Another football season means another year of dominance is expected at Michigan.

There is no reason to think that the Wolverines won't be at or near the top of the Big Ten once again. Head coach Lloyd Carr has a team that is loaded with talent and should be prepared for a possible Big Ten championship run.

While there are questions about this team on the defensive end -- Michigan gave up 37 points in three of its last four games (vs. Michigan State, Ohio State and Texas) -- this team has a slew of offensive weapons who should be able to light up the scoreboard starting with the Sept. 3 opener vs. Northern Illinois.

Start with sophomore QB Chad Henne, who completed 240-of-399 passes for 2,743 yards with 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Henne has the size, strength and quick release to give the Wolverines an explosive quality every time they decide to go to the air.

RB Mike Hart emerged from a stable of running backs early last season to become a legitimate star as a freshman. He ran for 1,455 yards and nine TDs last season and was equally adept running between the tackles and getting to the outside. While Hart is relatively small at 5-9 and 192, he runs like a much larger man. He had 282 carries a year ago and could easily get to 325 or more this year.

WRs Jason Avant and Steve Breaston should be a formidable duo, while TE Tim Massaquoi has the ability to make key catches on third downs.

No matter how high the level of talent is at the skill position, the key to the offensive attack is the play of the offensive line. That group should be up to previous Michigan standards and OLT Adam Stenavich should be the best of this group. He is a first-rate pass protector and is nearly as good at run blocking. ORG Matt Lentz is a stud who has been in the starting lineup for the last 25 games. If the Wolverines need a key yard late in the fourth quarter, they are going over his shoulder.

Michigan allowed a school-record 279 points last year and defensive coordinator Jim Herrman has been the object of intense criticism. Carr has stood behind him intently, but another less-than-stellar season will be difficult for the veteran coach to abide. Look for LB Prescott Burgess to take on a leadership role because he is an outstanding tackler who is ready to take on the responsibility of being the team's defensive leader.

Look for the Wolverines to exercise their muscle against a game and tough Northern Illinois team in the opener.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Michigan offense is young and talented with Chad Henne and Mike Hart and have a huge and tough offensive line. If Steve Breaston and Jason Avant can make plays at the WR spot, the Michigan offense could be unstoppable.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Wolverines come into the season without any pretense. The defensive players are largely embarrassed by the way they played in the final four games of the season and know they have much to prove. The Wolverines won't turn into USC, but look for a much better effort because they will be faster and quicker on the outside. DE Pierre Woods was banged up throughout the season and if he's healthy this year he could become a wrecking ball in the backfield. He has speed, quickness and reach.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "You take it personally. But we look at it, as a defense, as we didn't finish strong, we didn't finish the way we wanted to be -- we've got to suck it up and take it. We're not going to make excuses or put our heads down. We didn't perform like we had to, and a little criticism, it's almost well deserved." -- Michigan DT Pat Massey on the attitude that the Wolverine defensive players will have this season.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: vs. Northern Illinois, Sept. 3 -- This is not the usual opener for the Wolverines. The Huskies may look like they are just another MAC team being served up on a platter to powerful Michigan, but head coach Joe Novak has built a powerful offensive team that finished 9-3 last year and recorded a 34-21 win over Troy State in the Silicon Valley Classic last year. RB Garrett Wolfe is a potential game-breaker with quickness, speed and instincts.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR Steve Breaston -- While Ted Ginn Jr. of Ohio State opened eyes around the Big Ten last year with his spectacular speed and playmaking ability (four punt return TDs), Breaston may be nearly as fast. The Wolverines want to establish him early this season in order to take advantage of his game-breaking ability during the Big Ten season. He needs to improve on his 34-291-3 numbers that he put on the board as a receiver last year.

DE/OLB LaMarr Woodley -- He has the strength to play as a down lineman and athleticism to make big plays in the backfield. Woodley had 70 tackles a year ago and also registered 16 tackles behind the line. He'll try to get after Northern Illinois QB Phil Horvath.

QB Chad Henne -- The Wolverines were thrilled with his development last year as a freshman. However, much more is expected from him now that he has a year of experience under his belt. Henne excels at holding on to the ball until the last possible instant and then delivering the ball as his receiver gets open.

RB Mike Hart -- In a conference that has a number of great running backs, Hart may be as good as any. He rushed for 1,455 yards last year and had three games with 200 yards or more.

OLT Adam Stenavich -- Michigan has long been known for its dominant offensive lines and Stenavich deserves to be mentioned with the other great linemen who have worn the Maize and Blue. Stenavich is a solid run blocker but he excels at protecting Henne's back side and excels in pass blocking.

ROSTER REPORT: ORT Jake Long will miss the opener with an ankle injury. He'll be replaced by Mike Kolodziej or Ruben Riley.