Jim Harbaugh hints that Shea Patterson 'worked through something' during opener
Before the season started, Jim Harbaugh kept saying that Michigan would play multiple quarterbacks during the year. Nobody really knew what that meant, but we found out on Saturday night.
Shea Patterson and Dylan McCaffrey both took snaps for the Wolverines in the opener against Middle Tennessee. Patterson was the primary quarterback, while McCaffrey occasionally lined up at some of the skill position spots. In the second half, Harbaugh gave McCaffrey the nod to go under center for a few plays.
After Saturday’s game, Harbaugh hinted at why Michigan utilized McCaffrey a little more in the second half.
Harbaugh told the media following Michigan’s 40-21 win over Middle Tennessee that Patterson was “working through something” at halftime of the game. There were some designed run plays that he felt more comfortable with McCaffrey handling, not making Patterson’s situation worse.
Of course, Harbaugh didn’t peel back the curtain any further than that.
McCaffrey played a significant number of snaps as a backup quarterback on Saturday. He took eight carries for 42 yards and a touchdown and also completed both of his pass attempts for 17 yards.
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Patterson was 17-of-29 for 203 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 28 yards on nine carries in the season opener.
Whether or not we’ll see more of McCaffrey throughout the season, and in what capacity, is something we’re all interested in seeing. He did add another dimension to Michigan’s offense with more mobility than Patterson, but it seemed at times like the substitution halted the offense’s rhythm.
Next week, Michigan will host Army.