Questions Still for Mighty Michigan

"It's hard to answer when they ask you, 'What are you going to do different this time around,' " Hart said. "It's hard to answer that question because, really, I don't even know what we can do different."

Indeed, all Hart and his comrades have done is compile stellar numbers. Yet for Hart, Henne and Long -- all seniors -- their legacy at Michigan might be tied to whether they can finally beat the Buckeyes, a feat they have never accomplished.

"It's definitely frustrating for us seniors. This is our last chance and people are going to judge us. 'Oh, they haven't won the big game,' or "Oh, they haven't beaten Ohio State or won a bowl game.' Obviously, me and Mike and Jake have had great careers so far but this would be the top of it, to finish it off by winning those games."

Henne, in three seasons as the starter, has eclipsed 2,500 passing yards every year. He's thrown at least 20 touchdown passes in each of those seasons. The classic pocket passer returns this year with a deeper command of Coach Lloyd Carr's offense.

"He knows where he has to get the ball," Hart said. "As long as the receiver beats the coverage, the ball's going to be there. He's a really smart quarterback."

Manningham, an explosive receiver who emerged last year to catch 38 passes for 703 yards with nine touchdowns, gives Henne a perfect big-play target.

Hart, meanwhile, provides Michigan with a measure of balance. He rebounded from an injury-riddled 2005 season to rush for 1,562 yards and 14 touchdowns last year, all with his trademark physical running style. The 5-foot-9, 196-pounder is expected to challenge for the Heisman Trophy.

Yet, for all the talk about Ohio State and bowl games, both Henne and Hart said the Wolverines are focusing on what's more immediate -- the start of the regular season.

"Our focus is on the games we have now," Hart said. "It's so far down the line I don't even think about it right now. We have to take care of today so we can get to that point."

If Michigan heads into the game with Ohio State undefeated, the questions will appear once again. But, ultimately, Hart said the question is easy to answer because the emotions aren't too far away from his mind. Yes, Michigan wants to beat Ohio State. And yes, the Wolverines still believe they can.

"It's really just what we feel," Hart said. "We know that we want to beat them. It's something that we want to do, which is true. We're not happy that we've lost to them. That's the way I want to end my career, no doubt about it. That's what I came back for. That's what everybody wanted this year and that's what we're working for."