By DAVE DYE
FOX Sports Detroit
Sophomore Tate Forcier, Michigan's backup quarterback, is academically ineligible for Saturday's Gator Bowl game against Mississippi State.
Forcier did not meet University standards, the school announced Thursday in a press release.
Forcier, who started all 12 games last season as a true freshman, lost his starting job during spring practice and preseason camp to Denard Robinson.
In eight games this season, Forcier completed 64.3 percent of his passes for 597 yards and four touchdowns with four interceptions in 84 attempts.
True freshman Devin Gardner is the Wolverines' No. 3 quarterback, but he's also been hampered by a back injury for several weeks, according to coach Rich Rodriguez.
Michigan has been planning to petition the NCAA to give Gardner a medical redshirt. Gardner, a mobile quarterback similar to Robinson, played in four games. He completed 7-of-10 for 85 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions.
Robinson, who runs the ball a lot and takes some big hits, has needed some relief help at some point in most games because of various injuries. Gardner indicated earlier this week he will play if he's needed.
Dec. 30, 2010
