Denard Robinson Injury: Michigan's Big Ten Title Hopes Hang on Shoelace's Health

The insult of Michigan's 28-14 loss to in-state rival Michigan State was compounded by a late-game injury to star quarterback Denard Robinson, one that could further derail the Wolverines' Big Ten Championship plans.

Shoelace left the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent arm injury after Spartans defensive end Marcus Rush sent him tumbling to the turf following an incomplete pass. Rush was flagged for roughing the passer on the play.

The hit was only one of many Robinson sustained during what proved to be his worst game of the season. He finished the day with 123 yards, one touchdown and a pick on 9-of-24 passing, along with 42 yards and a touchdown on 18 rushing attempts—easily Robinson's least productive performance of the 2011 campaign.

That's not to say the Wolverines were any better off without him. Robinson's backup, sophomore Devin Gardner, garnered just 45 yards on three-of-seven passing, with three sacks peppered in between.

Luckily for the Maize and Blue, Shoelace isn't expected to miss much time, if any, and will have an extra week to heal up before Michigan welcomes lowly Purdue to the Big House on Oct. 29.

If Robinson has to miss time, though, the Wolverines will be in deep trouble in the Big Ten. The decision by Tate Forcier to transfer to Miami and then San Jose State left Brady Hoke's bunch thin under center to begin with.

Should Shoelace have to take time out to tie up his injuries, the Wolverines would have to rely on Gardner, who has all of 24 pass attempts under his belt, to carry the load.

Granted, he should be able to get the job done against the bottom-feeding Boilermakers and at Iowa the following week.

Chances are, Robinson will be ready in time to lead Michigan when they resume their season in two weeks. Whether his efforts will be enough to get the Wolverines back to the top of the Legends Division and on to a berth in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game is another story entirely.