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The Michigan football team rarely has to ask for respect. That was reinforced Monday when the Wolverines were selected as the Big Ten’s pre-season favorite.

As a two-time defending conference champion and back-to-back Rose Bowl representative, Michigan has the resume, though not everyone agrees.

“I would rank them Ohio State, Purdue and Iowa,” ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit said. “The reason I say that is because you have to have a great defense to win the Big Ten conference. When we see all these on paper, it’s hard for me to say Michigan is the No. 1 team in the conference.”

PRESEASON PICKS

1. Michigan

2. Ohio State

3. Iowa

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year:

Drew Tate, QB, Iowa

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year:

A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State