Notre Dame Opponent Preview: Michigan Wolverines Offense

September 15, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson (16) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 63-13. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

Michigan

September 22, 2012 at 7:30 pm EST

TV: NBC

Last Meeting: Michigan 35-Notre Dame 31

Denard Robinson, QB, Senior-Robinson has been a nightmare for Notre Dame the past two seasons. He has lead two game winning drives against the Fighting Irish late in the game. Scouts and critics can say what they want about Robinson but he is a true threat when the ball is in his hands. This season, the Senior Signal caller leads his team with 1050 total yards. Robinson is the epitome of a dual threat Quarterback. He currently is throwing the ball at a 54.7% rate. Robinson has totaled 699 yards through the air. He also leads the team in rushing with 351 yards on the ground. Robinson has an impressive 8.8 yard average on the ground. Most of these stats had been complied against Air Force and UMass after the Wolverines were shut down by the Crimson Tide in their first game. In the game against Alabama, Robinson was 11-for-26 for 200 yards. He only added 27 yards on the ground. In addition, Robinson threw two interceptions that were costly to the Wolverines. The Michigan Offense is completely dictated by how Robinson plays. They go how he goes.

Devin Gardner, WR, Junior-The converted Quarterback has developed into a true threat at Wide Receiver. Although he hopes to eventually replace Robinson as the Quarterback next year, Gardner has taken this opportunity to help his team with his excellent athletic skills. At 6’4” 203, Gardner is a more physically imposing Wide Receiver than any on Michigan’s roster currently. He could be a challenge to cover because of his combination of size and speed.

Fitzgerald Toussaint, RB, Junior-This Junior Running Back was suspended for the Alabama game, which clearly affected Michigan’s running game against the Crimson Tide. Toussaint is the second leading rusher for the Wolverines. He has rushed for 92 yards on 23 carries or 4.0 yard average. His numbers are obviously skewed because he has not been used a lot, only averaging 12.5 carries per game that he has played in.

Jeremy Gallon, WR, Junior-The speedy Junior Wide Receiver is the best deep threat for the Wolverines. This is clear by his 71 yard reception against Alabama. This season Gallon has 8 receptions for 146 yards. Gallon has not yet found the end zone. At 5’8” 187, Gallon is not physically imposing but his speed is what is impressive.

Michigan’s Offense is drive by how well Denard Robinson plays. In Michigan’s wins, Robinson is averaging 454 total yards against the opposition. In Michigan’s loss to Alabama, Denard Robinson only totaled 227 yards. No team in the NCAA is so dependent upon one player than Michigan.