Michigan Football: Denard Robinson and Players Who Will Shine in Sugar Bowl

The Sugar Bowl may pit two teams in the Michigan Wolverines and the Virginia Tech Hokies with questionable BCS qualifications, but that doesn't mean it is without star power.

Denard Robinson and the Michigan offense come into this contest looking to prove their 10-2 record is no fluke.

After finally getting over the hill and beating the Ohio State Buckeyes, it will be interesting to see if there is any kind of letdown from the Wolverines early.

While some were surprised Michigan earned an at-large bid the real shock comes from Virginia Tech. The Hokies mark the ACC's first ever at-large bid despite being blown out by the Clemson Tigers in the conference championship.

Regardless of who deserves to be here, the game has plenty of players who can make an impact, let's look at the best of them.

5. Jayron Hosley

Virginia Tech cornerback Jayron Hosley has been quiet recently, but he is the type of explosive secondary player that can cause problems for any passing attack.

Hosley has just three interceptions this season, compared to nine in 2010.

But much of the decline in statistics can be attributed to the fact that teams simply are not throwing his way.

After leaving the ACC Championship game with a questionable "stinger" injury, Hosley should have plenty to prove in the Sugar Bowl, and he will certainly play his best if he wants to restore faith from NFL scouts.

Hosley has the ability to force Denard Robinson to throw away from him for much of the game.

When the Michigan quarterback does look to his side of the field look for Hosley to make him pay.

4. Fitzgerald Touissaint

Fitzgerald Toussaint has taken ownership of the once clustered Michigan backfield.

The 5'10" 200-pound sophomore has at least 120 yards in four of the last five games and nine touchdowns on the season.

Toussiant is not much of a receiving threat, in no game this season has he had more than two catches, but having Toussaint to complement star quarterback Denard Robinson is a great asset for the Wolverine offense.

Michigan ranks 12th in the nation in rushing yards per game with 235, so look for the Wolverines to live and die by the strength of their rushing attack in the Sugar Bowl.

3. David Wilson

David Wilson will be the reason Virginia Tech wins or loses the Sugar Bowl.

The Hokies running back is a bona fide star, rushing for 1,627 yards this season and nine touchdowns.

Virginia Tech's passing game ranks only 66th in the country, so they will be leaning heavily on their leading back to find some traction against the Michigan defense.

This is a tall order, as the Wolverines allow only 17 points per game, seventh best in the NCAA.

Wilson is good enough to go over 100 yards on the ground for the 11th time this season, he just needs to avoid the talented interior of Michigan's defensive line.

2. Mike Martin

Mike Martin has not been impressive statistically this season.

The star of Michigan's defensive line has just three sacks and 54 total tackles.

Now, in his final game for the maize and blue, Martin will be asked to shut down one of the best running backs in the country, David Wilson.

Martin's constant double teams are a testament to his abilities, and if Wilson tries to run up the middle too often, he will have serious problems.

Per usual, Martin's contributions may not be seen on the stat sheet, but his presence will be felt throughout the game.

1. Denard Robinson

Quarterback Denard Robinson is the type of explosive playmaker that can take over a bowl game.

The 6'1" junior has been up and down through the air this season, throwing for over 300 yards twice and under 100 yards on four different occasions.

But his dual-threat abilities have kept Michigan in games, and he played his best game against the Wolverines highest ranked opponent, the No. 16 Nebraska Cornhuskers on Nov. 19th.

In that game Robinson threw for 180 yards and two scores and ran for another 83 yards with two rushing touchdowns.

It is those kinds of numbers that "Shoelace" will need to put up if Michigan wants to beat a Hokie team that gives up under 20 points a game.