Michigan Football: 5 Predictions for the Wolverines against Maryland

Patterson throws for three touchdowns again

It’s not really a bold prediction to say that Shea Patterson is going to play well against Maryland. With what we have seen through five games, that is pretty much a given. However, it seems like the kind of game where Patterson really could go off and I’ll explain why.

Maryland, as previously stated, has a great run defense. It ranks fourth in the Big Ten. However, the pass defense isn’t as strong and while it doesn’t suck, it’s going to face a tough test Saturday from Patterson, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins and Zach Gentry.

Those three guys have become the top targets in this pass offense and for good reason. Yet, through five games, Patterson is averaging just 181 yards per game, has just seven touchdown passes and only two picks. The numbers haven’t been eye-popping and mostly, the offense has been centered on the run.

But Maryland might be a great chance to open things up, especially if Higdon can’t find running room early. The Wolverines have weapons and Patterson is good enough to take advantage. With Collins, Peoples-Jones, Gentry and others, Patterson will find mismatches all over the field and when it’s all said and done, I have him tossing three touchdowns as the Wolverines score between 40 and 50 points.