Denard Robinson was named Michigan’s starting quarterback before Saturday’s game against Connecticut started, and he took the job and ran with it — literally.

Robinson led two straight scoring drives to start the game and the Wolverines built a 21-0 lead by the middle of the second quarter.

By halftime, Robinson completed eight-of-nine passes for 71 yards and added 131 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown. The score came near the end of the first quarter when Robinson kept the ball and cut up the middle. He scooted past a few defenders and scored a 32-yard touchdown untouched by the defense. The Huskies have received a heavy dose of Robinson as the sophomore quarterback has carried the ball 15 times and averaged nearly nine yards per carry.

Michigan’s defense and special teams performed better than expected in the first half, too. Redshirt freshman safety Cam Gordon blocked a Connecticut field goal on the Huskies’ second drive of the game. Sophomore linebacker Craig Roh and fifth-year senior Jonas Mouton each led a defense that forced Connecticut to punt the ball three times, including a three-and-out to start the game.

Robinson and Michigan’s running backs combined for 189 first-half rushing yards. Junior Mike Shaw had 10 carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. And sophomore Vincent Smith scored the first touchdown of the game on a 12-yard carry. He broke multiple tackles on his way to the endzone.

The Huskies did mount a comeback late in the second quarter, and found themselves down by just 11 at the half.

The Wolverines won the toss and deferred to the second half, so Michigan will get the ball to start the half. True freshman hybrid Carvin Johnson left the game late in the second quarter with an injury. He had to be helped off the field.