Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson (2) rolls out of the pocket looking to throw a pass against Western Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Saturday.
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There certainly will be bigger games for Shea Patterson.
The Michigan quarterback, who came into the season with the hopes of every maize-and-blue clad fan on his shoulders, shouldn’t face much of a test Saturday against SMU. The Mustangs have given up more than 600 passing yards and four touchdowns in two games this season, and Patterson presents more talent than anyone SMU has faced yet.
The challenge for Patterson isn’t necessarily the stats he’ll put up in what should be an easy Michigan win — 300 yards and a few TDs aren’t out of the question — but its more about him settling further into the role as Michigan’s starter. If nothing else, SMU should provide a chance for the Wolverines offense to gain more confidence.
Through two games, Patterson has 352 yards on 32-of-47 passing, with three scores and an interception. Certainly not bad numbers, but in seven games for Ole Miss last year, he threw for 2,259 yards and 17 TDs with no interceptions. Those were certainly the types of numbers onlookers were expecting from him in Ann Arbor.
Starting with last week’s 49-3 win over Western Michigan, the Wolverines faced a pair of overmatched opponents to get them into shape before the start of Big Ten games next week. To paraphrase the old saying, matchups against teams like SMU are exactly what the doctor ordered ... especially for a player who has as much pressure and expectations upon as Patterson.