Michigan comes into this season without a lot of superstars, but with plenty of good and solid players at nearly every position. With a grueling schedule, that depth may be tested during the season.

Quarterbacks: The biggest question for Michigan was who would start at quarterback. In the spring, juniors Spencer Brinton and John Navarre were neck-and-neck, with heralded freshman Matt Gutierrez in waiting. A week before the Washington game, coach Lloyd Carr decided to go with experience and chose Navarre, who had started 16 games for the Wolverines.

In his first game of 2002, Navarre was impressive, playing with a confidence that was absent at the end of last season. He threw for 268 yards and a touchdown connection to Braylon Edwards. Navarre also connected with six different receivers, a variety he lacked last season with the security blanket that former Michigan standout Marquise Walker provided him.

"Last year, John did well, but there were a lot of things that came into play that made him picked for blame, but it's good to see him finally doing what everybody knew he could do," wide receiver Calvin Bell said.

Navarre has quelled his doubters' gripes after Saturday's game - if only temporarily.

Tailbacks and fullbacks: The loss of Kelly Baraka in the offseason hurt, but running back remains one of Michigan deepest positions. Led by a now-healthy Chris Perry as the starter, the group has size and speed with sophomores David Underwood and Tim Bracken, who returns after sitting out the season with a broken leg.

Against Washington, Perry ran with a vigor not seen since his freshman year. Perry picked up 120 yards and three touchdowns, including a 57-yard scamper for the game's opening touchdown.

"All last season we had problems running the ball, everyone keeps harping on running the ball better, the linemen came out there and blocked well, I cut back and there was a hole there," Perry said of his long run.

Senior B.J. Askew returns to a fulltime position at fullback after spending most of his time at tailback last season. Askew is dangerous in all facets of the position, whether he is rushing, blocking or catching out of the backfield. It is this last aspect of his game that he will make his impact as the fullback screen is a known Michigan staple. He is backed-up by super-sized redshirt freshman Sean Sanderson, who is listed at 289 pounds.

Wide receivers and tight ends: The departure of Marquise Walker leaves a hole at the No. 1 position, with senior Ron Bellamy, junior Tyrece Butler and freshman Braylon Edwards all vying for the job. But the trio may replace Walker by committee with Bellamy and fullback B.J. Askew as the short-range threats and Butler and Edwards being the deep ball receiver. Calvin Bell will also see significant playing time.

Against Washington, Navarre showed his confidence in the group.

"With our new passing offense, John Navarre is very comfortable with getting the ball to everybody," Butler said. "He has a lot of confidence in the receiving corps this year and is passing the ball to everybody."

A talented trio of freshmen may also see the field this season. Jason Avant, Steve Breaston and Carl Tabb all have game-breaking potential.

Senior captain Bennie Joppru will start at tight end for the Wolverines. Joppru has just 33 career receptions and was not a strong element of the Michigan offense against Washington, although he is a capable receiver. Former quarterback Andy Mignery will enter the game in two tight end sets.

Offensive line: With a year of experience, the offensive line showed improvement over last season against Washington. The line created gaping holes for Perry to run though and allowed just two sacks on John Navarre. Although it was the first game of the season, the line looked polished, finishing without any holding or false start penalties.

Former defensive lineman Dave Pearson looked solid at center, with only one miscue in his first game action with Navarre. David Baas, Courtney Morgan and Tony Pape seemed to have solidified their position at left guard, left tackle and right tackle, respectively. Redshirt freshman Matt Lentz and fifth-year senior Dave Pertruziello will rotate at right guard.

"As a unit we felt pretty comfortable playing next to each other and we gelled well with each other," Pearson said. I think that it will come more as we play more games, but for the first game we were pretty happy."

Secondary: After a standout freshman season, Marlin Jackson heads up this talented group of defensive backs. Jackson was impressive in his first test of the season, already drawing premature, but valid comparisons to Charles Woodson by keeping Washington's Reggie Williams in check throughout the game without much help from the safeties.