Michigan vs. Michigan State Is Most Important Game of Devin Gardner's Career

Devin Gardner wouldn’t take the bait.

As a matter of fact, he wasn’t even remotely close to falling into those cobwebs during Monday’s press conference at the Crisler Center, quickly shooting down and dismissing every reporter’s attempt at getting him to crack during rivalry week.

One writer asked Gardner if he had to clear any “mental hurdles” before Saturday’s meeting with No. 8-ranked Michigan State (6-1, 3-0), possibly suggesting that the Wolverines’ fifth-year senior quarterback was somehow traumatized by being “beaten up” during Michigan’s 29-6 loss to the Spartans in 2013.

“No,” fired a visibly annoyed Gardner.

And then came several seconds of awkward silence.

Bill Fundaro/Associated Press

It was that kind of day for Gardner—whose Wolverines (3-4, 1-2) are 1-5 versus their in-state rivals since 2008 and have continuously struggled versus power-five opponents, winning just four times in the past 13 contests.

The writer wasn’t out of line for asking. It was a fair question. Gardner endured twice his normal share of punishment that dreadful day in East Lansing. Before Nov. 2, 2013, he was 9-3 as a starter and had been barely scraped.

Since then, he’s won four of his past 10 starts while simultaneously becoming the oppositions’ favorite moving target. In 2013, he was sacked 34 times, the third-most in FBS. This season, he’s been sacked 16 times and sits at No. 25. He could climb the ranks this weekend.

While downing the Spartans wouldn’t “save” the season (it can’t be “saved”), it’d certainly give Gardner a little confidence as he makes his way through the remainder of his career. It could even help him get over some of those "mental hurdles" that don’t exist.

But he insists that Saturday’s just another run-of-the-mill date with MSU, the defending Big Ten and Rose Bowl champion that's favored by more than two touchdowns, according to Odds Shark.

“It means a lot to me, but it means a lot to me every year, so….” Gardner quickly said. “You know, I’m just excited to get to the game (play).”

On top of being dinged for nearly half of a field via six sacks in 2013, Gardner completed just 14 of 27 passes for a lukewarm 210 yards—and zero touchdowns. He also threw a pick.

In other words, he didn't take care of business. 

Coach Brady Hoke was asked how he’d feel, theoretically of course, about not playing well in a rivalry game. While his response wasn’t a direct reference to Gardner, who wasn’t the only player to have a tough go, it's certainly a blanket statement that could apply to the quarterback.

“It would bother me if I played in the game, if you’re asking me, personally, and I didn’t do my job,” Hoke said. “It would bother the hell out of me.”

So, by connecting the dots, one could reach the conclusion that Gardner should be bothered by 2013’s failure in East Lansing. He’s a “competitor” who “wants to win every one (game).” Why wouldn’t he feel the need to prove something Oct. 25?

He's already been pummeled 31-0 by Notre Dame this season. He lost at home to Utah and fell on the road to Rutgers, a conference newcomer.  

Don't believe the spin. This year's game with the Spartans should mean everything to Gardner. It should be considered the biggest bout of his collegiate tenure...until the season finale versus Ohio State.

But let's save that for another day. 

Al Goldis/Associated Press

Mistakes have plagued Gardner, who said that he's watched film from 2013 and taken mental notes. 

Perhaps better than anyone, he knows what went right and what went wrong. At times, Michigan benefited by his impromptu actions. In other cases, his indecision and frantic mode of operation cost the team dearly. 

Beginning with 10:31 to play and down 22-6, Gardner engineered a 12-play, 53-yard drive that landed Michigan on the Spartans' 15-yard line. There was hope, if even just a little, for Team 134.

Then he lost five yards after recovering his fumble. Then he threw an interception to Darqueze Dennard, who sat on it at the three...and then the game was over. 

And while that particular play didn't cost the Wolverines a win, looking back, it certainly serves as a constant reminder of Gardner's downside. One less pick here, one more touchdown there and Michigan walks away victorious.  

So, did he learn from that game? Has he made corrections to ensure that Oct. 25 won't be a repeat of Nov. 2? 

"Yes, I have," he said.

Anything specific? 

"I can't give you all our secrets, sorry," he said. 

On Saturday, Gardner has a chance to go out on a high note. He doesn't want to be the rare Wolverines quarterback with a losing record to the Spartans. He knows how important the eighth game of 2014 is to the program and the fans. 

Of course it's huge. Of course it's defining. 

Bottom line: It's the biggest game to date of his career. 

But he won't tell you that. 

“I want to win just as bad as I wanted to win every single game.” 

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references to were obtained firsthand by the writer. 

Does Gardner get it done? Can he lead Michigan to an upset? As always, feel free to express your opinion in the comments section.