Michigan Football: 3 bold predictions for Michigan State showdown
By Phil Poling
2. Shea Patterson has breakout performance
When Shea Patterson announced his intentions to transfer to Michigan, the Wolverines immediately became a 2018 CFP contender. Not necessarily because he’s a great quarterback, but because the Wolverines have had great success in the Jim Harbaugh-era with mediocre ones. That success will continue versus the Spartans.
Patterson’s done enough for the Wolverines’ offense in 2018 to lead them to a 6-1 record, but his performances have been up-and-down. He’s thrown for ten touchdowns all season, but nine of them have come against three opponents – Western Michigan, Southern Methodist, and Maryland. He’s only hit the 200-yard mark three times, as well.
Some of this can be attributed to Michigan being primarily a running team, as they rank 28th nationally, averaging 217 yards-per-game. This is the week Patterson and the Wolverines put it all together, though.
Patterson is going to throw for over 250 yards against the Spartans, and he’ll likely add a chunk on the ground, too. If he’s able to account for 300 all-purpose yards and a couple touchdowns, Michigan will win handily.