LINCOLN, Neb. -- Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson has left games before. He left a game two weeks ago against Illinois, which required backup Russell Bellomy to play two series.

But that was nothing like this.

The Wolverines traveled to face Nebraska in an important Legends Division showdown Saturday night, and Robinson left the game in the second quarter with a nerve injury in his right, throwing shoulder. He didn't return.

Bellomy took over the offense with a prime-time audience watching, the second-largest crowd in Memorial Stadium history in attendance and divisional positioning at stake. He didn't handle the pressure well.

He missed on his first 10 attempts, and finished 3-of-16 passing for 38 yards and three picks, the last of which occurred in the end zone and ended Michigan's final opportunity for a comeback.

The 20th-ranked Wolverines (5-3, 3-1) fell to Nebraska (6-2, 3-1) 23-9.

Michigan football vs. Nebraska 37 Gallery: Michigan football vs. Nebraska

But Michigan coach Brady Hoke said he never considered pulling Bellomy, even as the errant passes mounted. He said the team's third option at quarterback is current receiver Devin Gardner, but that Gardner hadn't received enough reps at quarterback to play there this game.

The only other quarterback on the travel roster was Jack Kennedy, a walk-on.

Hoke instead talked to Bellomy, including at halftime, to try to calm him.

"That's part of coaching," the coach said. "Wouldn't you do that if someone is struggling in life?"

What did he say?

"Keep going. We believe in you."

The Wolverines were held out of the end zone for the second consecutive game, instead settling for three field goals, two of which were set up by Robinson-led drives.

Bellomy's drives went nowhere. Five of the seven ended in three plays or fewer. Among the other two drives, one ended in a field goal thanks to 30 yards in Nebraska penalties and the other with a pick in the end zone.

"He had some mistakes, but we all had mistakes," receiver Roy Roundtree said. "Even when Denard was in the game."

Hoke said he wants to watch the film before evaluating Bellomy's play, but was happy with his composure even as things unraveled.

"He seemed like he was pretty good," Hoke said of Bellomy's composure. "I mean, Russ is a very competitive ... he really wants to do well, studies, he does all the things a quarterback should do.

"He's going to be fine."

Hoke said Nebraska's defense changed once Robinson left the game, considering Bellomy doesn't possess the senior's game-breaking athleticism.

"The one thing they did in some third-and-long situations, they could be a little riskier," Hoke said. "You could bring maybe two linebackers, where before, you got to be a little more careful because if Denard finds an opening on a crease."

Michigan also changed its offensive game plan.

"There's some runs in there that Denard's very good at, but we ran the right plays still and Russell took it up in there a couple times," Hoke said. "Didn't get a whole lot of yards, but it's a factor for ya."

Bellomy has appeared in four games this year, although this was his most extensive action. He now is 4-of-21 passing for 46 yards, four interceptions and no touchdowns.

He is expected to compete for the quarterback job next year, along with Gardner and incoming freshman Shane Morris.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for MLive.com. He can be reached by email at kmeinke@mlive.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.

-- Download the "Michigan Wolverines on MLive app" for your iPhone and Android to keep up with news on the Wolverines.