Pep Hamilton and junior quarterback Shea Patterson each appeared on the Inside Michigan Football radio show in Ann Arbor this evening, and discussed a number of topics surrounding the Wolverines' comeback win over Northwestern this weekend.
Pep Hamilton Raves About Patterson
Although it’s unclear how much say each offensive coach has in Michigan’s game plan, it’s widely assumed Hamilton plays a significant role.
“We settled down at halftime,” Hamilton said, referring to the slow start. “I told the offense there are no 10-point touchdowns. We have to focus on winning each play and gradually get back in position to win.”
That’s precisely what the Wolverines did, ending the contest on a 20-0 run.
Although that obviously pleased those who were rooting for Michigan, the slow start was still concerning nonetheless.
“I don’t know if it [the slow starts on the road] can be attributed to just one thing,” Hamilton admitted. “We made a conscious effort to come out in attack mode, but put ourselves in a predicament after that first third down, and it makes it challenging for an offense when you’re in third-and-longs.”
Patterson showed an ability all throughout the second half to convert those third downs, most notably with his feet on the final drive of the game.
“It seemed like it was in the fourth quarter when we finally said ‘ok, let’s go,’ but Shea is that way all the time,” Hamilton revealed. “He brings tremendous energy to the entire team.
“He can also make off-scheduled plays. You want to find guys who have been the best players their entire lives to play quarterback, and find a scheme that features those talents.
“Shea’s competitive instincts and ability to make plays when they break down isn’t something you can coach or rehearse in practice. You start to form an identity once you find your play makers.
“We’re a far different offense now than we were in the first game, and the most important component are the guys up front. [Sophomore center] Cesar Ruiz is anchoring himself as the leader of that unit, and the other four are growing and developing the continuity we need to control the line of scrimmage.
“A staple of a Jim Harbaugh team is to establish the line of scrimmage, and if we can run to set up the pass, it’ll help all parties involved.
“Shea just has the ‘it’ factor — instincts and talent.
“Harbaugh told the team today every championship team has that game where you play someone in their home stadium and get their best shot.
“We were down 17, and never did Shea or his teammates blink. I saw him the most animated when he grabbed all the guys and said something to help keep their focus, and found a way to win.”
Shea Patterson 'Blessed' to be at Michigan
Patterson has lived up to the hype and then some during his five games in a Michigan uniform, and attributed much of his success this evening to Hamilton.
“Pep has been an awesome coach and a role model to me,” the junior said. “I learned more about football in the first month or two I was here than I did my entire life.
“I just feel blessed to be a part of this. The best example was this past weekend at Northwestern because it felt like a home game for us. You guys don’t understand how much that keeps us locked in.
“When we were put on probation at Ole Miss, I knew I wanted to come to a place like Michigan to win. I wanted to be at a traditional program with a great staff.
“I remember watching Michigan play last year after I got hurt, and thought they were a complete team with just a few missing pieces.”
Patterson has been that ‘missing piece’ to the offense in a lot of ways, and has helped the unit improve immensely after last year’s disaster.
Despite having one loss already, the Wolverines know all their goals are still attainable.
“As long as we come out ready to play, there’s no team in the country we can’t beat,” he confirmed. “I couldn’t be more thankful for our offensive line — I need to take them out to dinner soon. My brotherhood with my teammates off the field makes our chemistry even better on it.”
Somebody he shares perhaps the closest brotherhood with is his roommate, fifth-year senior defensive end Chase Winovich.
“I like to relax with Chase, who also happens to be a big Fortnite fan,” Patterson laughed. “He’s one of the best football players I’ve ever played with.”
Winovich’s impressive showing at Northwestern earned him Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors in the conference, and he’ll have to be on his A game once again this upcoming weekend against a Terrapin rushing attack that ranks 12th nationally.
“There’s talent everywhere in this conference,” Patterson said. “That Northwestern team was solid. We need to understand we have to approach every game like it’s Ohio State, and not start slow on either side of the ball.”
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