Jim Harbaugh says Shea Patterson will be Michigan's starting quarterback

(Photo: Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)Jim Harbaugh let the cat out of the bag.

Michigan's head coach told a group of supporters during a luncheon in Ann Arbor on Monday that the team's plan is to start junior Shea Patterson at quarterback when the Wolverines visit Notre Dame on Sept. 1.

The Free Press confirmed Harbaugh's comments with a person who was at the event. Michigan football spokesman Dave Ablauf also confirmed the news, as Harbaugh told alums at the M Club of Ann Arbor's Monday luncheon held at Weber's Inn in Ann Arbor.

Harbaugh told the team his decision earlier in the day Monday.

Patterson, who transferred to Michigan from Ole Miss during the offseason, beat out redshirt sophomore…