As if there wasn't already enough heat on Michigan coach Brady Hoke, he is hearing criticism for his handling of quarterback Shane Morris in the Wolverines' loss to Minnesota.
Morris, who made his second career start Saturday, left the field on a cart after the game. He received a big hit -- which seemed to be a hit to the head but wasn't called -- after a pass attempt early in the fourth quarter. He looked to be a little dazed and definitely was limping after the play. But he remained in the game for another pass attempt before he was replaced by Devin Gardner.
A few plays later, Morris went back into the game after Gardner lost his helmet on a run. He handed off, then came off the field for good.
Hoke was asked in his postgame news conference why Morris remained in the game after he appeared to be hurt.
"I don't know if he had a concussion or not; I don't know that," Hoke said. "Shane's a pretty competitive, tough kid. And Shane wanted to be the quarterback, and so, believe me, if he didn't want to be, he would've come to the sideline or stayed down."
Hoke later was asked if he had seen Morris looking "wobbly."
"I didn't see it. I can only answer for me," Hoke said.
If he didn't see Morris looking "wobbly," it's hard to believe he was watching the game. It was obvious after the hit from Minnesota defensive end Thieren Cockran that Morris was shaken up. It also was somewhat surprising that Morris went back in after Gardner's helmet came off. Third-string quarterback Russell Bellomy had his helmet on and looked to be going on the field, but he was waved off in favor of Morris.
Hoke also said he did not have any update on Morris' condition.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
