Two days later, Wolverines still rave about Denard Robinson's debut in Michigan football team's season opener against UConn
Denard Robinson jogs off the field Saturday after turning in a career performance in his starting debut against UConn.
AnnArbor.com file photo
Rich Rodriguez wishes the secret he kept throughout the preseason remained under wraps headed into Saturday’s game against Notre Dame.
“Come on, ask me what you did last week,” the Michigan football coach said Monday, pleading for more questions about his three-way quarterback race. “Ask me if he is going to play. ‘Is he going to be the starter? Has he improved on his passing?’”
Consider them asked and answered.
Denard Robinson made sure of that Saturday against UConn with a breakout performance that made the queries seem like they were relevant last year, and not last week.
By now, tales of his extraordinary speed (197 yards rushing) and accuracy (19-of-22 passing) have captured the attention of college football across the country.
On Sunday, Robinson was named the national Player Of The Week and Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Next for Robinson and Michigan is a 3:30 p.m. game Saturday at Notre Dame, which beat Purdue, 23-12, in its opener.
Even for Rodriguez, who had watched Robinson pull away from Devin Gardner and Tate Forcier during the spring and summer, the instant success was something off a script.
“His composure and, I guess, his vision of the field and what was happening was as good as we could have hoped,” Rodriguez said. “He ran hard, ran north and south. But I was really pleased with the way … He commanded the game from his position, which is something you very rarely see a first-time starter ever do.”
Making his first career start, Robinson, a sophomore, led the Wolverines to touchdowns on three of their first four drives. On several of his lengthy runs, the Huskies couldn’t even get a hand on him, much less tackle him.
Apparently, they’re not the only ones facing that frustration.
“I told Denard Friday night at the hotel that I was so excited to see someone else have to chase him, someone else have to try to contain him in the pocket,” said Michigan defensive end Ryan Van Bergen, accustomed to those duties in practice.
For all the highlights of Robinson turning UConn’s defense to tatters, his speed was well known - he ranked as the team’s third-leading rusher last year with 409 yards, five touchdowns and 5.1 yards per carry - and has repeatedly contended for the fastest Wolverine title.
Based on his previous experience, people who didn’t see his maturation behind the closed doors of Schembechler Hall wondered if he could become multidimensional.
In 2009, he completed 14 of 31 passes and threw four interceptions. Once he had a chance to analyze opposing defenses more with his coaches in the off-season, everything clicked.
“Man, I was just going to watch film trying to learn,” Robinson said. “I’m eager to learn and open to learning.”
After Saturday, it’s now his opponents’ turn.
Pete Bigelow can be reached at (734) 623-2556 or emailed at petebigelow@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Comments
cutty240
Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 5:12 p.m.
Dwayne,I will take Pat White,and you can have the rest in the history of college football.He made Rich a millionare and alot better coach than he really is.It took a injury to the first team QB to get Pat White in the game.He set the bench for 8 games that year,so Rich wasn't real smart on that move.I just stated you can run your QB 30 fricking times a game,and last the entire year.Your Michigan Man Desmond Howard,and Kirk Herbstret said the same thing last night on college football.Somebody will take a cheap shot on him,and take him out of the game.Rich is famous for wearing players out.I would think you would want kinda of want him fresh for the game against Ohio State.I remember Rich's last game at WVU against Pitt to play for the NC.Pat White was wore out.As the say, the rest is history.It was a big win last Sat.One game and you have 11 more.Its like golf,it ain't how you drive,its how you arive.I want Mr Robinson healthy for the entire year if i can.One game doesn't make a season.Good luck on Sat.I'll tell you this,Brian Kelly is scared of what Rich is bringing to South Bend.Michigan has a very good offense line,and not to many people are talking about them.Later.
Dwayne
Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 6:15 a.m.
@Cutty I don't really see a comparison being made between D-Rob and Pat White. Tater is merely pointing out that White was in RR's system for four years and was healthy. BTW - White only has the most rushing yards in College history, not passing. Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with people enjoying this win. After all of the garbage in the media and blogs about this team during the off-season, a celebration is both necessary and deserved. I wouldn't say that people have been 'popping champagne', though. If anything, the criticism is what remains over the top.
cutty240
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 3:23 p.m.
Tater, Lets not compare Mr Robinson to Pat White just yet my friend.Pat had more passing yards,and rushing yards than anybody in the History of College Football,Including Tim Tebow.Remember last year Michigan won i think there first five games,got ranked to number 25,then went in the tank.It was a great win Sat.wait a little bit before you start popping the Champagne OK.One game at a time,my little friend.
Lokalisierung
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 1:56 p.m.
"but this was clearly the best over-all game UM has played under Rodriguez." I wouldn't deny that either. But I would say ND last year was way better than Uconn is now (Although I expect Mich to Crush ND next week). That's just my opinion and it could be wrong. Also you got to factor in the whole "no game film on them" and all those other cliches` right now. The next teams that play Mich will be better prepared. But it was a solid win. I still think if you can contain Denard this team doesn't have much of a chance...but we'll have to wait and see if that can be done.
Blue Marker
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 1:46 p.m.
@ Lokalisierung, Your point is well taken. But this seems a bit different. The ND game last year Michigan needed a few breaks, a bone-headed call by Charlie and a last minute drive. UM dominated UConn for the entire day and didn't shoot themselves in the foot (1 penalty, no turn-overs). I agree that you have to keep expectation in check, but this was clearly the best over-all game UM has played under Rodriguez.
Lokalisierung
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 11:31 a.m.
Denard was hot no doubt aboot it. I'm waiting to see how they do against big ten schools. The Defense still looked more than suspect. I remember last year after the first game and everyone was riding high then too. AS for injuries I wouldn't worry too much about it. I would keep running him if you want to win.
a2roots
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 10:41 a.m.
Plenty of talk about Tate and whether or not he stays. I for one hope he stays. All it takes is a look down the list of qb's that have played for Michigan to see that most worked hard and stayed determined to help the team. Brady, Griese, Driesbach, Collins, Wangler, Harbaugh and many others worked hard, dealt with off field issues and the disappointment of not being the starter. If Tate is the character guy that grew up wanting to be the Michigan qb then he should realize he is only a play or two away from playing and making his mark. For now it is Denard's show and a very good one at that. The lights will shine for Tate as long as he stays focused. I am concerned about his remaining in the background when he should have been by coach and cheering on his teammates. I trust he will figure it out with plenty of help. Go Blue beat ND.......
Blue Marker
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 8:38 a.m.
Terrelle who?
Forever27
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 8:01 a.m.
That was a great game. The whole team put in a good effort and it showed. It's funny though, I don't see the usual haters posting on the boards the past few days. Amazing how a "W" will quiet the detractors.
David Ingmire
Tue, Sep 7, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.
Make sure all that time in the film room is voluntary!
obe1ball
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 11:06 p.m.
Spent alot of time in the filmroom analyzing opposing defenses(along with Gardner),exactly the opposite of what Tater Tot did during his offseason.Tate did however develope an unearned sense of entitlement and has only himself to blame for the spot he's in right now.Time to suck it up Tate, just like Brian Griese, who emerged from the "doghouse" to QB the '97 National champs, there WILL be future opportunities.Are you going to become a man or run away crying like a spoiled little kid? Your choice.
Rik Pfenninger
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 6:22 p.m.
Tate should take a lesson from Tom Brady! Stick it out and work hard, your day may come!
cutty240
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 5 p.m.
Mr Robinson,sure made that field look like his own.One thing to watch out for is this.Rich wore out Pat White.Mr Robinson ran the ball 29 times.This CAT is out of the bag,so teams will be taking shots at him.At WVU Pat White averaged running the ball 21 times a game.Its a long season,its just sometimng to watch out for.Tate is number 3 QB,and will stay that way it looks.When you get in Rich's doghouse,you can stay there for along time.
Danny
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 4:41 p.m.
Michigan looked pretty darn good for the season opener. They need more offense other than just Pat White, O excuse me, Denard Robinson to win a Big Ten schedule. I am sure Coach Rod will work on a supporting cast now that the entire football world has had a peek at Robinson's skill set. I doubt very seriously if Tate would have had a lights out day like Denard,however I still think Tate is too good to sit the bench. Transfer to Bama! Their senior QB will be gone next year and "YOU" would fit right in! But remember the quality of Education will be a step down and if you are playing for an education as opposed to a pro contract stay put!
mlivesaline
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 4:09 p.m.
Denard and the entire offense was unbelievable on Saturday. The Defense played better than I expected but had UConn thrown downfield more I think we would have been in trouble. Good thing the UConn QB had a poor day too.
Metalc0reJ
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 3:47 p.m.
@braggslaw I agree completely, in fact I expressed the same concern. I think 10-15 carries is fine. He just has to know that ND is going to be trying to take his head off. He needs to be cautious, like running out of bounds instead of bouncing it back up field. He's a tough guy, but everyone is susceptible to injuries in football.
Metalc0reJ
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 3:41 p.m.
I don't know about you guys, but I was pleasantly surprised with not only Denard's ability to break tackles, but the backs Shaw and Smith's ability as well. They churned out positive yards even after what was touted as an "elite" linebacker corps for UConn. We're going to have to produce well on the ground against Notre Dame, that's for sure.
braggslaw
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 3:29 p.m.
He looked great,BUT he cannot carry the ball 29 times a game. (90% chance he will sustain a serious injury) 10-15 carries is fine. You have to play the odds
Lorain Steelmen
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 3:27 p.m.
Conrats to the ENTIRE team! D Rob is off to a great start, but the O-line was nothing short of awesome. Lots of hard work, and a team pulling together as one. It was great to see. Congrats to the D, that played with an edge, and took the game to the Huskies. Excellent work by the skilled players on offense. Now... gentlemen, build on this, and work to IMPROVE this week. The Irish in SB, will be a huge challenge! Don't backoff, go at'em with everything you have. Beat Notre Dame!!!!!!!!!!
azwolverine
Mon, Sep 6, 2010 : 3:05 p.m.
His hard work certainly paid off against UConn.