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When Brady Hoke considers the odds facing Michigan in Saturday's season opener against Alabama, he won't play favorites.

"I like Michigan," Hoke said.

He didn't flinch when he said it, even though Vegas considers Michigan the underdog against the Crimson Tide.

Hoke scoffs at the notion that a win over the defending national champion might be a chance for the Wolverines to re-establish themselves -- even after Michigan finished 11-2 in 2011 and won the Sugar Bowl.

"Re-establish, I don't buy into that," Hoke said. "Never have. But I think it's a great marker for where we're at as a program and what we can be."

But quarterback Denard Robinson believes a standard is already in place.

"Michigan is always going to be Michigan," Robinson said. "The ones who came before us already put us there, but we have to continue the legacy."

Hoke had doubts prior to the 2011 season. He wondered if the Wolverines would even win two games.

When Michigan lines up against Alabama, he's certain of one thing -- regardless of the odds.

"We'll find out about ourselves," Hoke said.

Read more from Rachel at the In The House blog and on Twitter @RLenziBlade.