The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/178977
Non-Conference Analysis Quarterbacks Starter — 3 stars: Without redshirt junior Devin Gardner, Michigan clearly doesn't beat Notre Dame, and isn't headed into the Big Ten season undefeated. He's been spectacular at times. At other times, he's been spectacularly scary with turnovers, limiting — for the time being — his star power. Depth — 2 stars: When the chief backup is a true freshman, regardless of credentials, it's not always a comfortable situation. Shane Morris looked solid in the season opener against Central Michigan, but needs to remain — for Michigan's sake — in grooming mode. X-Factor: That would be Brian Cleary, a walk-on representing the break-glassin-case-of-emergency move. Clearly, the Wolverines need to stay healthy, with redshirt sophomore Russell Bellomy already on the no-play list with a torn ACL. Overall — 3 stars: Michigan will go as Gardner goes. If he stays healthy, and exhibits the dynamic form (minus one big mistake) he showed against Notre Dame, the Wolverines will challenge for the Big Ten championship. If his turnovers flare up, that can't happen. Redshirt sophomore Graham Glasgow, a former walk-on, is one of three first-time starters on the interior of the Michigan offensive line this season. Photo by Lon Horwedel