Michigan vs. Minnesota 2012: Fans pleased with Denard Robinson's replacement

Fans of the Michigan Wolverines had reason to worry coming into Saturday's game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Quarterback Denard Robinson, as erratic as he's been this year, was a known factor, but the Wolverines rolled without their leader on Saturday because of an elbow injury. And after beating the Golden Gophers, 35-13, in Minneapolis, Minn., those fans were feeling good about the potential of Robinson's backup, Devin Gardner.

Anthony Mammel of Maize N Brew liked what he saw out of Gardner, especially in his response to an early mistake.

It isn't Russell Bellomy. Devin Gardner took more snaps at quarterback this week for "precautionary reasons", only to play the entire game. Devin didn't come out shining, throwing an arrant interception to a defensive back who was stalking his tight end the entire play. His play picked up substantially after that, throwing two touchdowns and rushing for another on his way to a career day.

Gardner finished the day 12 of 18 passing for 234 yards, three total touchdowns and the aforementioned interception.

The Michigan defense was its usual stout self, Mammel writes, and the use of Gardner is at least not as much of a question mark if Robinson isn't ready to go against Northwestern next week. That doesn't mean the offense isn't sporadic, however.

Now the Wolverines are 6-3 with destiny in their own control for the time being.

NCAA Football Rankings, Week 11: Win over MSU helps Nebraska move up three spots in AP Poll

Nebraska moved up three spots in the AP Top 25 after beating Michigan State on Saturday.

College Football Rankings, Week 11: Win over Michigan State helps Nebraska move up in Coaches' Poll

The Cornhuskers moved up five spots in the USA Today Coaches' Poll with a win over Michigan State.

Denard Robinson injury: Brady Hoke 'very optimistic' about possible return next week

Robinson is likely to return next week after missing his team's win over Minnesota with injury.

Michigan vs. Minnesota final score: Wolverines blast Gophers, 35-13

The Michigan Wolverines kept the Little Brown Jug in Ann Arbor as they handled the Minnesota Golden Gophers despite star quarterback Denard Robinson sitting out with an injury.

Michigan vs. Minnesota score: Wolverines open up 21-10 lead early in 4th quarter

The Michigan Wolverines have opened up a 21-10 lead after three quarters of play at TCF Bank Stadium.

Michigan extended their 7-point halftime lead to 14 with 5:05 left in the third quarter after yet another long touchdown drive. The 7-play, 86-yard drive was the third Wolverines touchdown drive that covered at least 86 yards. Devin Gardner's 10-yard fade pass to Jeremy Gallon capped off the drive.

Gardner has done an admirable job filling in for injured quarterback Denard Robinson, completing 10-of-16 passes for 176 yards and two scores. Gallon has four catches for 72 yards, including a long 47-yarder.

Minnesota's offense has been mostly stymied since their touchdown early in the second quarter. Freshman quarterback Philip Nelson is just 10-of-20 for 130 yards and one touchdown. The Gophers have gained 92 yards on the ground, with Donnell Kirkwood's 44 yards leading the way. Derrick Engel has two catches for 45 yards.

Minnesota cut the score to 21-10 on a 26-yard field goal by Jordan Wettstein early in the fourth quarter.

Michigan vs. Minnesota score: Wolverines lead 14-7 at halftime

A late first half touchdown gave the Michigan Wolverines a 14-7 lead over the Minnesota Golden Gophers heading into halftime of Saturday's contest.

Michigan's offense bounced back from a slow start, as quarterback Devin Gardner began to find a rhythm. Gardner orchestrated a 12-play, 91-yard touchdown drive midway through the second quarter, which was capped off by a 45-yard bomb to Drew Dileo. The score tied the game at 7-7 and ended a long touchdown drought for the Wolverines:

Michigan's touchdown drought ends at 148 minutes, 11 seconds

— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) November 3, 2012

After a failed Minnesota drive, Gardner and the Michigan offense went on the march again, going 90 yards on 13 plays for another touchdown. Running back Thomas Rawls' two-yard touchdown run with 45 seconds left in the half finished off the long drive.

Gardner finished the half 8-of-12 passing for 119 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also made some things happen on the ground, with 25 yards on seven carries. Rawls leads Michigan in rushing with eight carries for 27 yards, while Dileo leads the Wolverines in receiving with three catches for 58 yards.

Minnesota missed a long field goal with time expiring in the half.

Michigan vs. Minnesota score: Gophers lead 7-0 early in 2nd quarter

With star quarterback Denard Robinson out due to an injury, the Michigan Wolverines offense stumbled early in the first quarter of their Big Ten contest against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Gophers lead 7-0 early in second quarter.

Michigan managed just nine yards of offense in the first quarter and did not tally a first down. Backup quarterback Devin Gardner has already thrown one interception and was sacked once as well. Gardner was 1-of-3 for seven yards passing in the quarter.

Minnesota's offense has had a little more success, racking up up 93 yards. The Gophers have made it a point to get the ground game going, with 16 rushes for 57 yards. Running backs Donnell Kirkwood and Rodrick Williams Jr both have 20 yards rushing, while quarterback Philip Nelson has 17 yards on the ground.

Minnesota got on the board on the first play of the second quarter on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Nelson to John Rabe.

Denard Robinson injury: Michigan quarterback out vs. Minnesota

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson is out with an undisclosed injury after suffering a hurt elbow last week.

Michigan vs. Minnesota 2012: TV schedule, game time, spread and more

Michigan is a 12.5-point favorite over Minnesota.

Denard Robinson injury: Michigan QB 'feels good,' according to Brady Hoke

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke said Denard Robinson feels good, and should be ready to go when the Wolverines take on Minnesota on Saturday.

Denard Robinson injury: Devin Gardner gets most QB reps during practice

Devin Gardner, who spent two years as a quarterback before converting to wide receiver this offseason, took the most reps at quarterback for Michigan, as the Wolverines get ready to take on Minnesota this weekend.

Denard Robinson injury: Michigan QB getting 'better every day'

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson's arm injury continues to improve, and the senior remains on track to play this Saturday against Minnesota.

Mario Ojemudia injury: Michigan DE expected to play on Saturday

Mario Ojemudia will likely play for the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday.

Denard Robinson injury: Backups to take more snaps in practice as precaution

Denard Robinson is still expected to start on Saturday against Minnesota, but backups Russell Bellomy and Devin Gardner are seeing increased snaps in practice this week as a precaution.

Denard Robinson injury: Michigan QB should return vs. Minnesota

The Michigan Wolverines expect quarterback Denard Robinson to be active on Saturday against Minnesota.