Ole Miss Football vs UT-Martin: 3 Bold Predictions

2. Shea Patterson showcases his legs

When Shea Patterson made his college debut a year ago against Texas A&M at Kyle Field the then-true freshman quarterback drew comparisons to legendary Aggie scrambler, Johnny Manziel. While Patterson is obviously not Manziel, his elusiveness and running ability were apparent in his first college game. On that night in College Station, he registered 15 carries for 64 yards.

Patterson has six carries on the season for six yards. There is no way that bizarre rushing line maintains a one for one rate through Week 2. Not only does Patterson get some work on the ground, he busts a long touchdown run that keeps the Skyhawk defense honest. He then will sprinkle in a mix of both passing and rushing plays until the Rebels are plenty far ahead.

Ole Miss has been at their best as an offense when the running threat is incorporated. Chad Kelly wasn’t a sprinter, but he was fairly mobile and he forced the defense to account for him in the running game. That leaves one less defender down the field and Patterson has already proven he can carve up a secondary.

Last week against South Alabama Patterson threw for 429 yards and touchdowns. He’ll top 250 yards through the air on Saturday, but he’ll also add another 150 on the ground with a pair of scores.