Michigan Doubtful With a Pulled Henne?
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by Tyduffy
Michigan has announced that senior QB Chad Henne will definitely miss the Notre Dame game next weekend, after suffering an unspecified lower-leg injury against Oregon. He has been listed by the Wolverines as "week to week," which, given Michigan's usual transparency about injuries, could mean he has a mild-sprain or could mean that his leg has in fact been amputated.
Henne began his Michigan career in 2004, becoming only the 2nd Michigan quarterback in history to start as a true freshman. He was greatly impressive in his freshman year (named to the Freshman All-American team), leading Michigan to a 9-3 record and preforming brilliantly in a narrow Rose Bowl defeat to Texas. However, he has yet to reach the promise expected of him, fueling speculation that the brilliant freshman season was the result of Braylon Edwards' presence. He has a 27-12 career record as a starter at Michigan and is currently tied with John Navarre with the career TD pass record at 72.
Coming into the season, Henne was viewed as an NFL prospect and potential Heisman candidate. However, after two woefully disappointing performances in the losses to Appalachian State and Oregon and the subsequent injury, both his starting position and subsequent NFL Draft status may be in jeopardy.
Michigan will now turn to highly-touted freshman Ryan Mallett to lead their offense. Thrust into action in the second half against Oregon, Mallett went 6-17 for 49 yards with an interception, though he did display some impressive strength.
Mallett seemingly has an enormous amount of pressure, taking the reigns of a high-profile team going into a must-win rivalry game, which may have the coach's job relying upon it. But, after the worst start in the history of Michigan football, the only way to go is up. If they lose it isn't his fault. If they win he is a hero. With the dramatically lowered expectations of a browbeaten fan-base, he has nothing to lose.
Originally published here
