Michigan's Rodriguez wants to avoid more misery

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Rich Rodriguez refuses to make specific predictions about his second season at Michigan, saying his goals always include contending for a conference championship and beating rivals.

What about qualifying for a bowl game?

"If we're not practicing or playing during the holidays, everybody will be miserable," Rodriguez said.

The Wolverines went 3-9 last season, including a dismal 2-6 in the Big 10. But they would seem to have a shot at qualifying for the postseason because they have a weak schedule, they've survived the culture shock of going from Lloyd Carr to Rodriguez, and there is hope on both sides of the ball.

While a lot has to go well for Michigan to turn things around, it is difficult to envision a repeat of last year.

College football's winningest team lost a school-record nine games, including one to a Mid-American Conference team for a program-worst five at home. It was Michigan's first losing season since 1967 -- the late Bo Schembechler was still coaching at Miami of Ohio -- and its first without a bowl in 34 years.

Six of Michigan's first eight games this season are at home, including a date with Delaware State. The Wolverines will host rivals Notre Dame and Ohio State, and play at Michigan State.

"I'm really encouraged about our chances this season because I really like what I've seen and heard about how our players prepared this offseason," Rodriguez said. "They made huge strides in the weight room, they learned our system even more and obviously they're ready to start having the success Michigan is used to having."

Rodriguez, at least, is used to struggling in his first season at a school and bouncing back the next year.

West Virginia won just three games in 2001 under Rodriguez -- just as Michigan did last season -- and won nine the next season, setting the program up to become a Big East power.

Rodriguez won only one game in his debut at Glenville State in 1990, combined for 10 victories over the next two seasons before winning four straight conference championships in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

"There are some similarities," he said. "The big difference was in our second season at West Virginia, we had a quarterback with more experience."

At Michigan, Rodriguez has Nick Sheridan at quarterback.

Sheridan split snaps last season with Steven Threet, one of several players to leave Michigan after Rodriguez arrived, but lost valuable experience in the spring because with a broken leg.

Highly touted Tate Forcier took advantage, graduating from high school early in San Diego to enroll in classes and participate in spring drills. Speedy freshman Denard Robinson also gives Rodriguez an option in his spread offense.

"We'd like to have one guy emerge as the starter, but we'd like to get at least two of them ready to play," Rodriguez said. "If two are ready, both will play."

Michigan's quarterback should have a chance for success unlike those who played the position last season.

Steve Schilling, who has started a team-high 25 games, leads an experienced offensive line. Brandon Minor, who has averaged nearly 5 yards a carry, will make teams respect the running game. Greg Mathews and Martavious Odoms will be the go-to receivers.

Michigan lost six starters on defense, which will be coached by new arrival Greg Robinson, a defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos during their back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997-98.

The Wolverines will lean on defensive end Brandon Graham, who had 10 sacks last season and led the Big Ten with 20 tackles for losses, and linebacker/strong safety Stevie Brown.

"Those are our only seniors on defense," Rodriguez said. "We need them to be great -- not just good -- this season."

Michigan's best player last year might have been All-Big Ten punter Zoltan Mesko. Now the Wolverines will have to find a kicker before the season opener Sept. 5 at home against Western Michigan.

Freshman Brendan Gibbons, who is on scholarship, will be given every opportunity to beat out returning candidates Bryan Wright and Jason Olesnavage.