2 minutes with: Kyle Meinke of AnnArbor.com

Is Brady Hoke the next Bo Schembechler?

Is Brady Hoke the next Michigan coach to have long, tenured success in Ann Arbor? He really could be, as he's had nothing but success since first coming here in January. He was here for eight years as an assistant, so he understands the tradition and legacy of Michigan football. And he knows how to sell it (he attracted a top-five recruiting class for next year, before coaching a single down this fall). But, his personality is vastly different than Schembechler's, and the way he coaches a team. More simple, less imposing. He's kind of an every-man kind of guy, and people have latched on to that.

Would the fans have been happier with Jim Harbaugh?

In the short-term, no question. That was the biggest name available, he was a Michigan Man and he had tremendous success at a non-football school. So, how could he fail in Ann Arbor? However, I think, long-term, Michigan fans will be more happy with Hoke. He loves this place, and has said he plans to be here as long as he's welcome. He took the job, famously, without knowing how much he'd make. This is a destination job for him. Harbaugh, on the other hand, likely would have been a flight-risk for the NFL. There would be an instability inherent to him being here, and instability can hurt recruiting and the consistency of a program. That's where Hoke has an edge.

How has the transition gone for Denard Robinson?

It's been difficult. The problem is, Robinson set the bar so high for himself when he burst onto the scene last year. However, since the start of Big Ten play last year, and through this year, he's struggled a little more, especially in the passing game. He already has 12 interceptions, despite being a run-first QB, and has struggled to complete more than half his passes. Now, teams are starting to creep an extra guy into the box, because he's not a consistent threat through the air, and that's made running more difficult. He's still a dynamic player, certainly, and can beat teams with his big plays, but his inability to hit targets — he's developed a penchant for overthrowing WRs deep — is starting to catch up to him.

Do they miss Rich Rodriguez in Ann Arbor?

For the most part, no, they do not. Exhibit 1: Michigan, after ranking 107th in scoring defense last year at 35.2 points allowed per game, is now seventh at 15.2. Stunning improvement, especially considering most of the players are holdovers from last year. Exhibit 2: Michigan was 120th last year — dead last — in field-goal kicking at 4-of-14, and now is 7-of-9 this year. Oh, and they're doing it with the same guy (Brendan Gibbons). Sure, the offense isn't quite as prolific as last year, but the defense, special teams and likability of the new staff have been huge pluses for fans ... and players. Simply, this team is better-coached and more consistent then it was under the previous regime.

How long does it take for Michigan to contend for a national title?

Three years, maybe four. There's talent here, and Hoke already has a nearly-completed recruiting class for next year that's among the top five in the country. That allows him to wait out top recruits for that class, as well as start on 2013 (and he already has a pledge from the top QB in that class). There's great momentum. As long as Michigan continues to improve, and win, Hoke can get there, in time.

Has the Michigan-Ohio State game lost some of its luster with the Buckeyes off-the-field issues?

No, I don't think so — at least not from a Michigan perspective. Remember, the Wolverines have lost to Ohio State seven consecutive times, and nine of 10. The players know their legacies are tied to how they perform in this rivalry, and that means something to them. And, also, Hoke has put a renewed emphasis on the rivalry, with countdown clocks in the practice facility, breaking preseason workouts with "Beat Ohio" (Hoke never says "Ohio State," just Ohio) and so on. So, yeah, the rivalry is still there. It'll be an interesting dynamic, though, with two new coaches, as well as possible title game implications.

Give us a prediction.

Illinois 31, Michigan 28. Michigan has struggled immensely on the road this year, and struggled against teams that can rush on the perimeter. And, hey, this game is at Illinois, and the Illini have QB Nathan Scheelhaase! The Michigan defense is improved, but Illinois could have success by running outside. And Robinson, for as good as he is, has struggled throwing the ball while being pressured. Illinois brings lots of pressure. This will be a difficult matchup for the junior.