Denard Robinson Breaks Off 67-Yard TD Rush, Nears Pat White Rushing Record

Nov 24, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson (16) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Michigan senior quarterback Denard Robinson had a fitting moment shine through in his injury-plagued season when he broke off a 67-yard touchdown rush in the first half of The Game vs. Ohio State.

The Wolverines go into the locker room leading their rival Buckeyes 21-20, Robinson’s touchdown pushing Michigan ahead late in the second quarter. His 67-yarder powered a 124-yard half for the dual threat quarterback, bringing him to 83 yards shy of tying former West Virginia standout Pat White’s NCAA record for rushing yards at quarterback.

There’s some dispute about how many yards Robinson needs for the record — last week in a win over Northwestern, Robinson lined up at running back with Devin Gardner playing quarterback.

Robinson and White were both recruited to run Rich Rodriguez’s zone-read spread option offense, but ended their careers under different coaching regimes. Rodriguez accepted the Michigan vacancy before White’s senior year, and playing for the late Bill Stewart in 2008, White had the lowest yard per carry average of his career. Still, he approached 1000 yards to close out his stellar four years as the Mountaineer starter with 4480.

Robinson rushed for over 1700 yards in his one full season as the primary quarterback in Rodriguez’s offense. His output dipped in new offensive coordinator Al Borges’ system last year. This season both in Borges’ modified offense and with nagging injuries, Robinson is just over 1100 yards.

With the struggles Robinson has faced, one has to appreciate his making such a game-altering play in the highlight game of every Michigan season. Well, except Buckeye fans.