Michigan Wolverines: Devin Gardner’s Last Chance at Redemption

By David Cuff @DaveCuff on October 2, 2014

Like the Eminem song “Lose Yourself” says: “You only get one shot.” Devin Gardner has one more opportunity to prove he can lead the University of Michigan to success. Sitting at 2-3 after losing their first conference game, Michigan is in a virtual must-win situation. They are on the road playing a Rutgers team that is off to a 4-1 starts after making a bowl game last season. With the injury to Shane Morris, Gardner is back in his starting quarterback role and will look to lead Michigan out of their current funk.

Outside of Michigan’s opening week victory over Appalachian State, Gardner has been atrocious this season. He was rightfully benched in favor of Morris for last week’s defeat, but did see a little action late in the fourth quarter and was able to lead the Wolverines on a touchdown drive. This week, Gardner will look to prove that he deserves to stay as Michigan’s starting quarterback, regardless of what happens with the Morris injury. Gardner has all the tools to be a great quarterback and he has shown flashes of that greatness in the past. There was his 376-yard, five-touchdown performance against Notre Dame last year. He also had 584 total yards and five touchdowns against Indiana last season. Even against Ohio State in the 2013 regular season finale, he had 451 passing yards and five total touchdowns despite the loss. There are, however, the negatives as well. In his last 16 starts, Gardner has thrown 17 interceptions. This season alone he has thrown six picks in four starts. Turnovers have always been Gardner’s Achilles’ heel and he will need to avoid those on Saturday.

Gardner needs to let the game come to him. Too often he tries to do too much and makes mistakes. He also tends to rely on his scrambling when plays are still developing. Patience is the key for Gardner. He needs to take his time and let the skill players around him do what they do best. The Michigan run game has been great at times this season and they will need that balanced attack to stay consistent on offense. Most importantly, Devin Funchess needs to be involved early and often. He is the best player on the Michigan offense and the ball needs to get into his hands. Good things happen when he has the football.

Gardner has one last chance to prove he can be great. He has one last chance to put everything together and reach his full potential. The fifth-year senior has had many ups and downs during his college career and I’m sure he would love to finish it on a high note. The opportunity is there for him. Whether or not he grabs it remains to be seen.

David Cuff is a University of Michigan Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.