Karan Higdon – Noteworthy
Michigan running back Karan Higdon says he’ll skip the Peach Bowl. Higdon, a senior who has rushed for 1,178 yards this season, said on Instagram on Thursday that it is in his best interests to miss the game to prepare to pursue an NFL career. The eighth-ranked Wolverines face 10th-ranked Florida in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Dec. 29. Michigan will also be without defensive end Rashan Gary in that game. He’s skipping his senior season and entering the NFL draft. Linebacker Devin Bush announced Wednesday he will also leave early for the NFL, and he said he hasn’t been cleared to play in the Peach Bowl after injuring his hip. – AP College Football
Shea Patterson – Noteworthy
No. 8 Michigan will be short-handed against No. 10 Florida in the Peach Bowl. Just not at quarterback. Shea Patterson is returning for his senior season at Michigan instead of entering the NFL draft. “There is absolutely nothing like playing in the Big House in front of the greatest fans in the country,” Patterson posted Friday on Twitter . “I wouldn’t trade those Saturdays competing with my brothers for anything. Can’t wait to play with the seniors one last time in the Peach Bowl! I also want to welcome and congratulate the new signing class — come in ready to work because we are coming for everything next season.”
The junior was voted Michigan’s offensive player of the year after transferring from Ole Miss and successfully appealing to the NCAA to play this season. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,364 yards with 21 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Directing a read-option offense at times, he ran for 268 yards and two scores as Michigan made a strong push for a playoff berth before losing at Ohio State. Patterson won’t have the team’s leading rusher against the Gators on Dec. 29 in the Peach Bowl, and the defense will be without at least two of its top players. – AP College Football
Shea Patterson – Noteworthy
QB Shea Patterson, who will lead the Wolverines against Florida in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 29, announced on Twitter on Friday that he will return for another season in Ann Arbor.
It was thought that Patterson, who transferred to Michigan from Mississippi this season because of NCAA violations in Oxford, might enter the NFL Draft. “Can’t wait to play with the seniors one last time in the Peach Bowl,” Patterson said in his Twitter statement. “I also want to welcome and congratulate the new signing class — come in ready to work because we are coming for everything next season.”
Patterson closed his statement with “#Thosewhostay,” referencing the “Those who stay will be champions” slogan made famous by former Michigan head coach Bo Schembechler. Patterson won the starting job in fall practice and provided some much-needed stability at the position for head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines.