COLLEGE FOOTBALL

End Zone: UM Wolverines

Backfield has become a merry-go-round

11/21/2013

Jeremy Gallon eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark last weekend at Northwestern — something I said in the summer that he wouldn't accomplish. Gallon's mark came out of necessity. Michigan's rushing game won't have a 1,000-yard rusher to match Gallon's exploits.

Tim Biakabutuka and Anthony Thomas weep. The backfield has become a merry-go-round in order for the running game to be effective.

Freshman Derrick Green played sparingly in the first nine games of the season, not just because of a lack of playing time. He injured his ankle in the preseason and admitted this week that while healing, he likely had one too many slices of pizza.

De'Veon Smith was told to stay home three weeks ago when UM traveled to East Lansing.

Now, Fitzgerald Toussaint returns from a concussion, which forced him to stay on the sidelines of Saturday's three-overtime win at Northwestern. Funny, because nobody really noticed he was around for the last month.

Saturday's win at Northwestern may have given us a glimpse of Michigan's future at tailback: Green and Smith doing double-duty. Just think, they might have the chance to rush for 1,000 yards next season.

Contact Rachel Lenzi at: rlenzi@theblade.com, 419-724-6510, or on Twitter @RLenziBlade.