The unranked Michigan Wolverines have played a shaky stretch of football in November to say the least, losing three of their previous four games in the month.
However, a chance at ultimate redemption awaits on Saturday when they welcome the BCS No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes in what is arguably college football’s most heated rivalry.
For Michigan to pull off the improbable upset, spoil Ohio State’s undefeated season and hand head coach Urban Meyer his first loss at the helm, the Wolverines need a few talented contributors in particular to step up.
Let’s take a look at the players who hold the home team’s fate in their hands in this Big Ten rivalry clash.
Note: Team statistics are courtesy of NCAA.com.
Devin Gardner, QB
The junior signal-caller started off the season leading a prolific offense, but ever since exploding for 584 yards of total offense against Indiana, Gardner has not been the same.
A big part of Gardner’s decline has been protection problems and the lack of a running game to support him, which has had to contribute to his repeated hesitancy in the pocket.
For the Wolverines to have a shot against the Buckeyes, it will take an extraordinary effort from Gardner. While he is dynamic and capable of putting on that kind of performance, the game plan must be geared toward quick reads and getting Gardner on the move.
Gardner has a lively arm and is dangerous with his feet, giving him all the tools to be a difference-maker, but he’s been far too passive…
Continue Reading: Ohio State vs. Michigan: Wolverines That Must Step Up to Pull Shocking Upset
