With its first game on Saturday, Michigan has suffered its first significant injury of the season. Don’t worry. Coach Carr has a plan in the wake of right tackle Jake Long’s ankle problem.

The team went in with an unproven center — Adam Kraus and Mark Bihl are competing for the position. Now, there’s been a little more shuffling that results in a redshirt freshman being the primary backup at both guard spots.

Luckily, the left tackle and right guard are all-conference performers and the left guard is a fifth-year senior. So, when in doubt, expect Mike Hart to run left a lot against Northern Illinois. That’ll probably be enough.

For more on the stars, the AP has its preview of the fourth-ranked Maize and Blue out. One of many places to read it and the praise of the offense is NCAAsports.com.

In other news, AP recently had a feature about Michigan being the new Quarterback U. - the premiere factory for NFL quarterbacks with seven starters over the last 17 years and five current members, more than any other school.

Some other season preview headlines:

• Alvarez going, Jo Pa staying, so he says, and Michigan and Ohio State vying for top spot
  
• Michigan offers a rare peek at practice
  
• The 2005 Michigan State football team at a glance

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