For the third straight year, coach Rich Rodriguez and the Michigan football team enter the season opener with the same feeling: No one knows what's coming.

In his first season in 2008, it was because the coaches and scheme were new.

Last season, it was because the offensive pieces were extremely young and inexperienced and there was a new defensive coordinator.

And this year, it's because the expected success of the past two years hasn't panned out, leading to more uncertainty.

Yet that could benefit U-M because the Wolverines could surprise.

The quarterback is unknown (though Denard Robinson is expected to take the first snap), most of the secondary has little or no experience, and the defensive line is without its All-America playmaker. Since so few players stepping in are known commodities, Connecticut will be at a disadvantage without much game film.

That might be one reason Rodriguez has been particularly tight-lipped during training camp. Yet even with his extreme optimism, the past few years have been a reality check.

"I'd rather have the element of experience than the element of surprise," Rodriguez said. "I'd rather there be less unknowns than there are now. But it's probably exciting too for the players. It's not exciting for the coaches. ... I know eventually what we'll have."

That's what's so important about Saturday's game, just getting some proof of what U-M has.

That's the excitement about having a talented opponent such as the Huskies. Picked by some to win the Big East -- maybe by more after general favorite Pittsburgh's loss Thursday night -- it's a strong barometer for U-M's progress.

One thing Rodriguez does know and has repeated often is that this team is more committed to the coaches and the system than either of his first two teams. The Wolverines are more comfortable and willing to interact and offer feedback, something he mentioned this week.

And though they might look thin in spots, many Wolverines have playing experience despite only 12 seniors.

"Two years ago, we didn't have any quarterbacks and any people on offense that had any experience at all," Rodriguez said. "I'm more confident offensively that we have a host of guys that have played some, even though our quarterbacks are younger guys, some have played. Defensively, we have a lot less guys that have played on the back end, but on our front seven we have more guys that have played.

"We've got more experience of guys that have played than two years ago and probably more that have played than last year. Every year is a new year. It's OK to look back and try to learn. As far as reflecting, I don't do that too much."

For Michigan, the past two off-seasons have been as bitter as any in program history.

The fallout from two massively disappointing seasons, an NCAA investigation leading to allegations of five major violations and player defections have created a culture where the opening game -- Saturday's 3:30 p.m. kickoff -- finally is a chance for cleansing with a victory.

"It means a lot, especially for our players and our staff," Rodriguez said this week. "The guys have been through a lot, they've worked really hard, and there's nothing like the feeling of a win in the locker room and the momentum it takes for the following week. I just hope we play well. We haven't talked about a number of wins, but we just want to play well."

It might only take 3 hours to get a much better hold on this Michigan season.

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