Phil Steele says Michigan is one of 11 teams to fit the 'national championship mold' in 2012

By Nick Baumgardner University of Michigan Sports Reporter

Posted on Mon, Jul 9, 2012 : 11:49 a.m.

Noted college football analyst Phil Steele says Michigan fits the national championship bill in 2012.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

The Michigan football team has been labeled a 2012 Big Ten favorite by several outlets for months now.

Some betting lines have Michigan as a 2-to-1 favorite to capture the league championship this season, while most others give the Wolverines a much smaller chance to win the 2012 BCS national title.

National college football analyst Phil Steele, though, definitely likes the Wolverines' chances for the latter.

Steele, who produces the always popular "Phil Steele's College Football Preview" annually, wrote Monday that Michigan is among 11 teams in America that currently fit his "national championship mold" for 2012.

Steele used extensive statistical research from 24 different stat categories for all national title winners and contenders over the past 20 years to come up with his final list of 11.

His research looked at all past championship teams' wins and losses from the previous season, offensive and defensive numbers, turnover margin and schedule strength.

Along with Michigan, Steele also lists Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Michigan State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Stanford and Texas as clubs he feels have a realistic shot at winning the crown.

The research is lengthy and in depth, and can be found here.

Tags: Wolverines,

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Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.