Through the first half of the season, Michigan’s offense was anything but efficient. Quarterback Shea Patterson looked more like a first-year starter than a seasoned veteran. The Wolverines appeared to be headed toward a mediocre year.

After the last six quarters, though, things are looking a little different in Ann Arbor. A 45-14 victory over Notre Dame on Saturday seems to be an indication that Michigan might have finally hit its stride offensively, something Harbaugh said he expected to see.

Part of the early-season struggles for Michigan was Patterson’s health. Banged up early in the year, Patterson had trouble moving around at times and had issues with ball security. In the last two games, though, he’s looked like a different quarterback.

In an interview with Brad Galli of WXYZ Detroit, Harbaugh says that Patterson is now at 100 percent, and his ability to change the game is very noticeable.

“His health is much better now, he’s a full 100 percent,” Harbaugh said. “You could really see it in how fast he was running. His speed was noticeable on the scrambles, on the carries. One time, he had a block on Tru Wilson’s touchdown run. I mean he was really moving. That was definitely noticeable.”

It wasn’t just Patterson that looked 100 percent on Saturday. Michigan’s rushing attack was also at full speed, piling up 303 yards on the Fighting Irish defense. Running backs Hassan Haskins, Zach Charbonnet and the offensive line all looked much better than earlier this year.

“Hassan Haskins, if you were giving a Player of the Game, he would certainly probably be that on offense,” Harbaugh said. “Guys were doing their job, getting their job done, and the guy next to him getting his job done, as well.”

Michigan is at 6-2 on the season with rivalry games against Michigan State and Ohio State still remaining. While the Wolverines aren’t really in the B1G East race right now, there’s still plenty to play for in Ann Arbor.