Wolverines Roll Over Gophers in Rout:

Michigan headed into their conference opener against Minnesota (1 – 3) sitting pretty at 4 – 0 and ranked 19^th in the country. Michigan used the game against the overmatched Gophers to try some new things. One of those new things was using QB Denard Robinson’s arm rather than his feet. Robinson had a season-low 6 rushing attempts for 51 yards and a touchdown. Robinson showed good awareness and touch while going 15-for-19 for 169 yards with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions (the first time since the season opener he hasn’t thrown an interception). The running back and receiving corps were more than happy to assume more of the workload and showed that in their production. RB Fitzgerald Toussaint lead the way on the ground with 11 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown, while freshman RB Thomas Rawls got some work in by adding 73 yard on 10 carries. RB Vincent Smith showed his multi-dimensional side by rushing 5 times for 27 yards and a touchdown, catching one pass for 28 yards and a touchdown, and throwing one pass to WR Drew Dileo for 17 yards and a touchdown. Michigan even ran some offensive sets with both Robinson and backup QB Devin Gardner on the field at the same time. All in all, the Michigan offense looked very efficient as they racked up 580 total yards (363 yards on the ground and 217 yards through the air) en route to their 58 – 0 victory. Michigan’s defense was also very efficient not giving up any points, forcing two turnovers, and only allowing 177 yards of total offense (104 passing and 73 rushing). Michigan hopes to have the same type of success in their first road game of the season against Northwestern (2 – 2).