Michigan seems to be the pivotal game for nearly everyone this year. If someone can get a good read on Michigan, they've got a great read on the conference.
Their defense speaks for itself, their offense was hot garbage. They went out and addressed the QB situation, but more importantly addressed their coaching staff. Now, there are some that think Michigan's root problems are due to Harbaugh himself, and if true, that's a daunting schedule. But, if not, they can be scary good. (FWIW, I think they'll be scary good, just by when is my question)
A big addition was Ed Warinner as offensive line coach. He specializes in supercharging offenses, and he's done so everywhere from Army and Kansas to Ohio St. He's so good because he understands how to use space, especially how spacing affects offensive line play. He's not a guy that's going to line up against brick walls. He's also not a guy Harbaugh would have brought in to do so as he's extremely well known.
What Warinner represents is a bridge to the often chaotic play of Shea Patterson, presuming he's the starter. Patterson is not a player that you put under center and run intricately timed drop backs. He's a playground QB. Warinner, whether at OC or as line coach, has had guys like this and excelled. I think Michigan will look to spread it out and let this guy shine and they brought in the coaches to do it.