LARRY LAGE,AP Sports Writer

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s football team has restored some of its lost luster.

Brady Hoke’s leadership, Denard Robinson’s talent and an improved defense helped the Wolverines cap a comeback season with an 11th win in the Sugar Bowl.

It starts this season with high expectations after winning a BCS bowl for the first time since 2000.

Hoke enters his second season in charge of college football’s winningest program insisting last year was a failure because the Wolverines didn’t win the Big Ten championship, extending a drought that stretches to 2004.

Michigan opens the season Sept. 1 against defending national champion Alabama at Cowboys Stadium.

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