Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson leaves with dizziness, records fall and other notes
Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier was 12-of-19 passing for 114 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Denard Robinson.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Rich Rodriguez has maintained all season that he has multiple quarterbacks capable of leading the Michigan football team.
Michigan's 67-65 triple overtime victory over Illinois on Saturday provided more evidence to back up to Rodriguez's confidence.
Sophomore Tate Forcier rallied the Wolverines after starter Denard Robinson left the game in the third quarter after taking an apparent helmet-to-helmet hit.
Rodriguez said Robinson experienced dizziness and had a headache on the sidelines after absorbing the hit that he took on a quarterback keeper.
Michigan trainers spent several minutes attending to Robinson, who threw for a career-high 305 yards before leaving the game. They told Rodriguez of Robinson's symptoms, leading Rodriguez to turn to Forcier.
"Certainly for his safety, you're not going to put him back out there," Rodriguez said. "I'm not a doctor, so I can't tell you where he is, but he had a smile on his face and he was talking, but obviously, you're going to be precautionary.
"Anytime you get hit there and you've got some headaches, you're going to watch that."
After fumbling on his first play from scrimmage, Forcier rallied, completing 12 of 19 passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns. His 9-yard touchdown pass to Junior Hemingway forced the third overtime.
The Wolverines routinely rotate quarterbacks in practice, keeping Michigan's receivers with Robinson and Forcier.
Forcier, who started all 12 games as a freshman, left the field pumping his fists, relishing a win that made the Wolverines (6-3, 2-3 Big Ten) bowl eligible for the first time under Rodriguez.
"I'm just so proud of our team," Forcier said. "These seniors they earned it, and I'm so happy we’re going to a bowl game finally. I’m so happy for our team, so proud of the way they played. Our O-line, our receivers, our defense stepped up when it had to and we won the game."
Strike up the band In the midst of one of the crazier Michigan football games in the modern era, the Michigan marching band matched the football team.
Using a Wizard of Oz theme that had a complete skit with the halftime performance, the band spelled out the script "Ohio" of rival Ohio State and then had it switched to spell ‘Oh No!’ a second later.
The performance included a Brutus the Buckeye impersonator, it had a wicked witch trying to dot the "I" in Ohio. The only thing that kept that from happening was a Michigan tuba player knocking the witch out with Ohio State's traditional thrust of the horn's bell.
Oh, and it was complete with Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion and the crew galloping through the entire band before skipping up the mid-field tunnel. Been there, done that As Michigan and Illinois reached its third overtime Saturday, most Wolverines players admitted they had never experienced anything like it.
Senior linebacker Jonas Mouton was the exception.
"I actually played in a three overtime when I was a young kid, and we ended up losing that game," Mouton said. "Like Pop Warner league.
"It's definitely different, but I just thought about it. Once we went into the third overtime, I was just like, 'Man, it’s like the old days.' But we're going to win today."
Mouton finished with a game-high 14 tackles and helped provide pressure on the two-point conversion attempt Illinois couldn't complete and that ended up sealing the game for Michigan.
"I’m excited to be able to go to a bowl game this year," Mouton said. "Every win is an opportunity for us to go to a better bowl game." Protecting the quarterback Taylor Lewan has racking up penalties in almost every game, from personal fouls to false starts to holding calls.
It happened again on Saturday, as a Lewan hold cost Michigan a good chance at a touchdown. The redshirt freshman has his reasons for doing it. On the particular play - one that nullified a Jeremy Gallon catch down to the Illinois 2-yard line.
But Lewan had slipped on the play and it allowed his man to beat him. His reasoning?
"I'd rather get a holding penalty," Lewan said. "Than get my quarterback hurt."
Record-setting The 132 points that Michigan and Illinois combined for set a record for a Big Ten conference game. The previous mark was set in 1902 when Michigan and then-Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State) scored 119 points in a 119-0 Wolverines victory. The point total is 14 points shy of the all-time Big Ten record when Minnesota and Grinnell (Iowa) College combined for 146 points.
The 62 points scored in the first half also set a school record as did the 49 points scored in the second quarter. The previous record for points in a half (55) was set against Chicago in 1939 and in a quarter (39) was set against Penn State in 1995. Michigan's 419 passing yards established a school single-game record with the previous mark (396) coming in 1999 against Michigan State.
The Wolverines' 67 points was the second most Illinois ever allowed. Michigan scored 70 points against the Illini in 1981. Similarly, the 65 points surrendered by Michigan represented the most it has ever given up.
"I've been in triple overtime before," Rodriguez said. "It was in the 40s - but not in the 60s."
This and that Sophomore Teric Jones was taken off the field on a cart after sustaining an apparent knee injury on a kickoff return. Replays showed that teammate Floyd Simmons was blocked into him, leading to the injury. ... Michigan is 6-1 in overtime games and 3-0 at Michigan Stadium. Saturday's game marked the second time Michigan has gone into triple overtime - the first being the Wolverines' memorable win over Michigan State in 2004. ... Running back Michael Shaw matched a career-best with three touchdowns. He also scored three times earlier this season against UMass. ... Roy Roundtree's 246 recording yards set a single-game record, breaking Jack Clancy's mark of 197 set in 1966.
AnnArbor.com sports reporters Michael Rothstein and Rich Rezler contributed to this report. Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by e-mail at jeffarnold@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyparnold.
Comments
redwingshero
Mon, Nov 8, 2010 : 9:33 a.m.
Offense that can put up 60+ points is good, but when playing a good defense, that might be difficult. If they were to play Oregon next week, what will the defense give up, 100+ points?
Jeff Arnold
Mon, Nov 8, 2010 : 9:05 a.m.
A correction was made to include the 1981 game when Michigan scored 70 points against Illinois.
bluemax79
Mon, Nov 8, 2010 : 8:46 a.m.
1 correction the 67 points are NOT the most illinois ever allowed MICHIGAN scored 70 in 1981 in a 70-21 victory.
Sean T.
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 10:32 a.m.
I don't think Denard wouldv'e sealed the win for us as Tate did but glad to get the win. I never wouldv'e thought Illinois wouldv'e had trouble defensively.
nineblock
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 10:10 a.m.
To make it simple for you tater. http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/DII_MC_PC/Miscellaneous/Concussion%20Management%20Memorandum.pdf
nineblock
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 10:02 a.m.
Tater. I don't wish to in any way diminish the lofty personal attributes you lavish on RR. But the reality is the benching of Robinson was required by NCAA rules. When a player presents with symptoms associated with concussion the NCAA requires that player be removed from competition. Subsequently, his ability to return to play is based on the assessment of the team physician or his deignee...not the coaching staff. You can find this on the NCAA web site if facts meaning anything. So in this case RR's character is not enhanced nor is Dantonio's or Tressel's diminished. It's simply not their decision.
heartbreakM
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 11:50 p.m.
CORRECTION: Most points Illinois ever let up was not 67 today. It was near the top, but in 1982, Illinois lost 70-21 to Michigan, when Steve Smith was QB. It was one of the few times Bo really ran up the score, including several long runs by Smith, who was an inaccurate QB but a great runner (before the Denard's of the world). Mike White was the coach at the time, and a cheater, and Bo did not like it, so he ran up the score. Note to the author: Please check these facts before publishing. Thanks. Crazy game. Glad we won.
aareader
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 9:35 p.m.
BTW, as Mr Arnold noted, I to really liked the Michigan Band show. If was different, funny and I noted just about everyone in the stands was watching. Great presentation.
aareader
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 9:32 p.m.
Kind of puzzled there were TWO strong personal fouls against both our quarterbacks in this game. Do these get investigated further to see if this was a by chance or something other. Hate to think that but one cannot help but wonder.
Bob Dively
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.
The 132 points that Michigan and Illinois combined for set a record for a Big Ten conference game. The previous mark was set in 1902 when Michigan and then-Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State) scored 119 points in a 119-0 Wolverines victory. This cannot be correct as MSU did not join the Big Ten until 1953, so the 1902 game would not have been a conference game.
Rodie
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:36 p.m.
Lovin the win, but does each win have to be a nail-biter. More fun to watch but it gave me heartburn.
lawrencelaundry
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 8:13 p.m.
Gotta admit, I was a trader today. I bet against Michigan and backfired. Although I did it cause I thought maybe my luck would change about the team. It worked and I lost the bet but I am happy.
BleedMazeNBlue
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:32 p.m.
It is good to see RR put his player's interests ahead of his. The offense runs better when Denard is the QB and RR REALLY needed this win. This decision tell me a lot about the type of person RR is and I like that.
talker
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:30 p.m.
Did I spot a little error in the article? The Wolverines' 67 points was the most Illinois ever allowed. Similarly, the 59 points surrendered by Michigan represented the most it has ever given up. Should it be 65 points surrendered, not 59? Illinois got credit for the six points. The important point is that Michigan won. Defense finished the job at the end.
BleedMazeNBlue
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:15 p.m.
I love Denard but having him go out of the game so much is really a damper.
BlueAlum
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:11 p.m.
The article covering the game is a good summary of the statistics that are associated with this very entertaining game. Defence was a struggle for both teams throughout the game. Remember, a win is a W. Now, the comment that RR and the team achieving another record that nobody else wants is interesting. I feel so sorry for our chat room brethren who are unable to relax and comment on the positive contribution of two teams fighting to the end and totally entertaining us. Very sad, but, I have followed M sports for 52 years and I have had my share of frustrations. However, right now, I feel thrilled that I was able to see most of today's game with Ill.
smokeblwr
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:03 p.m.
Larry Laundry, UM didn't cover the spread so you made your monies AND you got a win for the home team. Buy a good beer tonight and enjoy it to celebrate your double-fortune.
PHXblue
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 7:02 p.m.
On the topic of records.... Does anyone know how many game changing or at least drive killing penalties have been assessed to #77 Taylor Lewan this season?
tulsatom
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 6:48 p.m.
I hope Denard's injury is minor. U-M needs him next week against Purdue. Although I think Tate is a more accurate passer, Denard is definitely more of a two way threat and keeps the defense guessing more. Give Tate creadit, though. He played well and made key plays along with his receivers, like Junior Hemingway and Roundtree.
lawrencelaundry
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 6:39 p.m.
Gotta admit, I was a trader today. I bet against Michigan and backfired. Although I did it cause I thought maybe my luck would change about the team. It worked and I lost the bet but I am happy.
mcflies
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 6:31 p.m.
Can there possibly be any more records for Rich Rod's teams to own that nobody wants?