Forcier v. Robinson
QB Denard Robinson, who sprained his right throwing shoulder during a 38-28 loss to Iowa this Saturday, is expected to be healthy for the Wolverines when they face Penn State on October 30th. Coach Rich Rodriguez confirmed that there is no QB controversy and Robinson is still the starter and will play if healthy. For Michigan fans, this may not be a good thing with Michigan 0-2 in conference play.
When the shifty Robinson went down early in the 3rd quarter, some 112,000 fans in the Big House gasped simultaneously as their star QB didn’t immediately bounce back-up and needed help off of the field. Michigan was already down 28-7 in the 3rd quarter and with Robinson out; the Homecoming crowd had reason to worry. However, a confident Tate Forcier entered the game with a lot of poise and moxie. He rallied the depleted Wolverines to 3 fourth quarter touchdowns and brought Michigan within striking distance of catching Iowa. Though Michigan fell 38-28, Forcier showed that maybe Rodriguez should let Forcier start or at least consider him to have more of an offensive presence in a dual quarterback system.
There is no denying Robinson can run and evade tacklers, but he is a one man show that will not get it done in conference play. Forcier is clearly the better passer exposing several gaps in the Hawkeyes secondary where Robinson struggled. Comparatively, Robinson completed 13 out of 18 passes for 96 yards with 1 TD and an INT. Forcier was 17 for 26 for 239 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs.
With Rodriguez’ seat getting warmer after each loss, he must consider which QB helps the team most. And if that means playing a two QB system, so be it. Rodriguez is running out of time. He must give a two quarterback system a shot and there is no better time than now with the Wolverines preparing for Penn State. Penn State is in a rebuilding year and is struggling on both sides of the ball. Tate Forcier has the stronger arm, Robinson the speed. It is clear, both should be playing. After all, what does Rodriguez have to lose?
Incidentally, this is the second time Tate Forcier came in for an injured Robinson and did not disappoint.
