Joel Klatt names biggest threat to Ohio State and Oregon in Big Ten race

Many consider Ohio State and Oregon the two frontrunners to win the Big Ten. Both teams enter this season returning key players from their respective rosters who were part of two talented teams last year.

But is there a team that can challenge these two preseason juggernauts from holding up that championship trophy at Lucas Oil Stadium? FOX Sports college football analyst says look no further than the defending national champions— the Michigan Wolverines.

“The last three years have been magical in Ann Arbor,” Klatt said on his show Monday afternoon. “And that’s why {Michigan} will be the biggest threat to Ohio State and Oregon. It doesn’t matter who is left because they believe they are the biggest threat. They believe they are the kings of the hill; they believe the conference goes through them.”

The Wolverines will have to replace a lot of talent on the offensive side of the ball if they want to remain competitive in the Big Ten race. Losing quarterback JJ McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and six offensive linemen to the NFL will give this Michigan team a new look.

Luckily, the Maize and Blue return RB Donovan Edwards, who showed flashes of being able to carry an offense in last year’s national championship game against Washington, breaking off two 40-yard touchdown runs.  On defense, the Wolverines bring back CB Will Johnson, who may just be the best defensive player in the country.

Returning these key pieces makes Michigan an interesting story to follow this season. We’ll certainly see what this team is made of early in the season, as they will host an underrated Fresno State team in week 1, followed by the No. 4 Texas Longhorns in Ann Arbor.