Michigan Football: 5 things Wolverines must do to beat Ohio State

Shea Patterson needs his finest hour

Patterson has played some really good football down the stretch for the Wolverines. Over the last two games, he has nine touchdown passes and he looks to have complete command of Josh Gattis’ offense.

But it goes without saying that Patterson will need to play his finest college game if the Wolverines are going to upset Ohio State.

Patterson can’t miss open touchdowns, he can’t make mistakes and he can’t fumble the football. He’s going to be under pressure and he’s going to be hit by Chase Young.

The running game will need to show up and give him some ability to play-action pass, but at the end of the day, this feels like Patterson’s game to win or lose. He has dynamic receivers, a solid ground game, a defense that’s more than good enough, an offensive line that should be able to hold its own and a playbook able to take advantage of all his skills.

Patterson seems poised for a big game. It’s his last one at home and so far, he hasn’t lost a start at the Big House. He’s also been getting better and better. Will this be the culmination of that improvement like it was for John Navarre back in 2003? Or will it be a hollow showing like it was for Jake Rudock in 2015, after he played extremely well down the stretch?

It’s all up to Patterson and like it or not, much of what happens Saturday will be on his shoulders, good or bad. Yet, if he continues to play the way he has, you have to like UM’s chances.