Confidence has been restored to the Michigan program. Could the swagger be next on the agenda?

Lloyd Carr and the Wolverines came through with a well-played and emotional win over cross-state rival Michigan State last week, and it seems like the team is now back on track for another solid Big Ten run.

Beating the undefeated Spartans on the road was unexpected by the oddsmakers, who made the Wolverines a significant underdog in the matchup. That lack of respect got under Carr's skin and he got the message across to his players.

But more than the motivational spur, the key to the win was the return of RB Mike Hart from his hamstring injury. Even though he was not at full speed -- he got caught from behind on two long runs -- Hart ran for 218 yards and a touchdowns in his first game back after getting hurt vs. Notre Dame Sept. 10.

"I wouldn't say that we're back," senior Carl Tabb said after Saturday's win. "We still have a long way to go, but we're definitely taking a step towards being back. At Michigan, we never believe that we've arrived, so we always have work to do. But we realize we have a great win, and we can build on it."

The Wolverines have another major challenge this week when they host Minnesota this week. The Gophers are coming off a nasty 44-14 defeat at Penn State, but they have one of the best running attacks in the nation. Minnesota is averaging 283.8 yards per game and Laurence Maroney has run for 746 yards and is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. Stopping that running game is a major challenge for the Wolverines.

Michigan has been surprisingly effective on defense this season. The Wolverines limited Michigan State to 173 rushing yards and Wolverines are allowing 306.2 yards per game. That ranks second in the Big Ten behind Ohio State.

If the Wolverines can keep Maroney in check, they have a very good chance of beating the Gophers for the 34th time in the last 36 meetings.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: The Wolverines were quite ordinary before RB Mike Hart returned against the Spartans. He gave the offense a lift and came through 218 yards on 36 carries. Hart is not the fastest back, but he is difficult to bring down because he fights for every inch he can get. His presence made life much easier for QB Chad Henne, who completed 26-of-35 passes for 256 yards with two TDs. Freshman WR Mario Manningham caught four passes for 66 yards and has excellent route-running skills. The Wolverines average 403.8 total yards per game -- ranking seventh in the Big Ten.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Wolverines continue to play well on defense. Although they allowed 31 points and 455 total yards to the Spartans, they confused Spartans QB Drew Stanton in the early going and that allowed Michigan to take the early lead and dictate the pace of the game. CB Grant Mason and LB Prescott Burgess have combined for 69 tackles on the No. 2 defense in the conference.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We needed a win because we've had two tough losses that were one play here, one play there," Carr said. "I don't think there's any question it's going to be a big boost to our morale." -- Head coach Lloyd Carr on the impact of Michigan's 34-31 overtime win at Michigan State.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: vs. Minnesota, Oct. 1 -- The Wolverines aren't talking about it this week, but they own a major psychological advantage over the Gophers. Not only has Michigan won 33 of the last 35 in the series, it has shown the ability to overcome double-digit deficits in the last two meetings. Minnesota head coach Glen Mason seems to have no clue how to overcome their tormenting rivals.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Mike Hart -- After his Big Ten player of the week performance against the Spartans, how does Hart respond against Minnesota? He missed the previous two games because of a hamstring injury and needs to show he can bounce back with another solid performance.

QB Chad Henne -- He was a much more relaxed passer against Michigan State than he had been previously as completed 26-of-35 passes and threw the ball with ease and accuracy. Henne benefited greatly from the return of Hart.

WR Jason Avant -- He is second in the Big Ten with an average of 102.8 receiving yards per game. Avant has 39 catches for 514 yards with five TDs and has moved comfortably into the role of No. 1 receiver.

CB Grant Mason -- He has 39 tackles, two TFL, one interception and two passes broken up. Mason may be the best all-around defender on the Wolverines and is a fine cover man.

ROSTER REPORT: Wide receiver Steve Breaston, who is battling shoulder and hamstring problems did not play, but likely will return soon. Defensive lineman Rondell Biggs injured his knee against Michigan State and did not return. Carr is not optimistic about his recovery. ... Linebacker Scott McClintock (back), offensive linemen Jake Long (ankle), Mike Kolodziej (illness), wide receiver Adrian Arrington (ankle) and defensive lineman Jeremy Van Alstyne (hamstring) are questionable against Minnesota. 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.