LARRY LAGE,AP Sports Writer

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner has shown he can help the team under center now and later.

The junior flourished in his first start at quarterback in Saturday’s 35-13 win at Minnesota in place of injured Denard Robinson.

Gardner threw two touchdowns and ran for another score, showing the Wolverines he can fill in as needed for the rest of the year and when Robinson is out of college eligibility next season.

Michigan coach Brady Hoke says if Robinson is healthy enough to play, he will start Saturday at home against Northwestern and Gardner will move back to wide receiver.

Hoke says Robinson was able do “everything” in Sunday’s practice because he’s improving after missing one-plus games with nerve damage in his right elbow.

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