Michigan defeated Connecticut, 30-10! Huzzah!
But a true season opener wouldn't be what it is without a little drama. You see that photo above? Where Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson lock arms in a buddy-buddy hug last year? Yeah, that might never happen again. Why? Because while Denard might not pout when he doesn't get to start a single game (aka last year), it turns out that Tate does not have the same emotional tolerance. Denard started and quite nearly finished on Saturday with 19 of 22 passes for 186 yards and ran for 197 yards. Not too shabby. But then the kicker came with Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez decided to play Devin Gardner, taking away his possible red shirt status. Tate didn't see a single minute of play. Instead, Tate sat alone on a bench with a towel over his shoulders or head for the entire game. Going from starter to third in line can be tough on a 19-year-old kid, especially one who already has a track record of either talking back or not acting like a "team player." Personally, I think Tate is talented, but nothing turns off fans of a longstanding program more than pouting or behaving inappropriately. Michigan fans want someone who acts like they are fortunate to be there. So the question is, will he transfer? Would he be better off someplace else?Professionally, he probably would be better off elsewhere. Ryan Mallett transferred out as Rich Rod came in with Denard and Tate, and now he's the third best quarterback in the country. Tate could definitely get more guaranteed playing time someplace else. But emotionally, I think he would be a stronger player if he stays at Michigan. Sometimes a player needs to learn his place. Plus who is to say he won't be the starter later this season? I did hear rumors of Tate currently mending an injury, and with the amount of running Denard is doing it is very possible he could get hurt. I doubt Gardner would be the #1 above Tate if Denard was out of the running.
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