After what we saw in Week 1, I’m feeling pretty confident about Oklahoma against Michigan.
The Sooners destroyed UTEP 51-0, while Michigan needed a controversial extra second and Hail Mary to escape Western Michigan 13-12. Michigan has since fallen out of the AP Top 25, while Oklahoma moved up to No. 11.
Here are my three hot takes.
1. Oklahoma Covers Easily
Oklahoma is currently around a 5.5-point favorite, and I don’t think that’s enough.
Michigan’s offense was terrible against Western Michigan. Now it has to face an Oklahoma defense that should be significantly more difficult to move the ball against.
I don’t just think Oklahoma covers.
I think the Sooners win by double digits.
2. Bryce Underwood Gets Pulled
This would be the biggest storyline of the game.
Underwood completed just 12 of 22 passes for 170 yards in Week 1, and Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham has already made it clear that his starting job isn’t guaranteed if he doesn’t improve.
Oklahoma is going to bring pressure, and if Underwood starts turning the football over or Michigan’s offense goes nowhere again, I think Whittingham makes the move.
Hot take: Underwood doesn’t finish the game.
3. Oklahoma Scores a Defensive or Special Teams Touchdown
Michigan turned the ball over multiple times and struggled to consistently move the football against Western Michigan. Oklahoma’s defense should have opportunities to create chaos.
Whether it’s a pick-six, scoop-and-score or special teams mistake, I’m predicting Oklahoma finds the end zone without its offense on the field.
And if that happens, this game could get ugly quickly.
My three hot takes: Oklahoma covers easily, Underwood gets pulled and the Sooners score a defensive or special teams touchdown.
Michigan survived Week 1.
I’m not convinced it survives Oklahoma.
