Denard Robinson returned to the lineup for the Michigan Wolverines, but it was Devin Gardner who dominated the Iowa Hawkeyes in a 42-17 beat down at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.
Iowa vs. Michigan 2012 results: Wolverines throttle Hawkeyes, 42-17
Quarterback Devin Gardner accounted for six touchdowns in a 42-17 Michigan win over Iowa.
Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE
Michigan (8-3, 6-1 Big Ten) scored touchdowns on their first six possessions of the game, with Gardner accounting for all of them. Robinson, who had missed the past two weeks due to injury, played in primarily a running back role, rushing 13 times for 98 yards. This allowed Gardner to play quarterback, where he picked apart the hapless Iowa (4-7, 2-5 Big Ten) defense.
Michigan racked up 513 yards of offense to 309 for Iowa, who could not get much going after a long touchdown drive in the first quarter. The loss takes the Hawkeyes out of bowl contention.
With the win, Michigan briefly moves ½-game ahead of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the Big Ten's Legends Division. The Cornhuskers host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday afternoon.
Michigan did lose starting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint to an ugly lower left leg injury early in the first quarter. Toussaint was carted off the field and taken to a local hospital.
Box Score Hero: Gardner was absolutely sensational. The quarterback completed 18-of-23 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed nine times for 39 yards and three scores.
Rankings Ramifications: Michigan came into the game ranked No. 21 in the BCS standings and could certainly move up after this dominant performance.
But Did They Cover? Michigan was a 17-point favorite, so they covered.
For More On This Game: For more on Michigan, check out Maize n Brew. For more on Iowa, head over to Black Heart Gold Pants.
Next Week’s Schedule: Michigan will travel to Ohio Stadium for their annual rivalry game with the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday. Iowa will host Nebraska on Friday afternoon.
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