Game Preview: Michigan
Redshirt junior Devin Gardner saw action at quarterback in the final five games of 2012 (starting four),
and completed 75 of 126 passes for 1,219 yards with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions.
photo by per kjeldsen
fensive coordinator Al Borges had a
full month to install more of a West
Coast offense prior to the Wolverines'
appearance in the Outback Bowl. In
that game, a loss to South Carolina,
Gardner threw for 214 yards and three
touchdowns in a balanced attack that
dominated the time of possession.
"That's when we started to take a
pretty good step," Borges told reporters in August. "We scratched the surface pretty good in the bowl game, but
still weren't there."
Balas believes that the ceiling is still
a long ways away for Gardner in the
new Michigan offense.
"I think Devin Gardner is a legit AllAmerican candidate if he plays to his
potential," he said. "He's a guy with
extreme confidence and pinpoint accuracy. He can do some things with his
feet, too."
Gardner will have to choose from a
committee of receivers in the passing
game this season. The loss of sophomore wide receiver Amara Darboh
(foot surgery) will spread the touches
even more. Darboh was expected to
have a breakout season after playing
mostly special teams as a freshman.
