Mike Hart's legacy as one of the best running backs in Michigan history is secure.

In three years as a starter, he's already rushed for more yards (3,679), scored more touchdowns (27) and played in more victories (24) than most of his contemporaries.

But to go down as the best, regardless if he breaks Anthony Thomas' school record - with 793 yards to go, Mike Hart will surpass Thomas' mark Oct. 13 against Purdue if he sticks to last year's pace - Mike Hart knows there's one thing he still needs to achieve.

"I can't leave without beating Ohio State and I want to beat Ohio State," he said at last week's Big Ten media days in Chicago. "You can't go down as one of the best classes in Michigan history unless you beat Ohio State, so it's something I definitely felt hungry for, something I came back for, definitely."

The Wolverines, coming off an 11-2 season and their third Rose Bowl trip in four years, haven't beaten Ohio State since 2003.

This year's game is Nov. 17 in Ann Arbor, and like last year's it could have league and national championship implications. Michigan is ranked fifth in the preseason ESPN/USA Today coaches poll and predicted by most pundits to win the Big Ten. No. 10 Ohio State breaks in new starters at every skill position, but doesn't figure to get tested until an Oct. 27 trip to Penn State.

The Wolverines open camp today with Ohio State in the back of their minds and five more pressing questions to answer in the meantime:

Can the secondary stop anyone?

John David Booty and Dwayne Jarrett made a mockery of Michigan's defensive backfield in last year's Rose Bowl, with John David Booty throwing for 391 yards and four touchdowns and Dwayne Jarrett catching 11 balls for 205 yards.

The Trojans broke open a 3-3 game in the second half, at one point attempting 28 passes in 30 plays. No one on Michigan's schedule has that type of arsenal this year, but the Wolverines remain vulnerable because of their personnel.

Their best cornerback, Leon Hall, was a first-round draft pick, and incoming freshman Donovan Warren has a realistic chance to start.

What other playmakers will emerge on defense?

Defensive tackle Terrance Taylor and linebacker Shawn Crable are known commodities and among the best players at their positions in the Big Ten. Seven other defensive starters must be replaced, including all three of Taylor's mates on the defensive line. Brandon Graham has immense potential and should team with Tim Jamison to give the Wolverines a formidable pass rush.

If Obi Ezeh or Austin Panter distinguishes himself at middle linebacker, the defense could be looked at as a strength come October.

Who wins the right tackle job?

Jake Long and Adam Kraus are locked in as one of the best left offensive line combinations anywhere. Justin Boren played five games as a true freshman and won the center job in spring. Alex Mitchell, as head-scratching as he can be, should start at right guard. But right tackle is up for grabs with redshirt freshman Stephen Schilling and third-year sophomore Mark Ortmann the front-runners. Schilling's the blue-chip recruit with unlimited potential, but he's never taken a college snap and could have his hands full early in the season against Oregon, Notre Dame and Penn State.

Are Mike Hart and Mario Manningham completely healthy?

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said both players are fine after spring injury troubles. Mike Hart missed all of spring practice following left shoulder surgery, while Manningham spent the offseason tending to his surgically-repaired right knee. Michigan has options at receiver in Adrian Arrington, Greg Mathews and Junior Hemingway, but no one quite as dynamic as Manningham.

Running back is a little more tricky with Kevin Grady expected to miss the season. Brandon Minor is Mike Hart's heir apparent after running for 238 yards as a freshman, but how big of a role is he ready to shoulder?

Will Mike DeBord really open up the offense with more shotgun?

We all have our doubts, for good reason, but Michigan's offense has some scary potential.

Mike Hart, Manningham, Long and quarterback Chad Henne are the best at their positions in the Big Ten, and other playmakers abound. Carr hinted in Chicago some no-huddle and shotgun could be in the cards, and Henne sounds up to the challenge. "I think we're going to run it a lot," he said. "Right now we're undecided about the fullback position. If a fullback comes up than maybe not so much, but if not than we'll be back in it, definitely."

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