Michigan's opening game against defending national champion Alabama on Sept. 1 in Arlington, TX, became even more difficult with the news Monday that star running back Fitzgerald Toussaint has been suspended indefinitely following a weekend arrest for drunk driving.
ICONMichigan RB Fitz Toussaint could very likely miss the opener against Alabama.
While we don't exactly know how long the suspension will last, it's likely that Toussaint will be unavailable for the opener against the Crimson Tide at Cowboys Stadium.
Toussaint ran for 1,041 yards last season, emerging as the top backfield option in the first year under offensive coordinator Al Borges. His productivity on the ground helped quarterback Denard Robinson, as he became a much-needed option alongside "Shoelace" in the team's prolific rushing attack. While Alabama lost a ton of talent from last year's defense, it is a unit that is still expected to be one of the better ones in the nation. And Michigan really needs all of its top weapons available against a physical and stout defense.
The Wolverines now will likely turn to sophomore Thomas Rawls as their top back for the opener. The 219-pounder does match up well against the Tide because of his physical nature, but he won't provide the burst of Toussaint, who would be a matchup problem on the turf. Vincent Smith, Stephen Hopkins and Justice Hayes also could figure into the mix, but none provide the experience and production of Toussaint.
It will be interesting to see if head coach Brady Hoke, Borges and Co. rely even more on Robinson against the Tide if Toussaint is indeed sidelined.
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