-0 0 0 U U 9 0 0 2B - Football Saturday - September 27, 2008 September 27, 2008 - Football Saturday - 7B How does Wisconsin's traditional offense match up against the veteran Michigan defense? Will (botched) kick returns again be the difference in the game? Read the breakdown to find out. Going into this season, everyone had the same question: Who's the quarterback? Find out how unlikely candidates Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan battled for the spot, and What will happen Saturday? The Michigan Daily football writ- ers give 12 bold predictions. 2008 Michigan Big Ten Schedule Wisconsin: Michigan opens its conference season against a team who was predicted to finish 9/ second in the Big Ten - and who uses the traditional offense that Michigan left behind this year. I4 Illinois: After facing Juice Williams and company the week after squaring off against the 10 Badgers, the Wolverines will know if they're really cut out for Big Ten contention this year. I18 at Penn State: Penn State is returning to its spread offense, and it hopes it will be better than ever. The "Spread HD," as the Nittany Lions call it, should test Michigan's experienced defense. I/25 Michigan State: We've heard it every year - Michigan State will be good this year, seriously. 10/ But with superstar Spartan running back Javon Ringer, it could actually happen. 11/1 at Purdue: Senior quarterback Curtis Painter may give Michigan's secondary trouble, but that's about all the Wolverines need to worry about. 11/8 at Minnesota: Watch out - Minnesota has already quadrupled its win total from last year. 11/15 Northwestern: It's always good to have a game against a doormat before facing Ohio State, right? As long as Michigan doesn't underestimate the Wildcats, it should be an easy game. at Ohio State: Michigan has lost four straight against the Buckeyes, and 11/22 they're likely to reach another title game. This could be ugly. QUARTERBACKS From Page 5B Late in the first half, the two switched spots. But Threet wasn't angry about not starting and Sheri- dan wasn't upset about getting replaced during the game. "I'm sure both those guys are preoccupied on a daily basis on Michigan winning football games," Bill Sheridan said. "They'rejust pre- occupied with trying to get better as individual quarterbacks. I don't think those two guys are wrapped on 'me against you."' The next week against Miami (Ohio), Threet took the opening snaps. He did it again on the road against Notre Dame the week after that, playing well enough in South Bend to solidify his startingspot. Though there's a lot of pressure on his shoulders now, Threet never appears nervous. He has always been laid back and quick to laugh anytime - and being Michigan's starting quarterback won't change that. "I feel that I can be focused, but be myself, at the same time," Threet said. "Me as a person, I can't be uptight. I don't like that feeling, so that's nothowtI'mgoing to approach agame." Though Sheridanhasn't matched Threet's success in the first three games of the season, he isn't plan- ning to cede the startingspot. BillSheridanwillattendthe game tomorrow with the Giants on a bye week, and Nick is hoping his father will get to see him play in person. But even more, he wants Bill to see Michigan upset Wisconsin. "I'm excited, hopefully I get in there (tomorrow)," Nick Sheridan said. "Who knows what the circum- stances will be? If I don't, that's OK, too. I just want to win." ANSWERING THE DOUBTERS A year ago, few Michigan foot- ball fans knew much about Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan. Neither did Adrian Arrington. But Threet has stepped up as a capable signal-caller and proven that Arrington was wrong at the NFL Scouting Combine. And now, fans can take ameasure of relief - Michigan has a quarter- back. +w Michigan Head*Pain & Neurological Institute is cpnducting a research study evaluating an investigational medication for the treatment of migraines. Participants must: --Be 18 years or older Etypeence 1 to 8 headaches per month for the past 2 months If you qualify, you will receive study related exams and study medication at no cost to you. In addition, you will be compensated for your time and travel expenses. For more information, please call a study coordinator at (734) 677-6000, option 4. Learn more about participating in research at www. MHNI.com. "Better Quality, Better Food, Better Service" 4