In the wake of another crushing road defeat, Brady Hoke needs to prepare Shane Morris to replace starting quarterback Devin Gardner. After Gardner’s performance versus Notre Dame, it’s time for Hoke and Doug Nussmeier to evaluate which quarterback is most likely to help Michigan compete for the Big Ten title this season.
At first glance, the choice seems obvious. Gardner has racked up impressive statistics since replacing Denard Robinson as starting quarterback, while Morris has only started a single game.
But looking beyond the stats, Gardner’s meltdown in South Bend was typical of his past performance in big games.
Gardner’s strengths include toughness, athleticism and a flair for the big play. His weaknesses include overconfidence in his arm strength, an inability to recognize defenders in pass coverage and a lack of ball security when running the football.
He was expected to improve under Nussmeier’s tutelage combined with a streamlining of the offense, but when pressured by Notre Dame’s defense, he reverted to his past form.
Nussmeier defended Gardner’s performance during the team’s weekly press conference.
"Devin [Gardner] did some things neither of us really wanted, and that happens,” said Nussmeier. ”It's all about the process of learning, going through reads and progressions—what did you see, where do your eyes and feet need to be.”
He also noted that Gardner was playing in his third offensive system in his career.
But that’s not an excuse for Gardner’s shortcomings—it’s more of an acknowledgement that after a decent playing career he’s reached the peak of his development.
Gardner’s development plateau was also noted by NFL draft analyst Bucky Brooks, via NFL.com:
The Wolverines' senior quarterback teases NFL scouts with his size, athleticism and talent, but it's hard to endorse his pro prospects when he continues to be a turnover machine from the pocket. Gardner committed four turnovers against Notre Dame and couldn't find a way to guide the Wolverines to a score. Sure, Gardner didn't get a lot of help from his teammates, but NFL evaluators expect elite quarterback prospects to find a way to get things done when others are struggling.
Hoke said during his weekly press conference that he never considered playing Shane Morris, even when the game appeared to be out of reach.
Loyalty to Gardner is admirable; there’s a lot to like about him. But if insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, Brady Hoke is certifiable for Devin Gardner.
With two huge road games versus Michigan State and Ohio State looming on the schedule and pressure building to deliver a signature victory, he needs to make a decision whether to ride with Gardner—flaws and all—or get Morris ready.
Gardner is a known quantity, he’ll play tough and roll up points on lesser opponents. But folks in Ann Arbor are getting tired of wins over cupcakes.
Morris has already gained significant practice reps filling in for Gardner at the end of last season, and he’s had the same amount of time to learn Doug Nussmeier’s new offense.
He also impressed coaches and teammates with his progress during spring camp. By all accounts he's pressed Gardner at every turn, and as a true pro-style quarterback, Morris may be a better fit for Nussmeier's system. There's also the reality that time spent developing Morris can benefit Michigan for the future (Morris is a sophomore), while this is Gardner's final season.
During fall practice Hoke has repeatedly said that, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
It’s time to find out how good Shane Morris can be.
All season statistics from MGoBlue.com, the official University of Michigan athletic department web site.
Phil Callihan is a featured writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotations obtained firsthand.
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