Icon through the years Solar eclipse guide 😎 Previous US disasters Play to win 🏀
GAMEON

Devin Gardner ties Michigan QB record in win over Iowa

Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports
Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner, who scored six touchdowns, passes the ball during the third quarter of a 42-17 win over Iowa.

In having one of the finest single games by a quarterback in school history during Michigan's 42-17 win over Iowa, Devin Gardner lessened any fears the Wolverines' might have over life without Denard Robinson.

It was a real fear: Robinson might not be a perfect fit for what coach Brady Hoke and offensive coordinator Al Borges have in mind on offense, but his sublime athletic ability made him one of the most dangerous players in college football history.

If Saturday was any indication, the offense is in fine hands. Gardner scored six touchdowns, tying former UM quarterback Steve Smith for the most by a quarterback in school history. (According to Michigan's radio broadcast, Smith did so twice.) Robinson never accounted for more than five touchdowns in a single game.

Gardner threw for three touchdowns, tying Robinson's single-game high this season. Gardner ran for three scores, tying Robinson's single-game high for his career. Yeah, Gardner's less athletic; everyone is less athletic than Denard Robinson.

If nothing else, Michigan's offense was better with Gardner under center and Robinson in a do-everything role than it was with the roles flipped, with Robinson playing quarterback and Gardner at wide receiver.

The Wolverines gained 513 yards, the team's second-highest total during Big Ten play (behind the 527 gained against Illinois), and averaged 8.3 yards per play. The 314 passing yards was a season high, and the 25 first downs were the second-most in 2012.

Is this Michigan's plan for the rest of this season? The two shared the backfield, with Gardner slinging and Robinson running for nearly 100 yards with another 24 yards as a receiver. Ohio State must be wondering: Do we prepare for the Michigan we knew (Robinson at quarterback) or the new-look Wolverines (Gardner at quarterback)?

Better yet, is this Michigan's plan for the future? With Robinson gone, you thought that Hoke and Borges would shift the offense to a more pro-style offense. Maybe that'll go well, based on how Gardner looked on Saturday.

Featured Weekly Ad