Tricky question: Who will be the leading rusher when Eastern Michigan faces Michigan?

Posted on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.

Tricky question: Who will be the leading rusher when Eastern Michigan faces Michigan?

By AnnArbor.com Staff

Expect a few handoffs Saturday.

Three of the top 30 NCAA rushing leaders will be on the field when Eastern Michigan faces Michigan at Michigan Stadium.

THURSDAY LIVE CHAT

Come back to AnnArbor.com at noon Thursday for a live chat with Kyle Meinke. He'll recap the Wolverines' wild win over Notre Dame, discuss news that emerged this week and preview the game against Eastern Michigan on Saturday.

Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges believes the key for the Wolverines to have longer sustained drives is more production from their running backs. Even freshmen Thomas Rawls and Justice Hayes may get a shot, Brady Hoke says.

Eastern (2-0) comes in with the fifth-ranked ground game in the NCAA at 331 yards per game. Sophomore running back Javonti Greene averages 133 yards per game (No. 8 in NCAA) and redshirt junior Dominique Sherrer averages 115.5 (No. 26). Even EMU quarterback Alex Gillett averages 75 yards.

Michigan (2-0) counters with quarterback Denard Robinson (No. 28), who had 108 rushing yards against Notre Dame, the 10th 100-yard rushing game of his career.

What does it all mean? It means it's time for another poll:

Comments

Lefty66

Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 12:13 p.m.

Dominique Sherrer injured his knee in the 3rd quarter last Saturday. Not sure on is status. Wish A2.com covered EMU better so that we knew what his status is. EMU might also be getting their starting LT, Neal, on the field after he missed the first two games with an ankle sprain. Also getting top receiver Kinsman Thomas back from a 2 game suspension. Come on A2.com, cover EMU. There are two D1 schools in this county: one that gets too much covereage and one that gets none.

MRunner73

Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.

Thanks for the EMU injury info. I wonder if EMU Coach Ron English will not be in hurry to play some of the guys with injury issues. I am sure EMU will bring their "A" game but there are subtle signals they (EMU coaching staff) are conceeding a loss. Maybe a wish on my part. I do think this game will not be a cakewalk for the Maize and Blue.

azwolverine

Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 2:11 a.m.

I don't think Denard will be the leading rusher this week, there's no need for it against EMU. I think Hoke and Borgess will take the opportunity to get the ground game going with the running backs in this game and have a chance to try some different backs as well. No need to risk Denard and certainly no reason to do the same 'ol same 'ol with EMU a perfect opponent to work out some kinks and gear up for the long season ahead.