CFB: Top-5 Michigan QBs in the BCS Era
To be a quarterback for Michigan, is not just a quarterback position. Michigan is held at sometimes an unrealistic standard. Every year a few fall Saturdays are a gateway to judgement by a jury of 110,000+ people. With Tom Brady, who turned out to be possibly the greatest football player of all-time, to Tate Forcier who was, well just Tate Forcier. Here are the best Michigan quarterbacks since the start of the BCS era.
5. Jake Rudock (2015) - Now as funny as it sounds with all eyes on Jim Harbaugh in his first year at his alma mater, all eyes were on Jake Rudock as well. Playing just one year in a winged helmet, he threw for 3,017 yards, 20 touchdowns to nine interceptions, and had a passer rating of 141.5. He lost three games and won 10, including a Citrus Bowl MVP in a blowout win over Florida.
4. John Navarre (2000-2003) - John Navarre had two wins vs. rival Ohio State and three vs. Michigan State. He threw for 9,014 yards, 70 touchdowns, 30 picks, and had a passer rating of 126.0. Navarre won a Citrus Bowl and Outback Bowl in his illustrious Michigan career.
3. Tom Brady (1996-2000) - The "Come Back Kid." Tom Brady won three games against Michigan State and Ohio State, and threw for 4,773 yards, had 30 touchdowns to 17 interceptions, and had a passer rating of 134.9. Brady won the 2000 Orange Bowl on two separate 14-point comebacks vs. Alabama, leaving it as his most notable victory in a maize and blue uniform.
2. Denard Robinson (2009-2012) - Nicknamed "Shoelace," Denard Robinson was a good passer and ferocious runner. He ran for 4,495 yards and 24 touchdowns, as well as 6,250 yards throwing. In the air he also had, 49 touchdowns to 39 interceptions, and had a 138.6 passer rating. What distinguished Robinson from a typical Michigan QB is that he had to switch head coaches and offenses, but still excelled in both. Rodriguez's offense suited his style of play better, but he was a better player under Hoke's more pro style offense. He had a win vs. Ohio State and a Sugar Bowl win against Virginia Tech.
1. Chad Henne (2004-2007) - Michigan's all time leader in completions, touchdowns, and yards. Chad Henne was a prolific pocket passer with 9,715 yards, 87 TDs, 37 interceptions, and had a rating of 133.9. He boasted a 43-10 record, a Capitol One Bowl win, and was undefeated against the Spartans. Henne also had a couple trips to the Rose Bowl and a near perfect season in 2006.
Photo Credit: CBS, Land of 10, & MGoBlue.
