[jwplayer f0OgUijY-XNcErKyb]
Ann Arbor, MI. — When it was announced that quarterback Shea Patterson would be transferring to Ann Arbor and playing for the Michigan Wolverines, Ann Arbor was excited. Patterson had a rough debut against Notre Dame in 2018 and suddenly the excitement was gone and the talk about playing backup quarterback Dylan McCaffrey began, as the fanbase turned their back on the transfer after just one game.
Patterson would earn their trust and love back and finished last year with a career-best 2,600 yards with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Headed into the 2019 season, fans were once again cheering for Patterson to get better and be even more dynamic than last season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh hired an offensive coordinator to help Patterson elevate his game and increase his production from last year, his name was Josh Gattis.
The start would be similar to last year but in a different way. Patterson and the Wolverines won their home opener against Middle Tennessee State 40-21, but the fans would turn on Patterson again as he fumbled the ball multiple times and despite playing well besides the fumbles, he was booed when he came on the field after McCaffrey came in for a play.
The talk of playing McCaffrey was louder this year and it lasted longer than a week. Against Wisconsin, McCaffrey saw more playing time, but didn’t start and wouldn’t finish the game as he left with a concussion. Patterson and the offense seemed clunky at the midway point of the season, but the beginning of the second half against Penn State seemed to be like a light bulb go off for the group.
Since that half Patterson and the offense were explosive and finally seeming to be getting their act together. Gattis was finally able to have his guys play like he wanted them too. It was a new offense that took time to gel and form, and despite going on a four-game winning streak, they were held up short in the regular-season finale against Ohio State, losing 56-27.
Despite losing to Ohio State again, Patterson reiterated after the game that he made the right choice in coming to Ann Arbor and playing for Michigan.
“From day one it’s been a dream come true,” Patterson said. “To come play football at the University of Michigan. Wouldn’t really change anything, obviously the outcome of this game. Wouldn’t want to go with anybody else. Something that I’ll cherish and I’ll remember for a very long time putting on the maize and blue. Very thankful.”
At the end of the regular season, Patterson has already gotten past last year’s numbers, throwing for 2,828 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. With one game left in his career, Patterson could throw for over 3,000 yards and make this year’s touchdown amount the highest he’s ever had, and the interceptions the fewest he’s had in a full season if he doesn’t throw one in the bowl game.
Despite all the hate and the negativity around Patterson while he was in Ann Arbor, he fought threw it all and improved his skillset compared to how he was playing at Ole Miss. He never got to beat Ohio State, and that’s going to sting him and the rest of the team, but Patterson won’t get another shot at them. Either way, his play was something Michigan has had at the position for years.
Often criticized, yet rarely praised by the Michigan fanbase, Patterson will go down as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play for the Wolverines. He isn’t the number one guy in the history of the program, but to say he isn’t a top 10-15 guy would be incorrect. In just two years he helped Michigan grow and change their offensive ways of the past. Despite the records not changing (unless they lose their bowl game), and winning any championships, Patterson helped elevate Michigan’s offense to become better and he leaves behind some talent that can grow and possibly be something special in 2020.
Contact/Follow @WolverinesWire/ @BKnappBlogs
[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1361]