The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines have exceeded the expectations most had for them entering the 2012-'13 campaign. The Wolverines are 13-0 and off to the best start since the 1985-'86 season, but a deep field of Big Ten Conference teams and five other potential roadblocks stand in the way of a second consecutive league crown.

The potential obstacles in this slide show are ranked according to how much of a direct effect they have on Michigan's Big Ten title hopes.

What is standing in the way of the Wolverines heading into their conference opener against the Northwestern Wildcats on Thursday night? Click ahead to find out.

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