Michigan Football: 3 things to watch against Michigan State

Who plays better Patterson or Lewerke?

Last week, Shea Patterson proved how valuable he can be in big games. He wasn’t spectacular, but he completed 14-of-20 passes for 124 yards, ran nine times for 90 yards and scored one touchdown. He didn’t turn the ball over and he showed everyone in the Big Ten he can run with an 81-yard gain on a zone read.

This week, Patterson faces a Michigan State defense that is 13th in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed, giving up 286 yards per game. That could mean a big day for Patterson and his receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins and Zach Gentry. Yet, MSU does have nine interceptions, which is third best in the Big Ten, so Patterson still needs to be careful with the football.

While the Michigan defense has just seven interceptions, it does lead the Big Ten and the nation in passing yards allowed with just 129 per game. UM also leads in defensive passer efficiency. In short, Brian Lewerke hasn’t faced a defense like this, with a fearsome pass rush and corners like David Long and Lavert Hill.

Lewerke is averaging 264 yards per game, however, he has just eight touchdowns and seven INT’s, which puts him tied for the most in the Big Ten. Turnovers are often the determining factor in games like this and whichever quarterback can take care of the ball, might just lead his team to victory.

And in this matchup, if both defenses show up, it might come down to which quarterback can make plays in the red zone or at the end of the game. Either way, the team that wins the QB battle, is probably going to win the game.