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Posted on Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.

Michigan football team unveils two-quarterback formation in blowout win over Minnesota

By Pete Cunningham

DevinGardner_Minn.jpg

Sophomore backup quarterback Devin Gardner, above, took the snap from center with starter Denard Robinson lined up behind him in a new formation unveiled by the Michigan coaching staff on Saturday.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

After seven months of tinkering with the idea, Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges unveiled an unorthodox, two-quarterback formation during the Wolverines' 58-0 win over Minnesota on Saturday.

“Al and I had talked about that package in March or April. Believe me, Al Borges is very creative," said Michigan coach Brady Hoke. "It’s something Al has had for a while, and it’s something that we thought would be a good thing to do.”

With backup quarterback Devin Gardner under center, two backs were split 3 yards deep -- starting quarterback Denard Robinson always on the left. There was also a deep back lined up about 7 yards behind Gardner.

The first time the Wolverines ran out of the formation was a handoff to Robinson. He promptly pitched to tailback Fitz Toussaint, who was stopped for a 4-yard loss. Getting the opposing defense to bite on fakes to Robinson seemed to be the purpose of the formation.

"When you have a quarterback who threatens people because of his ability to run, I think that's part of it," Hoke said. "It’s like the old counter play, which you don’t see a lot of people run anymore. It’s traction one way and going back the other way.”

On Michigan’s second possession, Gardner faked a pitch to Robinson and then pitched to Michael Shaw for an 8-yard gain. Gardner faked a pitch to Robinson and ran a naked bootleg for a 15-yard gain on the third Wolverines' third possession.

Robinson actually did take a pitch out of the formation later, but he ran right before throwing it back across the field to Gardner near the left sideline. A lot of work for a 2-yard gain.

Gardner said he sees a lot of potential for the formation.

“It’s really, really dangerous. We’ve also got Fitzgerald Toussaint back there and Vincent Smith," he said. "You’re going to have to wait and see. It’s going to be pretty dangerous.”

In all, Michigan ran four plays out of the formation for a total of 21 yards, picking up one first down.

Using the formation on each of its first three possessions indicates its something the staff hopes to employ in the future, not just a gimmick to run against an inferior opponent.

The same staff had only put Gardner on the field for one snap so far this season, the final play of 31-3 win over Eastern Michigan.

When asked if any other formations should be expected in the future, Smith said he didn't know of any as Robinson jokingly whispered "Don't tell them" under his breath.

Hoke wasn't quite as secretive. Though he didn't reveal a name for the two-quarterback backfield, he said he expects the unexpected when it comes to Borges.

"It’s not just that package, I’m sure his creativity will show up again," Hoke said. "Yeah, people gotta prepare."

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Comments

peg dash fab

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.

it's like a weird wishbone ... the WCBN play-by-play guys call it the diamond formation. i love seeing DR and DG out there ... at the same time! (and a third arm, too, i'm looking at you, vincent!)

XTR

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 10:36 a.m.

Nice for Al Borges and Brady Hoke to know that Denard Robinson running left, center and right but itself will not win in the B1G as seen last year. An offense with many, many weapons is harder to stop, harder to defend and at the same time not exposing one player to injuries. Michigan with Denard Robinson is better playing as a team!

Blu-dogg97

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 7:46 a.m.

Big Al has some surprises in store!! "Yeah people have to prepare" gotta love it! Its dangerous ! Gardner said he sees a lot of potential for the formation. "It's really, really dangerous. We've also got Fitzgerald Toussaint back there and Vincent Smith," he said. "You're going to have to wait and see. It's going to be pretty dangerous." Dangerous = wins ! GO BLUE..

RWBill

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 4:34 a.m.

What? Gardner ran at least one series at the end of SDSU, no?

XTR

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 10:34 a.m.

Gardner should have at least a couple of snaps per game, but he did not against SDSU.

1st Down

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 2:54 a.m.

Anyone heard from Theo lately? .... crickets chirping in the background.. That was one heck of an innovative game play by Coach Borges... he is by FAR the best OC that we have seen in many years...probably going back to when Gary Moeller called the plays.

DraderOHIO

Sun, Oct 2, 2011 : 12:58 a.m.

THIS IS MICHIGAN!!!! This is how we play football and play Defence!!! I would of "walked" to Michigan!! No need to walk coach Hoke, you now have the keys. Just run over some buckeyes along the way. GO BLUE!!

D21

Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 11:37 p.m.

Mad Magicians Part Deux!

Eric Ronda Johnson Burnette

Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.

Been saying this since Devin got here. Love this coaching staff they utilize everything available to them to help this team win. This will help Denard also...D coordinators gonna hate seeing us now. Stop Denard from QB position bring in Devin move Denard to RB/WR sweeeeeeet.

Kubrick66

Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 10:36 p.m.

It's a good look with numerous options. I look forward to seeing more.

MRunner73

Sat, Oct 1, 2011 : 10:36 p.m.

I can't wait to see more from Al Borgess. This should really help in the TOP department. Kudos to Al Borgess! Gotta love it. GO BLUE!!!