Wolverines Head West

The Michigan football team headed to Los Angeles today to get ready for Texas and the Rose Bowl. Among the usual practices, film studies, and meetings, the team will also take some rec time and head out to Disneyland, the movies, bowling, and the traditional feast at Lawry's Beef Bowl.

Last year, Michigan lost 28-14 to USC, an experience the returning players don't want to repeat. "I think it was more that we were just happy to be here last year," Michigan senior cornerback Marlin Jackson said. "It was guys saying, 'We're at the Rose Bowl, we're Michigan at the Rose Bowl, oh, it's so fun!'"

Michigan will face Texas for the first time in school history on January 1, at the Rose Bowl. Michigan comes into the game an underdog. The great match up will be running backs Michael Hart and Cedric Benson -- both coming off heisman caliber seasons.

Michigan will need to be on top of their running game, get a good passing game going, and hold Texas on the line.

Texas will need to focus on their running game, and exploite Michigan's special teams weaknesses.

I'll post a full review, and prediction for the Rose Bowl next week.

MLive.com: U-M plans for a balanced bowl trip