End zone: Michigan 10-4

10/4/2012

Purdue defensive tackle Kawann Short admitted to having nightmares. Since last season, one thing has haunted him: The performance of tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint in Michigan's 36-14 win over the Boilermakers in Ann Arbor. Toussaint torched Purdue for 170 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

But that was so last season. With the start of the Big Ten schedule two days away, Michigan can only dream of that kind of rushing performance from someone other than Denard Robinson. Toussaint would be the ideal target, though he still seems to be finding his legs. In three games, he's registered only 150 yards and one touchdown on 36 carries.

Offensive coordinator Al Borges said earlier this week that Toussaint needs to have a more significant role in the offense. But the Wolverines don't need a two-dimensional offense. They need a multidimensional offense.

"We're best here when the quarterback isn't the whole show," Borges said. "We're not as good when [Denard Robinson is] the whole show, particularly with regard to the running game."

If the Wolverines expect to be in contention for the Big Ten championship, then diversifying and refining their run game will be key. Given the date, that's something the Wolverines can't sleep on. Or dream about. Or be haunted by.

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