Mobile Michigan QB Patterson taking things in stride
Shea Patterson is learning on the run at Michigan. The quarterback has become a running threat for the No. 6 ranked Wolverines in his first season under centre in Ann Arbor. His mobility and desire to extend plays has got him into trouble at times. He ran for a career-high 90 yards, including an 81-yard run, and a score in last week’s lopsided win against then-No. 15 Wisconsin. He also lost 23 yards on three sacks, possibly costing his team some points it didn’t end up needing in a 38-13 win.
Points may be harder to come by on Saturday when Michigan (6-1, 4-0 Big Ten) visits No. 24 Michigan State (4-2, 2-1).
“Kind of grew up around the rivalry,” said Patterson, who lived in Toledo, Ohio, before his family moved to Texas when he was entering high school. “I know how important of a game it is for both Michigan State and us.” When Patterson makes his debut in the rivalry at Spartan Stadium, he’s hoping to make all the right moves and decisions.
“I threw a couple away last game — that’s progression,” he said this week with his left, non-throwing hand wrapped in ice after needing five stitches to close a cut. “But just understanding the situation, field position, and not getting us out of field goal range: I could have done a better job against Wisconsin of doing that. Just being a manager in the offence. That’s one thing I’m focusing on right now.”
The Spartans will be coming at Patterson with the nation’s topranked defence against the run, but a unit that’s just No. 117 out of 129 teams against the pass. They have won eight of the last 10, but acknowledge Patterson is a difference-maker for Michigan. Michigan created a buzz in the off-season when Patterson transferred from Ole Miss. The NCAA allowed him to play this season, instead of sitting out a year, and he was billed as the quarterback the Wolverines have been lacking. He’s pretty much lived up to the hype. “One of the things he brings that maybe they didn’t have in the past is ability to run and make plays with his legs,” Spartans safety Khari Willis said. Patterson can throw, too. He’s completed nearly 69 per cent of his passes, ranking second in the Big Ten, and his passer efficiency rating is among the conference leaders. He has accounted for 11 touchdowns since a seasonopening loss at Notre Dame.