Denard Robinson: Michigan QB's Heisman Hopes Will Be Tested vs. Alabama

When Denard Robinson takes on the vaunted Alabama defense Saturday night, he'll either set himself up as a Heisman favorite or watch his Heisman campaign get off to a rocky start.

That's what happens when you're featured in the biggest matchup of college football's opening weekend. All eyes will be on Michigan vs. Alabama and Robinson will be the center of attention.

Outside of winning the Big Ten, the best thing that Robinson could do for his candidacy is to have a great game against the Crimson Tide while leading the Wolverines to an upset victory. 

Asking Robinson to single-handedly beat Alabama will be a tall order. The Wolverines are 14-point underdogs and the Crimson Tide are an odds-on favorite to be back in the national championship game after winning the title last year.

The defense loses several players to the NFL, but Alabama has shown that it is able to reload with Nick Saban at the helm. The Crimson Tide has been a top five unit nationally for three straight years despite losing players to the NFL every season.

With a win over Alabama, Robinson would no doubt take a commanding early lead in the Heisman race. Robinson has been able to put together outstanding games on prime time in the past (2011's shootout with Notre Dame comes to mind), but never against the likes of Alabama.

Conversely, Robinson can't afford a poor showing against the Tide.

For better or worse, the Heisman race often comes down to a beauty contest in which contestants are judged based on the moments that everyone around the country remembers. 

If Robinson is overwhelmed by the Tide defense and consistently shut down in a Michigan loss, Shoelace could watch his Heisman hopes fade away before he has a chance to prove himself against other teams. 

While most Heisman contenders will be padding their stats against far inferior opponents this week, Robinson will be playing his most important game of the year. By the end of the night, he will either be the hands-down favorite or well behind in the Heisman race. 

Much like Michigan's chances for victory, it'll be up to Robinson to determine how this season is remembered.