5 reasons Michigan makes the 2019 College Football Playoff

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 25: Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones returns a punt in the first quarter of Michigan's 31-20 loss to Ohio State during a college football game on November 25, 2017, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Mississippi Rebels quarterback Shea Patterson (20) drops back to pass during the game between the Ole Miss Rebels and the California Golden Bears on September 16, 2017, at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Finally, answers at quarterback

Whether or not you’re one to make excuses for Harbaugh about why he’s been unable to get over the hump thus far at Michigan doesn’t mean that you haven’t heard the primary ones before. At the forefront, however, is talk about what the head coach has had at his disposal in regards to the quarterback position. Specifically, Harbaugh has largely been forced to rely on Wilton Speight and no one else, which has ultimately been a big problem for him and the Wolverines offense.

You can argue about whether or not sticking with Speight was actually Harbaugh’s best option at time. What you can’t argue, though, is that the Wolverines and their head coach now no longer will have an excuse at the quarterback position. The biggest reason for that is the arrival of transfer Shea Patterson, a former 5-star recruit who appears ready to take the Big Ten by storm.

Patterson, who previously played at Ole Miss before transferring amidst their numerous scandals, has already proven to be able to air it out with great success in college football. Despite only playing half of last season prior to an injury that ended his year, Patterson still managed an astounding 2,259 yards passing with a 63.8 percent completion rate to go with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The rising junior is clearly the real deal.

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What’s more, it’s not just Patterson that solidifies the position for Harbaugh and Michigan. They also have two other highly touted recruits that are in tow with Brandon Peters and Dylan McCaffrey. This is undeniably the most talented group they’ve had at the position to this point. And yes, that does mean the excuses stop here. It also means, however, that this is the best chance the Wolverines have had to get over the hump and finally emerge in the College Football Playoff picture.

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