Vincent Smith may still not get a shot at Michigan

Published Sep. 18, 2011 1:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

Michigan coach Brady Hoke says it's huge when someone such as Vincent Smith can complement Denard Robinson.

Hoke, though, isn't ready to say Smith can be the Wolverines' lead running back.

The junior ran for 118 yards - trailing only his career-high total against Delaware State two years ago - on just nine carries in a 31-3 win over Eastern Michigan on Saturday.

Smith was overlooked when Hoke picked Fitzgerald Toussaint to be the lead back in the season-opening win against Western Michigan. When Toussaint was injured and didn't play against Notre Dame, Michael Shaw and Stephen Hopkins got a shot.

The 5-foot-6, 180-pound Smith had only one carry in the first half against Eastern Michigan and made the most of it with a 38-yard gain.