Do Not Resuscitate: Debunking Five Myths About Michigan's Tate Forcier

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Tate Forcier's appearance in Ann Arbor has generated a tremendous amount of buzz for the program, although the cadence of that buzz has recently tended to be, well, not so good.

There are a handful of rumors surrounding Michigan's trip to Iowa, Tate's benching, and his lingering shoulder injury and concussion that warrant debunking.

Let's get to it.

Rumor: Tate got into a verbal argument with coach Rodriguez on the sidelines after his poor performance in the Iowa game.

Provided by: Lisa Salters, ESPN sideline analyst.

Actual quote: When a rattled Forcier came to the sideline, Salters said, “He kind of looked over at coach saying, ‘I don’t know what you want me to do.’”

Truth: This looks like ESPN trying to start a fire with only kindling. Salters' quote sounds like she's reading into body language here and little else.

There's no footage of an actual argument taking place, like there was of, say, Ryan Mallett getting called out on the sidelines during the 2007 Wisconsin game, or Charles Stewart going after a coach's assistant during last year's Ohio State game.

Forcier, if anything, was confused about RR's criticisms (and Rodriguez is highly animated in his criticism, as any close observer will tell you), but he did not exchange words.

Don't expect transfer papers to get signed anytime soon.

Which brings us to...

Rumor: Tate is no longer the starting quarterback at Michigan.

Provided by: The fact that Rodriguez benched Forcier on Michigan's last two drives.

Truth: Tate's still your starter, with the only caveat being his health (which I'll address in a moment).

Rodriguez put this one to bed as early as Monday, and there's no reason to believe he would lie. Tate is still Michigan's best option throwing or running, even if he misses the zone read occasionally.

Denard Robinson is not scaring anyone as a downfield threat, and he proved it on the game-clinching interception when he missed a crossing Martavious Odoms wide open as his shorter read.

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