Questions Still for Mighty Michigan

By Marc Carig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, August 24, 2007

By his own estimation, Michigan running back Mike Hart has done about 50 interviews since the summer, a conservative guess. Quarterback Chad Henne puts his own count at around 150, at least.

In those interviews they are asked the same general questions over and over again, some more frequently than others. Both Hart and Henne said two questions are asked of them every single session.

1. How good is this offense going to be?

2. Are you going to beat Ohio State and finally win a bowl game?

"You keep the answers straightforward," Henne said. "We understand what we have to do and where we're at right now, so you just keep it as simple as possible and tell the truth."

The truth is that Michigan is coming off a strong season, winning 11 games to rebound from a disastrous 2005 campaign that saw the Wolverines slip to 7-5, an unacceptable win-loss figure in Ann Arbor. During that time, Henne, Hart and wide receiver Mario Manningham have helped the offense evolve into one of the nation's most dangerous.

Individually, a good argument could be made that each represents the best at his position. As a group, there may not be a better trio, especially when combined with standout tackle Jake Long, who anchors a strong offensive line.

"I think it's fun," Hart said. "When you have those choices, it makes it hard for defenses. Our camaraderie is amazing. We love to see each other succeed. We're loving life."

Yet, all of that success has been overshadowed by the premise behind question No. 2: Michigan's failure to beat arch rival Ohio State and end the season with a bowl victory.

The Wolverines last won a bowl at the end of the 2002 season; they lost to USC in the Rose Bowl last January. They have not beaten the Buckeyes since 2003.

"All the time," Hart said of the Buckeyes question. "That one's guaranteed."

The most difficult question to answer, however, is the standard follow-up.

"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."