Michigan QB Patterson presents challenge to UW
It is nearly impossible for the Wisconsin defense to draw any big lessons from the unit's performance in the Badgers' 24-10 victory over Michigan last year.
The Wolverines had only 58 rushing yards in that game and were a mess at quarterback, with starter Brandon Peters leaving in the third quarter with a head injury and backup John O'Korn unable to move the offense down the field. The two QBs were 11 for 26 passing for 176 yards.
But this season Shea Patterson has been steady at the controls as quarterback for Michigan (5-1,3-0 Big Ten) and presents a different challenge for UW (4-1, 2-0) in Saturday's matchup in Ann Arbor, Mich.
"I think they've just been very efficient," UW defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard said of Michigan's offense. "Whether it's running the ball, putting the ball in manageable third downs, big plays down the field. You name it, they've done it.
"The biggest thing that I've been impressed with when you turn the film on is how hard they play. Doesn't matter if you're watching an offensive snap, defensive snap. Special teams. They're playing with passion and they're playing extremely fast and physical. We've got our hands full this week."
That task will be even harder with Leonhard's banged-up players. On Thursday, defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk was declared out for the game with an ankle injury.
Cornerbacks Caesar Williams (left leg) and Deron Harrell (head) and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (right ankle) were all listed as questionable.
"As coaches we have to be smart," Leonhard said. "We have to understand what our guys can handle. Just the situations we put them in. It's not maybe the same as if you have the starters in there, just as far as their comfort level and what they can handle.
"It changes you as a play-caller a little bit, having to understand what guys are comfortable with and just giving them a chance at success."
Patterson, a junior who transferred from Mississippi, is coming off his best game with Michigan. He threw for a collegiate-high 282 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-21 victory over Maryland, keeping several plays alive with his nimble running ability.
“He’s a real weapon,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game. “He’s really growing, playing better and better every week.”
Patterson ranks second in the Big Ten in passer rating (160.7) and completion percentage (68.8%). He has thrown for 10 touchdowns, already more than all of Michigan's QBs combined last season, with just three interceptions.
"He can run but he's more of a passing quarterback," UW safety D'Cota Dixon said.
"He's pretty accurate, makes pretty good decisions. He's a slinger, he's got a good arm. And he's got good athletes to distribute the ball to.
"He's a really good quarterback, no question about it. We'll just have to be on our game and play smart football. Good eyes, you got to have good eyes down field."
Dixon was not listed on the injury report but was in a walking boot earlier in the week after landing awkwardly against Nebraska. He'll have to anchor the back end of the defense with Scott Nelson sitting out the first half after being ejected for targeting against the Cornhuskers.
UW's defense has allowed 663 passing yards in its last two games and the pass rush has mustered only five sacks this season.
The Badgers also know that Michigan's offense is more than just Patterson. The Wolverines are averaging 199.8 rushing yards per game.
"It is that balance," Leonhard said. "The quarterback's making plays. He's been very efficient and when they need him to break contain and extend the play. Or when they need him to make a play with his feet, he's done it for the most part this season.
"They present a lot of problems, just because of that balance. You can't really just focus on any one area."