re: What do you see happening at Michigan?

Hmmm... Let's see:

3 key defensive players in Peterson, Sheppard, and Nevis.

Our starting Left tackle, likely our top performing RB, Toliver.

That's a significant hit whether you want to believe it or not. We have some talented players in the wings that are mostly unproven, but I don't really have belief that our defense will be better next year losing three top players like we will after this season.

Mathieu is a great Nickel back, but we have no idea how he'll do as a primary CB. We lose a ton of leadership and our QB situation is based on Mettenberger being able to somehow be beyond the reach of Crowton's ability to negatively coach a QB.

I think LSU will win 9 games in the regular season next year largely because I don't see our offense greatly improving, our defense taking a step back and our schedule being a bit harder since we'll be playing the #1 or #2 from this season a the start on the road and be AT WVU.