2013 did not live up to the expectations of Wolverine fans. The team finished 7-6, but worst of all, suffered losses to rivals Michigan State and Ohio State. And a lot of that can be attributed to the poor offensive play.
The Wolverines struggled offensively, finishing 46th in scoring nationally, as well as 51st in passing and a horrid 103rd in rushing. Inconsistency at running back, but more importantly, at quarterback, contributed.
While starting running back Fitzgerald Touissant has moved on, the starting quarterback, Devin Gardner, returns. Gardner was inconsistent all season, struggling to get a solid grasp on his accuracy, which contributed a lot to Michigan’s up-and-down season, and has led to coach Brady Hoke leaving the position up to a battle throughout this offseason.
Neither Gardner nor sophomore Shane Morris has been able to lock up the job yet, as both did not play well in the spring game.
Summer camps will ultimately decide who wins the competition. Here is a look at how it could play out.
The Offensive Situation
Michigan lost both of their starting offensive tackles, Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield, as well as leading receiver Jeremy Gallon, but return plenty of talented skill players. Whoever is quarterback will have former five-star recruit, Derrick Green, behind them in the backfield, and will throw to superstar receiver Devin Funchess. Tight end Jake Butt is also a formidable option in the offense.
The Competitors
Devin Gardner: Gardner is the incumbent in the battle. He entered 2013 with a lot of hype surrounding him, as he was a better natural passer than the departing Denard Robinson was. However, Gardner was unable to live up to the hype, as he struggled with turnovers early in the season, and was never truly able to get his accuracy together.
He had plenty of bright spots, including a 451-yard, four touchdown performance against Ohio State, and tore apart Indiana for 503 yards. But he also struggled against opponents like Iowa, Akron, and Connecticut.
Gardner acknowledged recently while at the Manning Passing Academy that he understands that he’s competing for his job, and that it won’t be handed to him because he’s the returning starter.
Shane Morris: Morris is the challenger in the battle. The true sophomore started the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Kansas State, and while he was unable to lead the Wolverines to victory, he showed an ability to be efficient with the ball.
Morris is definitely the more conventional of the two quarterbacks, as more of a dropback passer, rather than Gardner, who tends to be more of a scrambler.
Who wins the competition?
Through spring practice, neither has been able to develop a strong grip on the gig. Right now, the slight edge would likely go to Gardner.
As the challenger, Morris needs to prove that he can be the starter, and unless he has a strong showing in fall camp, coach Brady Hoke will likely turn to the experience of Gardner, who is attending the Manning Passing Academy for the second straight summer. Gardner has all the tools to be very successful; he just needs to find a way to tie them altogether.