Jackson was tabbed as the preseason Big Ten Di Player of the Year. But off-the-field issues ovei couple of weeks have caused problems for Jack did not play in the season opener against Centi he will be playing this weekend, and most are how the star will do in his new role. Everyone knows Jackson is not afraid to talk o his tendency to trash talk to his opponents was characteristic of his last season. If he can trans same "communication" skills to talk to his own mates, Michigan could have its most cohesive unit in several years. Jackson is a confident and aggressive player, a he seems to be a natural leader. But he must embrace this role, or Michigan will have noth- ing but a mediocre secondary once again. TONY DING/Daily Receiver Braylon Edwards struggled with holding on to the ball at times last season. But things have changed, and Edwards is ready to lead a deep and talented receiving corps to a national title. DANNY MOLOSHOK/Daily Newly-appointed safety Marlin Jackson will anchor the Michigan secondary this season. Jackson, who has been named preseason Big Ten Player of the Year, will have to adjust to his new role quickly and become a strong leader out on the field.