Unless Devin Gardner’s turf toe clears up in the next few days, Michigan coach Brady Hoke is prepared to start freshman Shane Morris at quarterback in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl Dec. 28.
Upon arriving in the Phoenix area on Monday, Hoke said Gardner will have to practice by Christmas to play in the bowl -- and he won’t practice today. It’s a scenario that’s been on the table for quite some time, as Morris has been running Michigan’s first-team offense for the last few weeks.
Rivals rated Morris as a four-star recruit in the class of 2014, and ranked him the No. 2 player in the state of Michigan. He’ recorded stats in two games this season, completing four of six passes for 59 yards with an interception Aug. 31 vs. Central Michigan and going 1-3 for six yards against Michigan State Nov. 2.
Gardner still could return for the game, though the clock is ticking on his chances of playing.