Michigan Tuesday: Will Sept. 4 UConn Game Be Shoelace Vs. Shoemate Show?

Here is what we know for sure: Today is the second day of practice in Michigan's fall camp.

We still don't know who will line up as Michigan's starting QB on Sept. 4 against the University of Connecticut Huskies.

Will it be Tate Forcier, who guided Michigan to a 4-0 start in 2009, or Denard "Shoelaces" Robinson, who took his first snap for a touchdown last September and showed improvement during the Spring Game?

Either way, I am guessing both will see time on the field against the Huskies.

On the UConn side of the ball, the Huskies have a new running back fresh from the Left Coast named D.J. Shoemate. D.J. was a member of the USC Trojans just a few short months ago, and when the NCAA sanctions came down, he was able to transfer to another D-I school without penalty. D.J. picked UConn so he could play tailback (he was a fullback at USC).

D.J. has been taking summer courses and getting used to being so far from home: "It's definitely a lot different than L.A. It's the opposite as far as the weather, the lifestyle," said Shoemate, who will wear No. 24 in Blue and White. "It's a little slower. It's all fast-paced out in Los Angeles.

"But I like the whole morale, the atmosphere of the team, the bonding. I like what coach [Randy] Edsall talked about. He was emphasizing my work and work ethic, giving the opportunity to the best guy, may the best guy win."

Shoemate will have to battle junior starter Jordan Todman, who ran for nearly 1,200 yards last year at tailback. "I can't worry about carries, all I can do is be prepared, be ready for my number to be called," Shoemate said. "Stay hungry, stay motivated, stay humble and get what I deserve. Every player, you want to know that guy deserved that spot. If a guy happens to beat me out? Hey, the better man won."

UConn also opened fall camp on Monday and will be ready to open the "New Big House" on Sept. 4 after coming off an impressive win over South Carolina in the PapaJohns.com Bowl 20-7.

I guess we will have to wait until Sept. 4 to see if Denard or D.J. puts on the best "Shoe"!