From Surviving to Proving It: Michigan Faces a Major Test Against Oklahoma
Michigan escaped Week 1 with a win, but there is no reason to feel good about how it happened.
The Wolverines needed a second-chance Hail Mary from Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan to survive Western Michigan, 13–12. Michigan had four three-and-outs, punted six times and turned the ball over three times—twice on offense and once on special teams. The offense scored on its opening possession and then disappeared until the final play.
That type of performance won’t beat Oklahoma.
The Sooners looked like a completely different team in their opener, shutting out UTEP 51–0. John Mateer threw for 225 yards and three touchdowns, while Oklahoma scored on its first eight possessions and held UTEP to only 198 total yards. UTEP obviously isn’t Michigan, but Oklahoma handled its business. Michigan didn’t.
It Starts With Bryce
Underwood finished 12-of-22 for 170 yards, one touchdown and an interception against Western. He also led Michigan with 47 rushing yards.
Michigan needs its sophomore quarterback to settle down, protect the football and play with the confidence we heard about throughout camp. But this isn’t all on Bryce. The offensive line must improve, the running game has to get going and the play-calling needs to put him in better situations.
Michigan cannot ask Underwood to carry the entire offense against Brent Venables and Oklahoma.
Get JJ Buchanan Involved
Buchanan was easily Michigan’s biggest offensive bright spot. He caught six passes for 126 yards, including the 47-yard game-winner.
Michigan needs to feature him early instead of waiting until the offense is desperate. Buchanan showed that he can stretch the field and make plays in big moments. Now the Wolverines need to prove they can consistently get the ball into his hands.
The Defense Must Keep Michigan Alive
The defense wasn’t perfect against Western, but it gave Michigan a chance. Troy Bowles finished with 12 tackles and two tackles for loss, while Dom Nichols recorded nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Those two will be important against Mateer and an Oklahoma offense that showed it can create explosive plays. Michigan must pressure Mateer, limit Isaiah Sategna and avoid giving the Sooners easy opportunities on offense or special teams.
A Prove-It Game
Michigan is 1–0, but it doesn’t feel like it. Saturday gives the Wolverines an opportunity to change that.
A win over No. 10 Oklahoma would calm many of the concerns created by Week 1. Another sloppy offensive performance would turn those concerns into serious problems.
Michigan doesn’t need to be perfect, but it needs to look prepared, physical and confident. The Wolverines survived Western Michigan. Against Oklahoma, they’ll have to earn it.