The Wolverines can't feel too confident about their defense going into Big Ten play.

While Michigan is coming off an overwhelming 55-0 shutout over Eastern Michigan last week, the Eagles are simply not in Michigan's class and were merely cannon fodder for a powerful team.

However, Michigan's defense was below par in the season-opening win over Northern Illinois and the Week Two defeat to Notre Dame.

The Wolverines open conference play with a difficult assignment against Wisconsin in Madison.

Barry Alvarez has seen his team reel off three straight wins and has found a new star in RB Brian Calhoun. The Colorado transfer has rushed for 471 yards and has averaged 5.1 yards per carry. He was the dominant player in Wisconsin's 14-5 win at North Carolina last week when he carried 38 times for 171 yards and scored both touchdowns.

He should be a major test for a Wolverines defense that ranks eighth in the Big Ten at stopping the run. The unit is allowing 110 yards per game on the ground and was toasted by Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois in the opening game of the season.

Offensively, head coach Lloyd Carr was coy about the status of sophomore RB Mike Hart, who injured a hamstring vs. Notre Dame and did not play against Eastern Michigan. Hart is showing some signs of improvement, but he may see only spot duty since Max Martin is coming off a 117-yard effort and the Wolverines have no need to risk additional injury.

Chad Henne bounced back from his poor game vs. Notre Dame and completed 13-of-19 passes for 147 yards with three TDs. He should be able to find Jason Avant and Mario Manningham against Wisconsin's pass defense, which ranks eighth in the conference (265 yards per game).

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Wolverines have tons of depth. When RB Mike Hart injured a hamstring, Max Martin stepped right into his place and knocked out a 117-yard game against Eastern Michigan. Head coach Lloyd Carr will likely give him another shot and not push Mike Hart (hamstring) back into the lineup until he is 100 percent. Jason Avant leads the Big Ten with 22 receptions for 310 yards.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Wolverines are giving up just 11.3 ppg -- and that ranks eighth in the nation. However, this was the team's weakness a year ago. The Badgers have a powerful running game -- averaging 272.3 yards -- and Brian Calhoun is a powerful runner who is hungry to make a name for himself. He represents a major challenge for LBs Chris Graham and Prescott Burgess, who are emerging as leaders Jim Herrmann's defense.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think what I saw was that Brian Calhoun, in the heat down there in North Carolina, he only came out for a couple of plays. He played almost every down, which speaks to how tough he is and how strong he is, and certainly how well-conditioned he is." -- Head coach Lloyd Carr on Wisconsin's star running back Brian Calhoun

THIS WEEK'S GAME: at Wisconsin, Sept. 24 -- The season opens with a major test at Madison. Look for a high-scoring game as the Wolverines have a very versatile attack with Chad Henne, Max Martin and Jason Avant leading the way. Wisconsin has a dominating running attack and QB John Stocco has also showed some improvement.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR Jason Avant -- He has caught 22 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Avant is stepping into the void left by the departure of Braylon Edwards, but Avant is not quite as athletic or threatening as Edwards.

TE Tyler Ecker -- The Wolverines have always used the tight end well and need Ecker to step up. He has caught seven passes for 74 yards and needs to make more big plays.

RB Max Martin -- The Wolverines have nothing but depth at the running back position. With Mike Hart slowed by a hamstring injury, Martin came in and rushed for 117 yards and two TDs vs. Eastern Michigan. Kevin Grady is also a viable option.

QB Chad Henne -- He should give the Wolverines a major advantage at the quarterback position against Wisconsin. He bounced back from a poor game vs. Notre Dame with a three-TD effort vs. the Eagles. Henne sees the field well, throws an accurate pass and has normally been a very poised performer.

CB Grant Mason -- He has been all over the field in the first three games with a team-high 30 tackles. He also has one TFL and one pass defensed.

ROSTER REPORT: Wide receiver Adrian Arrington (ankle) and tight end Tim Massaquoi (arm) are doubtful against Wisconsin. Offensive linemen Mike Kolodziej (undisclosed) and Matt Lentz (abdomen) and running back Mike Hart (hamstring) are questionable. Offensive lineman Jake Long (ankle) are sidelined indefinitely. Offensive lineman Grant DeBenedictis (knee) is expected to miss the entire season. Defensive back Ryan Mundy (shoulder) is expected to miss the remainder of the season.