Michigan Football: Shea Patterson has earned Heisman publicity
Michigan football QB Shea Patterson hasn’t been ruled eligible yet for the 2018 season, but if he gets a waiver, is he an immediate Heisman contender?
The hype surrounding new Michigan football quarterback Shea Patterson has been intense, even before he announced his decision. But now that he is just an NCAA waiver away from playing in 2018 for the Maize and Blue, the hype is hitting a whole new level.
For some reason, the college football media and its fans are obsessed with way-too-early lists. I guess that’s true of every sport. But this past week, following the National Championship game, Michigan football’s newest quarterback found his name on a list of preseason Heisman favorites.
The list actually came from Sports Betting Dime, which seems very high on Michigan football. For starters, the site gives the Wolverines the fourth-best odds of winning the 2018 College Football Playoff. But it doesn’t stop there. It also lists Patterson a top contender for the Heisman, giving him the sixth-best odds at 16-to-1.
Of course, there is a long way to go before we can even think about a Heisman campaign. For starters, Patterson might not even be eligible to play in 2018. Yet, if he is cleared to play right away by the NCAA, he could easily thrust himself into the conversation.
Patterson, who started 10 games in two seasons for Ole Miss, tossed 23 touchdown passes in those games, including 17 in seven games in 2017. He completed 64 percent of his passes and threw for 300 yards or more in five of seven starts.
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Patterson struggled against Alabama and threw two interceptions and was limited to just 165 yards. However, against a stout Auburn defense, he racked up 365 passing and two touchdowns. Obviously, mistakes are an issue, but there is no question the top QB recruit from 2016 is dynamic.
Those ahead of Patterson on the list of Heisman odds are Jake Fromm (Georgia), Trace McSorley (Penn State), Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin), D’Andrew Swift (Georgia) and Bryce Love (Stanford).
Like the Michigan football team as a whole, the hype train for Patterson is already in motion. The Wolverines, who return most of their starters next season, are getting high rankings in preseason polls across the country. The key though, is having Patterson or another quarterback who can play under center.
If it’s Patterson, he will have lots of weapons at his disposal. Tarik Black and Donovan Peoples-Jones are both stars in waiting. Nico Collins also oozes potential. Eddie McDoom and Kekoa Crawford are solid too and Grant Perry, the Wolverines most productive wide receiver, is also back.
The offensive line loses Mason Cole, but should be good enough. Three of the top four running backs return and basically all the tight ends, plus incoming freshman Mustapha Muhammad.
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Quarterback has been the missing piece for Michigan football these past three seasons. And if Patterson can be the guy we have all been waiting for, making a run at a Heisman trophy or even a national title, isn’t really that far fetched.