Shea Patterson threw three touchdown passes, one in each of the first three quarters, to help No. 21 Michigan coast to a 49-3 win over Western Michigan on Saturday.
Patterson, the heralded transfer from Mississippi, was 12 of 17 for 125 yards. He connected for two scores to wide receivers after the position group accounted for a total of just three touchdowns last season for the Wolverines (1-1).
Karan Higdon ran 140 of his 156 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter. The Wolverines desperately needed the confidence-boosting victory after losing four straight, dating to last season, for their longest losing streak since 2009. They lost by seven last week at Notre Dame.
The Broncos (0-2) were unable to rally from a big deficit as they did before falling short in last week’s loss against Syracuse.
Michigan dominated in each phase of the game.
Higdon had a 67-yard TD run in the first quarter and Chris Evans scored his first of two TDs on a 27-yard run to put the Wolverines up 21-0.
Noah Furbush intercepted a pass in the first quarter and Khaleke Hudson blocked a punt in the second quarter, setting up a TDs as Michigan went ahead 35-0 at halftime.
The Broncos avoided getting shut out when Josh Grant made a 35-yard field goal with 2:34 left.
Western Michigan: The Broncos can’t afford to keep digging huge holes in the first half. They trailed Syracuse last week at home 34-7 before scoring 28 points in the third quarter to pull within a TD and ending with a 55-42 setback.
Michigan: The Wolverines’ much-maligned offensive line was able to open holes for the running game and protect Patterson, allowing him to comfortable throw from the pocket or on the move.
Michigan might move up a little after routing an overmatched team as expected if teams just ahead of them in the poll lose.
Western Michigan: Host Delaware State on Sept. 15.
Michigan: Play SMU on Sept. 15 at home.
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