I’m not overthinking this one.
Oklahoma is going to beat Michigan comfortably.
The No. 11 Sooners travel to Ann Arbor on Saturday after completely destroying UTEP 51-0 in their season opener. Oklahoma scored on its first eight possessions, while John Mateer threw for 225 yards and three touchdowns.
Michigan’s opener couldn’t have looked more different.
The Wolverines needed a controversial extra second and a 47-yard Hail Mary to escape Western Michigan 13-12. Michigan turned the ball over three times, struggled to run the football and finished with only 276 total yards.
Now Bryce Underwood has to face Oklahoma.
That’s a massive problem.
Underwood completed just 12 of 22 passes for 170 yards with an interception in Week 1, and Kyle Whittingham has already acknowledged that his starting job isn’t guaranteed if things don’t improve.
Oklahoma’s defense should make him extremely uncomfortable.
I expect the Sooners to load up against Michigan’s running game, pressure Underwood and force him to consistently make throws to beat them.
I don’t think he can.
Michigan’s defense is the one thing that could keep this somewhat competitive early. The Wolverines held Western Michigan to 221 yards and didn’t allow an offensive touchdown.
But eventually, Michigan’s offense has to help them.
Mateer and Oklahoma should gradually wear that defense down, and if Michigan starts giving the Sooners short fields with turnovers, this could get ugly.
Oklahoma already beat Michigan 24-13 last season. This time, despite the game being in the Big House, I think the gap looks even bigger.
Michigan escaped disaster in Week 1.
It won’t escape Oklahoma.
