Michigan Football: Denard Robinson Will Be More Than September Heisman Candidate

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2012 will be different for Denard Robinson in his quest for a Heisman Trophy.

Robinson has been arguably the top candidate for the Heisman in each of the last two Septembers but faltered the rest of the way. As one of college football's most electrifying players, it's time for him to bring some substance to validate the hype.

This season is his best opportunity.

Here's a look at why Robinson will be more than just a September Heisman candidate.

Schedule

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With the Wolverines' season opening against Alabama on a neutral field, Robinson has the chance to make a huge splash.

Though it's highly likely that he'll begin the season in the Heisman talk, getting a win with a solid performance against Alabama can go a long way in cementing his position in the race.

If he can repeat last year's solid performance on top of finally leading his team to a win against Michigan State, it would be difficult to make a case against sending Robinson to New York for the presentation.

Winning the Big Ten will inevitably draw attention to what Robinson did to help Big Blue get there.

Beating Ohio State

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The most important game every season.

Michigan, with the help of Robinson, pulled it off last year. It only gets more difficult with Ohio State undergoing major changes, specifically at head coach.

The Wolverines face the Buckeyes at the end of the season, and chances are it'll be a meaningful game in terms of Big Ten championship contention.

Robinson will need a repeat of last year's performance to even have a chance of staying in this game. It gets a lot tougher when they have to play in The Horseshoe.

Limiting Turnovers

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The arrival of Brady Hoke and his pro-style offense initially put Robinson's job as the starter in jeopardy.

However, Hoke has kept the spread offense Robinson has been comfortable in and plans to do the same for 2012.

As a senior, Robinson has plenty of experience. Hopefully, that will translate to fewer mistakes and more consistency in the passing game.

Decision-making has been one of Robinson's biggest weaknesses, but after becoming a bit more consistent and limiting the turnovers in the final stretch last season, he has plenty to build on in 2012.