Freshman quarterback Tate Forcier's writhing on the ground in pain may have garnered a bigger reaction from the Michigan Stadium crowd, but redshirt sophomore center David Molk suffered the most significant injury during Saturday's win over Eastern Michigan.

Molk broke his foot during the game and underwent surgery Monday morning, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez announced at his weekly Monday press conference. The procedure will leave the only center who has started in Rodriguez era on the sideline for four to six weeks.

"That's a tough blow," Rodriguez said. "David is not just one of our best lineman but he may be — he is — one of our best football players, period."

Fifth-year senior David Moosman will likely replace Molk at center. Moosman sat out against Eastern Michigan after suffering an injury during the fourth quarter of the Wolverines' win over Notre Dame, but he is expected to return this week. Moosman played all spring and fall camp at center, leaving Rodriguez "pretty comfortable" with Moosman and his snaps.

Redshirt freshman Rocko Khoury will also help fill in.

Molk likely suffered the injury in the first half of the game when he complained about soreness. He insisted on staying in and played well in both halves, but an X-ray after the game revealed a break.

Unlike last season, the Wolverines have some flexibility on the offensive line. Redshirt junior John Ferrara filled in at guard for Moosman against the Eagles, helping the Wolverines post 380 rushing yards, the most in one game in the Rodriguez era.

Rodriguez also feels confident moving redshirt sophomore Mark Huyge from tackle to right guard, where Moosman usually starts, and playing redshirt junior Perry Dorrestein at tackle.

"It's not exactly the ideal situation because our depth is still with inexperienced guys, but at least inexperienced guys that have been in the program for a year, as opposed to last year where some of the depth were true freshmen," Rodriguez said.

Ideally, Rodriguez said he likes to have two centers, three guards and three tackles. As players spend more time in the system, they'll learn to play multiple positions, just as Huyge and redshirt freshman Patrick Omameh are training at both guard and tackle.

In the meantime, freshmen Michael Schofield and Taylor Lewan took second-string reps last week to "keep them greased up" in case the offensive line suffers more injuries.

"It's going to take us a couple years to really fix some of the issues we have as far as depth, and experience, and talent and what have you," Rodriguez said.

Second-half strength: Much has been made of Michigan's defensive resurgence in the second half against both Notre Dame and Eastern Michigan.

In particular, the Wolverines shut out the Eagles in the second half and limited them to 51 rushing yards after giving up 17 points and 128 yards on the ground in the first two quarters.

Whatever the cause, it's not because of a Vince Lombardi-esque halftime speech.

"I think that's just a coincidence, more than anything else," Rodriguez said. "There's not a whole lot of time for big adjustments. ... But I think our defensive staff, more than anything, has just calmed the guys down, tell them this is what's happening, these are the few things we're going to do to fix it."

Other injuries: Aside from Molk's broken foot, there were not any major injuries from Saturday.

Senior running back Brandon Minor still has a nagging ankle injury and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. Rodriguez said he plans to rest Minor early in the week in hopes that his health will improve.

"Brandon's got a great pain tolerance," Rodriguez said. "So he'll go, but we've also told him he's got to be honest with us when it is bothering him, particularly when it's at a point where it's bothering him where he doesn't feel he can be himself."

Redshirt sophomore safety Mike Williams is also day-to-day with a tweaked ankle.

Rodriguez added that redshirt senior offensive lineman Tim McAvoy could return this week after being out since spring practice.

Homecoming weekend: In honor of Homecoming this weekend, there will be a prep rally for the football team at Crisler Arena on Friday. Doors will open at 3:30, and the team will arrive around 4:15.

There will be prizes and giveaways, and buses will be provided for students living in the residence halls.