Devin Gardner wins Big Ten Player Of The Week honors
Devin Gardner sent Michigan Stadium into a tizzy Saturday, throwing a 53-yard bomb to Roy Roundtree with 18 seconds remaining to help Michigan to a 38-31 overtime win over Northwestern. The Big Ten offices in Chicago took notice, too.
Gardner earned Big Ten Offensive Player Of The Week honors - his first such award - for his efforts in the victory.
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Including the incredible throw to Roundtree, which set up Brendan Gibbons' game-tying field goal, Gardner finished 16-of-29 for 286 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He added 47 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Gardner set career highs in completions (16), attempts (29), passing yards (286), rushing yards (47), total yards (333), rushing touchdowns (two) and total touchdowns (four) in the win.
Gardner was given the start en lieu of senior quarterback Denard Robinson, who is nursing a nerve injury in his throwing elbow. Robinson is tied with former Wisconsin running back Ron Dayne for most career Big Ten Offensive Player Of The Week awards (nine).
Michigan coach Brady Hoke has been quiet about Robinson's injury, choosing not to discuss it further than saying Robinson is "day to day."
Michigan's final home game of the year is next weekend, when Iowa comes to Ann Arbor. It is not known whether Gardner or Robinson will get the start.