Game Preview: Purdue
Fifth-year senior quarterback Rob Henry ran for the Boilermakers' only score and completed 18 of 35
passes for 161 yards with two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, in a 42-7 loss at
Cincinnati Aug. 31.
photo courtesy purdue media relations
for at least two touchdowns in every
game in which he was the starter. Offensive 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.
