Paul Finebaum doesn’t always have the nicest things to say about Michigan, but on a recent edition of SportsCenter, the SEC Network radio host sent some praise for someone in Ann Arbor.

No, it wasn’t Jim Harbaugh.

Instead, Finebaum spoke highly of returning quarterback Shea Patterson, who is entering his final year of eligibility and second season with the Wolverines. Finebaum believes Patterson could be one of the under-the-radar candidates to win the Heisman Trophy this season.

“So I came up with Shea Patterson,” Finebaum said. “And Shea Patterson played originally at Ole Miss and then he transferred to Michigan. And call me crazy, but I think he has a shot at leading Jim Harbaugh to get that, eventually to get that win over Ohio State; (Harbaugh) has not done so in four tries. (If Patterson can) get Michigan to the playoffs for the first time, and he has a big enough year and they can go undefeated, I think Shea Patterson definitely is in the Heisman conversation.”

According to BetOnline.ag, Patterson has 28/1 odds to win the most prestigious award in college football this season. Those odds could improve drastically, however, if Michigan gets to the B1G title game.

With Josh Gattis calling the offense, Michigan is expected to see major improvements on that side of the football. That could lead to big numbers and high production for Patterson and the passing attack. The quick-footed QB might be able to better utilize his speed, as well.

Favorites to win the Heisman this year are Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts. Patterson’s name could certainly rise higher in the conversation throughout the season.