Michigan football team foresees likely return of linebackers, but RBs are shelved
True freshman Carvin Johnson showed enough in summer camp that the Michigan football team's coaches entrusted him with the starting hybrid linebacker-safety position, a linchpin of the defense.
On Saturday, he may finally get a chance to show his potential.
Johnson started the season opener against UConn, but sprained an MCL early on. He hasn't played since, but he's listed as probable on the team's Thursday injury report heading into Saturday's game against Indiana (3:30 p.m., ESPNU).
The Wolverines also expect to get back linebacker Brandon Herron, who has been out with an ankle sprain.
Quarterback Denard Robinson, who "tweaked" a knee against Bowling Green last Saturday, is expected to play.
But starting running back Michael Shaw and top reserve Fitzgerald Toussaint, have been downgraded to out.
Comments
Sean T.
Sat, Oct 2, 2010 : 6:25 a.m.
Indiana's defense is rated higher than ours statistically on Yahoo Sports. But they did play one less game than ours.
Mick52
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
Hail, Hail to you Lorain. I agree 100%. The offense has shown it can score (though it may be unknown v the B10 teams)but the defense has to improve. I do not want to be in a shoot out to see who can just score the most. "If you score, you may win. If your opponent never scores, you will never loose." Also kudos are lacking to the O line and receivers, who are opening the holes for running and catching the ball better than before. I think these guys deserve more credit. Defense wins ballgames.
Lorain Steelmen
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 8:13 a.m.
I will be much more interested in how the UM defense performs. They showed some improvement agaisnt BGSU, but now must prove that they are serious about being a top big ten defense. Let's hope Carvin Johnson shows up with a chip on his shoulder!
81wolverine
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 7:46 a.m.
Unfortunate to not have Shaw and Toussaint. Hopefully at least Shaw will be back for the MS-Moo game. That puts more pressure on D-Rob this week. Don't be surprised if Michigan does more passing in this game. IU should be very "torchable" defending the pass. That will also set up Robinson for some monster runs. Go Blue!
GoblueinNE_PA
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 7:22 a.m.
Shaw stinks, but that puts us down to Vincent Smith and who? I can't believe that Hopkins will signficant carries, maybe I'm wrong, but after the fumble, I'd be surprised. Mike Cox?? I doubt it, but I don't see there are many options other than him. Could be another DROB - 250 yds rushing, all others - 5 yds, kind of week.
Sean T.
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 2:23 a.m.
Indiana has decent DB's and some talent in the front seven but everyone is inexperienced and their........Indiana!
3 And Out
Thu, Sep 30, 2010 : 11:29 p.m.
Still banged up he ran like he had a piano on his back when he broke in to the open vs. that weak BG defense. This stinks that our backs are banged up...gonna need them and IUs running defense is pretty terrible so look for 25 or more carries for D Rob.
Txmaizenblue
Thu, Sep 30, 2010 : 8:56 p.m.
Fitz isn't going to end up a Minor is he?