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Alabama DC on top priority against Michigan, Shea Patterson: ‘We’ve got to be able to contain him’
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Back in 2017, Shea Patterson was the quarterback at Ole Miss. He played Alabama then and completed 14-of-29 passes for 165 yards and two interceptions in what was a disastrous 66-3 loss.
It was ugly then. But, two years have passed for then to now.
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And, now, Patterson will get another crack at Alabama with his new Michigan Wolverine team on Wednesday, Jan. 1 in the Citrus Bowl. On Sunday morning, Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding talked about Michigan’s offense and what the top priority is in trying to stop the Wolverines:
“The big thing is accounting for him, obviously in the run game,” Golding said. “He’s very athletic. They do a lot of unique things to be able to run the quarterback, to use all 11 guys.
“On third down, it’s going to be pivotal to make him be a pocket passer and use our hands. The flight of the ball, we’ve got to do a good job up front getting our hands up, but we’ve got to be able to contain him and keep him in the pocket.”
More from Golding:
“They’re going to run the quarterback,” he said. “Your structure on defense, you’ve got to be able to account for the quarterback and the run game. He does a really nice job of extending plays, so when things break down in the back end, they’ve got guys covered, he can step up or out.”
The game Wednesday afternoon will be televised on ABC.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.