Jim Harbaugh says they’re riding Shea Patterson, talks precision of passing game

Michigan head coach is happy with his quarterback after another memorable performance.

“The things Shea’s doing now haven’t been done by too many people (in Michigan history),” Harbaugh said.

During Michigan’s 39-14 win over Indiana, Patterson went 20-of-32 for 366 yards with 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. Patterson became the first quarterback in Michigan history to pass for four or more touchdowns in consecutive weeks. Patterson also tied the Michigan record for most passing touchdowns in a game today with five. Not a bad couple weeks on the gridiron.

Because of Patterson’s play, it’s clear Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Josh Gattis are comfortable allowing the game-plan to be pass-heavy on a given week.

“We’re riding him,” Jim Harbaugh said. “His play has just been outstanding. He’s really seeing the field well. He is taking care of the football at all times, it’s even close to a turnover, he’s doing a great job in that regard and really playing good, disciplined football.”

Patterson did see the field well, and distributed the ball accordingly, netting completions to nine different targets. While Harbaugh gave credit to the offensive line for protecting Patterson and receivers such as Nico Collins (6 receptions, 165 yards, 3 TDs) and Donovan Peoples-Jones (5 receptions, 73 yards, 1 TD) hauling in contested catches, Patterson still had to deliver accurate balls on time to have such a successful game.

“He’s playing on time with everything that he does. Everything, all his rhythm, getting the ball out, everything has become very precise with Shea, with the receivers, with the tight ends, backs,” Harbaugh said. “The precision of the passing game has been operating extremely well.”

This past week Patterson said that Michigan’s “no longer just trying to go out there to win”, they’re “trying to go out there to dominate”. And dominate they did. Patterson had a willingness to push the ball down the field against the Hoosiers and play aggressively. This was the type of performance, the type of back to back performances Patterson needed heading into the Ohio State game. His confidence is high at the momentum, we’ll see if his production remains high as well.