Denard Robinson’s Stardom Has QB Tate Forcier Wanting Out Of Michigan
Sept. 5th, 2010 – John Ritter
A year ago, the Michigan Wolverines raced to a quick 3-0 start thanks to the versatile performance of Tate Forcier at quarterback.
Less than 12 months later, the Wolverines’ spread offense is again raising eyebrows after opening weekend, but with Denard Robinson as captain instead of Forcier. And now, the sophomore appears to want out of Ann Arbor.
“All you need to know is I’m out,” Forcier told AnnArbor.com after Saturday’s 30-10 win over Connecticut.
His father, Michael Forcier tried to throw water on the whole situation by insisting Tate would remain a Wolverine this season, but the blogosphere has been rippling with speculation that a divorce is inevitable.
Despite starting all 12 games last year, Forcier is buried deep in the depth chart as Michigan’s third option after a rocky offseason. Teammates questioned his work ethic all summer after missing numerous voluntary workouts, and Robinson, who was present for all of them, began rising.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez opted to go with Robinson in the opener, which turned out to be a fruitful decision.
Robinson gained over 300 yards in total offense with two touchdowns, including a sparkling 32-yard rushing score in the second quarter. He finished with 186 yards passing and 197 yards rushing.
“Denard Robinson’s going to make a lot of people look bad,” UConn head coach Randy Edsall told the Associated Press after the game.
It’s similar to Forcier’s performance at the front end of 2009, when he started 4-0 and became a darkhorse for the Heisman Trophy. But the Wolverines slumped after than, winning only one more games and missed the postseason.
Rodriguez is already battling investigators from the NCAA for alleged infractions at Michigan and West Virginia, and could use a break from any more unneeded drama (not to mention the fact that his butt is burning from Michigan fans). So whether or not Forcier is serious about his unhappiness, the team may pave an easy path for his departure.
The Wolverines are still unranked, and longshots to make any noise in future NCAA Betting Lines. But Robinson has Michigan fans feeling better about being a Wolverine. All except Forcier, that is.
Related posts:
- Michigan Quarterback Tate Forcier Shows Signs Of Shaken Confidence Ahead Of 2010 NCAA Football Season
- Michigan Wolverines Football Program Imposes Sanctions For Violating NCAA Rules
- NCAA Accuses Michigan Of Several Violations
- Michigan State Claims Share of Big-10 Regular Season Title
- Report: Michigan Football Didn’t Track Practice Hours
