Half-time at The Bank: No Robinson, but Gophers down 14-7

Denard Robinson did not start the game for Michigan but the Gophers are still down 14-7 against the Wolverines.

Robinson is suited up for the game, but backup Devin Gardner made the start and has been impressive in the first half with a touchdown on 8-for-12 passing.

Gardner has been able to extend the play with his feet and was able to throw a touchdown to a wide open Drew Dileo in the end zone after he scrambled away from Minnesota defenders that lunged at him from the edge.

Minnesota’s defense held the Michigan offense to just 9 yards in the first quarter, but Gardner, when he couldn’t find a receiver, was able to run the ball for a total of 26 yards on 7 attempts in the second quarter.

Freshman quarterback Philip Nelson threw a 10 yard touchdown to John Rabe for the first score, but is 6-for-12 passing for 68 yards.

The Minnesota offense has been able to muster 132 yards in the first half while allowing 191 yards to Michigan.

The defense will need to step up in the second quarter to slow down a Robinson-less offense that proved in the second quarter, it can still put up points with or without their quarterback who has accounted for more than 70 percent of the team’s offense.