Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2018 preview vs. Michigan

Michigan State football will host Michigan in a game that already has fans talking. Here’s a way-too-early preview of the matchup.

This is a way-too-early preview of the Michigan versus Michigan State game. There could be depth chart changes, injuries and departures from teams. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has stated that there will be a quarterback battle that will include incumbent Brandon Peters. However, Shea Patterson did not transfer to Michigan to sit on the bench. It will be an interesting development.

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The biggest storyline heading into the season has been the Ole Miss transfer and if he can elevate the Michigan program into title contention. The level of expectations being placed on the young man is at an all-time high. True, he was a five-star quarterback coming out of high school. Yes, he had some good statistics at Ole Miss.

However, upon further review of his stats, there’s a another story that is not being talked about much. In 2016, Patterson played in three games as a true freshman. Starting as a freshman is difficult in any division, but it always helps when you play the lackluster defense of Texas A&M. Patterson threw for over 300 yards in that contest with an interception. His next two games against Vanderbilt and Mississippi State he lost. He did throw for over 300 yards again versus Mississippi State but did have two picks.

His 2017 campaign was cut short by an injury, but his best games were against subpar competition. While he excelled against South Alabama and Tennessee-Martin, he struggled against the elites of the SEC. It is important to note without the subpar competition then his completion percentage would be lower than 60.

Patterson has had multiple games where he has thrown two or more interceptions. For a player being considered for the Heisman he is going to need to cut down on those mistakes. He did not run much in 2017 like he did in 2016 but he’s a good overall quarterback. He was not the best on his team — that honor was Jordan Ta’amu, which is among several reasons for his transfer.

The unfortunate part for Patterson is that no one can live up to all the hype surrounding the Michigan program going into the season. Michigan has a tough schedule and, unlike MSU, will not be undefeated going into this contest.

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Prediction: Michigan State 27, Michigan 14. The Spartan defense will be too much for the Wolverines. Patterson throws three interceptions. MSU will watch the game tape from LSU where Patterson threw three interceptions and 116 yards. The Michigan defense is great, but will wear down in this game and LJ Scott will take advantage.