Michigan Football: 5 realistic expectations for Shea Patterson

5. 25 passing touchdowns

If Patterson had been healthy for the entire season, he would have easily eclipsed the 25 passing touchdown mark. He tossed 17 touchdowns before a season-ending injury in a loss to the LSU Tigers. Patterson missed the final five games of the regular season.

With all the talent that Patterson possesses, it would not come as a surprise if he tossed at least 30 touchdown passes in his first season as Michigan’s starting quarterback. Yet, the transition to the Big Ten style offenses make 25 a more realistic expectation.

Michigan is a run-heavy offense that will continue to have an emphasis on the ground game, even with Patterson leading the way. That will take away from some of his stat line, especially with passing touchdowns in the red zone.

Current sophomore running back Kareem Walker could have the starting job in the backfield by the time Patterson is the starting quarterback. Junior Karan Higdon‘s time in Ann Arbor will be done by that time.