Devin Gardner, Thomas Rawls see extended action in Michigan's lopsided win
Devin Gardner prepares to take a knee on Michigan's last play of its 58-0 win over Minnesota. The sophomore quarterback got much more action Saturday than just the late-game, mop-up duty.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
There’s been no need to.
“We were winning,” Gardner said. “You can’t get mad at that.”
Gardner’s long wait ended Saturday, as he received his first extended amount of playing time this season during the Wolverines’ 58-0 romp over Minnesota.
After being brought into the game for four special formation plays in the first half, Gardner fully relieved junior quarterback Denard Robinson with 6:21 to play in the third quarter and Michigan in front 45-0.
After playing just three plays through five games this season, Gardner saw 27 plays in total Saturday. He finished 2-for-5 through the air for 31 yards, and rushed six times for 39 yards.
It was the most Gardner has played since a non-conference victory over Bowling Green last season, when he completed 7-of-10 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown in a 65-21 win.
“Devin will probably be one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten (someday),” Robinson said. “He’s got a strong arm and he’ll compete every year.”
Gardner wasn’t the only new face to see extended time Saturday, as Michigan was able to give plenty of playing time across the board in its most lopsided win of the season.
Defensive linemen Richard Ash and Quinton Washington saw action, as did sophomore linebacker Mike Jones. The Wolverines played nine offensive linemen and nine wide receivers.
Five running backs had carries Saturday, and freshman Thomas Rawls finished second on the team with 73 yards on 10 carries.
“It was good to get Thomas some carries,” Michigan coach Brady Hoke said. “He’s a freshman that is learning the game of football at the Division I level.
“He’s got some skill sets that are pretty good and you saw some of that today.”
Gardner says he wasn’t complaining about his lack of playing time, but at the same time admitted that being able to see more of his teammates than normal get snaps was a positive.
“It’s really fun,” he said. “We see each other in practice and everybody plays well. But everybody can’t play on Saturday.
“It’s just great for everybody to see everyone else get to play.”
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.
Comments
Keith
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.
This game was only to build Confidence, Depth and a more developed play book. The competition only get harder from here. Beat ohIO, & Go Blue!
XTR
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 10:48 a.m.
Gardner playing some snaps was long overdue. He should have played some in the past four games in preparation for the Big Ten season. That would not only gain him experience and protect Denard from injury but would also make the team more dangerous as Gardner in there with Denard adds a different dimension to the whole offense. It was a waste of talent to let him sit for 4 whole games. This we all know (although not everyone admits), Denard Robinson is a phenom, but he cannot and will not win the Big Ten ALONE. We already saw what happened last year when RR relied on Robinson ALONE. This team is more powerful using many weapons available to them, not one QB only and not one RB only, this team will run the ball with many players and will catch the ball with lots of TE's and WR's, this team is stronger if they play as whole team than Robinson alone.
RWBill
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 4:39 a.m.
Was hoping Justice could get in for at least one of those series, good rhythm for Rawls though. Would like to see what Hayes could do against Minnesota.
1st Down
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 2:46 a.m.
Devin is such a class act... great team player. He has all the skills...made a couple bad reads today but he will improve with that. Rawls showed more vision and cuts and feel for the game, than a lot of 'cough' um bloggers gave him credit for... no he is not "another Kevin Grady" folks... Thomas has skills and next year with he, Fitz and Vince will be one heck of a backfield rotation... toss in Hayes out there too will be great
umgoblue47
Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 12:17 a.m.
DG and TR are exciting to watch and the future of michigan football looks great! coach hoke showed a lot of class on that last drive by having DG take a knee, we could have easily scored again. . . GO BLUE!!!
DonAZ
Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.
Go watch Gardner and Touissant at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JSXtMe99vk&feature=player_embedded" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JSXtMe99vk&feature=player_embedded</a> starting at the 27:00 mark. Now tell me you can't just smile and think the world of these kids. Their every word is about the team and others ... none of that "me, me, me" trash talk. They give credit to the offensive line -- not only proper, but wise. It all starts there and I'm sure the coaches make sure they know that. I'm telling you what ... I *love* this new coaching staff ... I *love* the attitude the kids are displaying. Makes me d*mn proud ... it really does. Proud of Michigan, proud of Hoke and his staff, and proud of these fine young men.