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Jim Harbaugh talks ‘fun’ win over Michigan State, game ball exchange with Shea Patterson

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Jim Harbaugh is enjoying this one. The Michigan head coach tries to appreciate each win every season, but you can tell that finally beating Michigan State in Ann Arbor, in such convincing fashion, is one he’s relishing in a little more than usual.

Michigan pummeled Michigan State on Saturday, posting a 44-10 victory in what was one of the best performances of the year from the Wolverines’ offense. With everything clicking on both sides of the ball, Harbaugh admitted that this weekend’s victory was an enjoyable one.

“It was a lot of fun,” Harbaugh told Brad Galli of WXYZ in Detroit. “Just to see the team, so many guys play well. Offensively, defensively, special teams, really sound football, not turning it over, tackling, covering, throwing and catching, all those things.”

The individual who had one of the best performances was quarterback Shea Patterson, who threw for 384 yards and four touchdowns in the win. After the game, Harbaugh tried to give his senior leader the game ball, which led to a cool exchange.

“Last year, I remember he kneeled down against Michigan State at the end of the game and he threw the ball in the air,” Harbaugh said. “I told him this year ‘Just keep that ball, you had a heck of  game, Shea, and I want you to have it.’ And he says ‘Well, I got a different plan.'”

Patterson’s plan was to give his head coach the football after taking a knee against the Spartans. It was a moment that Harbaugh will also remember for awhile.

“It meant a lot,” Harbaugh said. “Much appreciated and I’m gonna hold on to that one.”

Below is the full interview with Harbaugh and Galli, as posted to Twitter by Michigan football. The Wolverines travel to Bloomington to play Indiana on Saturday.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB