Last season, the Wolverines became the first Michigan team since 1984 to lose its two rivalry games against Michigan State and Ohio State as well as its bowl game. This season, with the Buckeyes and Spartans as their best competitors in the conference, the Wolverines will have to avenge the losses to send their seniors out the right way - with their first trip to Pasadena.

Michigan State

One second separated victory from defeat. One second kept the Wolverines from a possible Big Ten title. That one second was so controversial as to warrant a Big Ten rule change. But one second didn't lose them the game. Had one more second ticked, Michigan would have been saved from its series of botched plays and knuckleheaded penalties.

This season, Michigan State won't need a phantom second to win - but its opponents might. With a game-breaking receiving threat, a golden-armed quarterback and a schedule that lacks Ohio State and Illinois and features eight of 12 games at home, the Spartans are the top threat to destroy Michigan's Rose Bowl dreams.

Michigan

Michigan fans want to forget last year's 8-4 season. Not only did the Wolverines experience a controversial, last-second loss to Michigan State, but it also lost the coveted Big Ten title on their home field in the season finale against the Buckeyes. And then - gasp - they got embarrased in their bowl game against Tennessee. But as the Wolverines recover from their dramatic coming-back party against Washington a week ago, the new year brings renewed promise. A more productive offense, an efficient John Navarre and a playmaking Marlin Jackson hope to help Michigan take revenge against its rivals and reclaim the Big Ten crown.

Ohio State

On Nov. 24, everything was finally right in the state of Ohio. The chosen one, first-year coach Jim Tressel, exorcised the ghost of John Cooper, who had just a 2-10-1 record against Michigan. Buckeyes fans need better. Tressel backed up his gutsy guarantee of triumph over the Maize and Blue, beating the Wolverines 26-20 in the Big House, ruining Michigan's chance at a Big Ten title and BCS bid. Now, with a top-rated recruiting class joining a confident returning group, the Buckeyes are planning to make some noise on the national scene. Tressel has employed a trio of talented runners, including freshman phenom Maurice Clarett, to take control of the BIg Ten and keep the Wolverines out of the Rose Bowl for the fifth straight season.