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.