Nebraska vs. Michigan: Stars Who Must Step Up for Wolverines to Win Big Ten Tilt

Saturday's clash between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Michigan Wolverines was viewed prior to the season as a game that could potentially decide the Legends Division's representative in the Big Ten title game. With Michigan State at 5-0 in the conference, however, Nebraska and Michigan may be playing for little more than pride.

Both Nebraska and Michigan currently sit at 6-2 overall, so it isn't outside the realm of possibility that they could meet Ohio State in the conference title game if Michigan State slips up moving forward, but each team figures to be heavily invested in this game regardless.

Michigan has been particularly disappointing this season, but a win over Nebraska could go a long way toward re-energizing the fanbase. In order to do that, though, here are three stars that absolutely must step up.

Devin Gardner

It was no secret entering the season that quarterback Devin Gardner was the Wolverines' biggest key to success. He supplanted Denard Robinson under center last season when Robinson was dealing with injuries, and he really endeared himself to Michigan fans.

Most figured that the Detroit native would take big steps forward in his junior season, but it can be argued that he has actually regressed due to his inability to protect the football.

Gardner does have nearly 2,500 total yards and 22 touchdowns this season, but he is simply too careless at times. Gardner has thrown 11 interceptions and is prone to fumbling as well, which means that much of his stellar play has been canceled out by mistakes. Gardner can't afford to do that against the Huskers as their No. 13 rushing offense in the nation will make the Wolverines pay.

One way that head coach Brady Hoke can limit Gardner's mistakes is to utilize him more with designed runs. His Nebraska counterpart, Taylor Martinez, is no stranger to running the football, and Gardner is skilled in that area as well. Provided Gardner flashes his dual-threat ability and takes care of the ball, Michigan will be in good shape.

Fitzgerald Toussaint

The Wolverines are a team that desperately wants to run the ball, which is why lead running back Fitzgerald Toussaint has 163 carries on the season. Fitz hasn't exactly made the most of those totes, though, as he is averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.

Toussaint has never been an overly explosive back, but he has been a plodder to say the least, which severely limits what Michigan can do on offense.

When Toussaint runs effectively, though, it forces opposing defenses to respect the run, which opens things up significantly for Gardner. Nebraska's defense isn't dominant like it has been in recent years, so Toussaint has a chance to do some damage.

At the very least, he'll have a much easier time than he did last week against the Michigan State Spartans as he ended the day with just 20 yards rushing, according to Tom Dienhart of BTN.com.

One area in which Toussaint does excel, though, is short-yardage and goal-line running. Toussaint isn't huge at 5'10" and 200 pounds, but he is primarily a between-the-tackles runner. His career-high 11 touchdowns this season certainly confirm that.

If Toussaint can figure out a way to pick up five yards a pop, it would make life so much easier for the rest of the Michigan offense. If he continues to scuffle, though, the Wolverines could be in trouble.

Jeremy Gallon

Even though this season hasn't gone quite as well as Michigan fans hoped, the play of wide receiver Jeremy Gallon has been quite enjoyable. The senior leader puts in a great deal of effort every game, which has been a hallmark of his collegiate career.

According to Jon Nyatawa of the Omaha World-Herald, Gallon is one player who the Huskers will have their hands full with due to his constant motor.

In addition to his desire and will, Gallon's talent level is more evident than ever this season. He has already set career highs with 50 receptions for 898 yards and seven touchdowns, and he is starting to make a case for the NFL.

Gallon will always be somewhat limited due to the fact that he is only 5'8" and 187 pounds, but he wouldn't be the first diminutive receiver to succeed at the next level, and it's highly unlikely that he'll be the last.

Not only is Gallon an explosive pass catcher, but he even imposes himself as a blocker down the field. Despite Gallon's lack of size, he is very much like former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward in that he'll do anything necessary to win. As long as Gallon does what he has in each and every game of his career, he'll perform well, and he'll give the Wolverines a great chance to win.

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