Michigan Football: 5 things we learned from Wolverines 2018 season

Michigan still needs better play at quarterback, especially in the big games

I’ve been a staunch defender of Shea Patterson this season and I defended him again when he said he was returning to Michigan for his final season of eligibility. But at the same time, if the Wolverines want to beat Ohio State and win championships, they need more from the quarterback position.

Whether that is Patterson or someone else, it’s the bottom line. Just look at the teams in the playoff this year. Three of the four had dynamic quarterbacks. Ohio State, which probably should have been the fourth team, had one of the best in the country too.

A great defense is important, but when the elites like Alabama and Clemson pair dominating defenses with an elite quarterback, then that becomes a requirement if you want to have a chance. Right now, against teams like that and Ohio State, Michigan doesn’t.

Patterson wasn’t what I would call elite in 2018, yet he wasn’t given a chance to be either. His 2,600 yards and 22 touchdowns were solid, along with an average of eight yards per attempt. But he only attempted 25 passes per game compared to 38 for Dwayne Haskins.

With the talent Michigan has at receiver and Patterson’s ability to run, the Wolverines should be much more dynamic offensively and if Shea can’t make that happen, then it might be time to give Dylan McCaffrey a try, especially with the damage he can do on the ground.