Bleacher Report · Oct 17, 2018
Michigan Is a Contender, but Shea Patterson Isn't Jim Harbaugh's Only Savior
Jim Harbaugh entered 2018 in danger of losing his widespread support within the Michigan fanbase if the offense continued to waste an elite defense.
After two 10-3 seasons to begin Harbaugh's tenure, the Wolverines slumped to 8-5 in 2017. And he oversaw one of the nation's most pitiful passing games, which ranked No. 109 in yards per attempt and had nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Sure, he'd hand-picked a trio of touted quarterbacks, yet Michigan hadn't seen that recruiting talent translate to the field. Throw in a 1-5 record opposite rivals Michigan State and Ohio State, and unhappiness swirled around the program—which boasted a top-four defense in all three of those years.
