Ole Miss Football: Will There Be A Quarterback Controversy Next Year?

Statistics

Ole Miss Rebels Football

Shea Patterson was on his way to a record-breaking year. While playing six and a half games he passed for over 2200 yards. He showed off his canon of an arm several times this year.

Patterson accounted for 17 touchdowns during the 2017 season. He was having an All-SEC caliber season. If there were any faults it would be those nagging nine interceptions. He didn’t throw them all the time. However when he threw them, and he threw them in bunches.

Patterson threw three against California. Then he threw two against Alabama. Although he didn’t play the entire game, he threw three against LSU. He was on pace to throw 18 for the year. That’s a lot. Patterson has missed two games and there is still only one player in the SEC that has thrown more interceptions, Nick Fitzgerald of Mississippi State.

Ta’amu does not have as strong an arm as Patterson but it is still very effective. He has been accurate. In fact, his numbers compare favorably to Patterson. Although I know it is a small sample size, it does give you an indication to his effectiveness.

The Numbers

When you compare the two games that Ta’amu started with the six games Patterson started and completed the numbers are interesting. This eliminates the LSU game since neither had a complete game. Before you say that Patterson had to play Alabama and Auburn, he also got to pad his stats by playing UT-Martin and University of South Alabama.

Ta’amu averages 375 yards passing with a 176.88 QBR. Total Offense of 9.09 per play.

Patterson averages 357 yards passing with a 166.78 QBR. Total Offense of 7.31 per play.

Ta’amu has a better completion percentage at 71.6 versus 63.9. Before you say they are shorter passes, Ta’amu averages 10.2 per attempt, Patterson 8.7. So if you’re looking for a starting point for the 2018 QB controversy you can start there.