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Ole Miss Football: 5 reasons Shea Patterson is a real Heisman contender

By Andrew Miller

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 02: Shea Patterson #20 of the Mississippi Rebels throws the ball during the first half of a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 02: Shea Patterson #20 of the Mississippi Rebels throws the ball during the first half of a game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Ole Miss Football
OXFORD, MS – NOVEMBER 26: Shea Patterson #20 of the Mississippi Rebels runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Oxford, Mississippi. The Bulldogs defeated the Rebels 55-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

1. He has nothing to lose

A quarterback leading a team that has no opportunity to become bowl eligible needs to solely focus on his own development. When you have no pressure to perform at a certain level to lead your team to meet expectations, you can do some great things.

More: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

Patterson was thrown into the fire after Chad Kelly’s injury at the end of the 2016 season. His development since that point showed big time against South Alabama. Ole Miss faces UT-Martin and Cal before taking on No. 1 Alabama and No. 12 Auburn in consecutive weeks.

The confidence needs to still be there for Patterson against Alabama and Auburn. Both teams showed that they will be very good this year. Auburn handled the Georgia Southern Eagles on their way to a 41-7 win. Alabama defeated No. 3 Florida State in a 24-7 victory.

Next: 5 takeaways from Michigan's huge win over Florida

When it comes down to it, Patterson could be the best quarterback in the SEC if he keeps up this play. That certain label as best QB in the conference immediately puts you in the discussion to win the Heisman Trophy.

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