Analyst: Shea Patterson Makes Michigan Football A National Title Contender
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When junior quarterback Shea Patterson transferred to Michigan and was subsequently ruled eligible for the 2018 season, he gave the Wolverines something they hadn’t yet had in the Jim Harbaugh era — a potential star quarterback.
Patterson brings mobility, accuracy and play-making ability to the U-M offense, which was one of the worst in all of college football last season, ranking No. 105 in the country.
“There’s a lot to like [about Patterson],” Pro Football Focus analyst Josh Liskiewitz said. “There are certainly some things you’d like to see cleaned up, but as a whole, you have to feel pretty good about where he is compared to what Michigan has had the last two years. I think they’re in much better shape.”
Two areas Liskiewitz says Patterson will specifically improve the offense will be on deep throws and his ability to scramble for first downs or to extend the play. His accuracy over the middle of the field, especially in the pocket, is high, he added.
“[Michigan has] some big weapons on the outside that I think are going to be better and help him more on those 50/50 balls,” Liskiewitz said. “They love to use their tight ends on crosses over the middle, I think that suits what he’s capable of doing at a high level.”
Patterson doesn’t try to make scrambling his entire game or first option, but is something opposing teams will need to account for.
Paired with Michigan’s elite defense that returns nine starters from a unit that finished 2017 No. 3 nationally in total defense, Liskiewitz thinks this could finally be Harbaugh’s year.
“I think you put all those together and they have a real chance to compete for not just a Big Ten championship, but a national championship,” Liskiewitz said.
“People forget that two years ago, Michigan was one play away in either the Iowa or Ohio State game from being in the playoff. They’re not as far away as people assume they are. I really think that with just mediocre quarterback play, they’re going to be there and I think they’ll get better than that from Shea Patterson.”
One counter to the playoff talk is the difficulty of Michigan’s schedule. The Wolverines play six teams that won 10 or more games last season and four of those meetings are on the road (Notre Dame, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State). However, despite how challenging it looks on paper, Liskiewitz isn’t any more concerned than normal.
“It’s one of those things where you look at on paper based on last season, but this season is a different year,” Liskiewitz said. “I think it’s going to be different all around on the schedule.
“I don’t think anyone else is more talented than they are.”
He added that he believes Penn State will take a step back, while Michigan State and Ohio State will remain tough. He also said that getting Notre Dame in the season opener is good timing for Michigan given the pieces that need to be replaced on the Fighting Irish offense and returning strengths of the Wolverines.
Overall, he doesn’t think the schedule is any worse than normal.
The addition of Patterson has led Liskiewitz to be bullish on the U-M offense. He thinks it can become dangerous quickly. The wide receiving corps will need to improve, but the key is still the offensive line. He doesn’t believe it can be any worse than last year.
“They have to figure out the tackle positions,” Liskiewitz said. “I think they’ll be okay on the interior, it’s just a matter of developing those guys. The young guys, the freshman class from last year, needs to make big strides this year.”
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