Michigan vs Oklahoma: Underwood and Mateer Clash in Defensive Battle
In a highly anticipated Week 2 matchup, two of college football’s iconic programs, Michigan and Oklahoma, will face off in Norman. Both teams had eventful offseasons and want to make a splash this season.
Michigan, ranked No. 15, and Oklahoma, ranked No. 18, will showcase their roster makeovers and new quarterbacks. This game feels like it could get wild.
The action kicks off on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. For a detailed preview and predictions, check out The New York Times.
Quarterback Showdown: Bryce Underwood vs. John Mateer
Table of Contents
Michigan’s Bryce Underwood and Oklahoma’s John Mateer bring two pretty different quarterback stories to the table. Underwood, a five-star freshman, signed thanks to NIL and revenue-sharing deals.
He made an impressive debut against New Mexico, throwing for 251 yards with a touchdown and no picks. Oklahoma’s head coach, Brent Venables, even compared Underwood to Trevor Lawrence, pointing out his quickness, decisiveness, and general poise.
Michigan’s Bryce Underwood
Underwood’s recruitment was a huge win for Michigan and shows how much NIL has changed the game. His strong opener set some high expectations for the rest of the season.
Michigan’s offensive line has to protect Underwood and give him space to work. That’s a lot of pressure for a group that’s still finding its rhythm.
Oklahoma’s John Mateer
Oklahoma took a different route and grabbed a quarterback from the transfer portal. John Mateer, who came over from Washington State, had a record-breaking debut for the Sooners with 392 yards and three touchdowns against Illinois State.
Mateer’s dual-threat game—826 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns last year—makes life tough for Michigan’s defense. He’s the type of player who keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams have several key players who could swing the outcome. Here are some of the names that might come up a lot on Saturday:
- RB Jaydn Ott: The Cal transfer running back joined Oklahoma this offseason but barely saw the field in the opener because of injuries. Venables says Ott is close to 100% now, and he could really boost the Sooners’ run game.
- OT Michael Fasusi: The five-star freshman offensive tackle missed the Illinois State game but should be available against Michigan. Oklahoma’s offensive line needs him back in a big way.
- DE Mason Thomas: Thomas notched nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last year. He’ll be hunting Underwood all night.
- RB Justice Haynes: The Alabama transfer exploded in his Michigan debut, racking up 159 yards and three touchdowns. If he gets rolling, Michigan’s offense becomes dangerous.
- LB Cole Sullivan: With Jaishawn Barham suspended for the first half, Sullivan will have to step up for Michigan’s defense. Not the easiest assignment in a game like this.
- WR Donaven McCulley: The Indiana transfer had a quiet debut but could break out as a big-play threat for Michigan. Maybe this is his week?
Historical Context and Coaching Background
When Michigan and Oklahoma scheduled this home-and-home series back in 2014, college football looked a lot different. Brady Hoke was Michigan’s coach, and Bob Stoops ran Oklahoma in the Big 12.
Now, it’s 2025 and both programs have changed a ton. Michigan’s led by Sherrone Moore, who actually played guard at Oklahoma back in 2006-07. Brent Venables, Oklahoma’s head coach, was the defensive coordinator there during Moore’s playing days.
Sherrone Moore’s Perspective
Moore says he cares most about his Michigan players, not any nostalgia for his old school. He told reporters, *It’s about my players. There’s no, like, emotional attachment to it. I’m emotionally attached to the players that are at Michigan.*
Brent Venables’ Approach
Venables, now in his fourth year as Oklahoma’s head coach, faces pressure to prove the Sooners can compete in the SEC. This offseason brought big changes, including adding Mateer and former Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
Venables also took over defensive play-calling. He wants to fix a defense that gave up 50 sacks last year. That’s a tall order, but he’s betting on his experience.
Game Strategies
Both Michigan and Oklahoma spent big on offense, but defense might decide this one. Michigan’s deep defensive front—anchored by tackle Rayshaun Benny and edge rushers Derrick Moore and TJ Guy—will test Oklahoma’s offensive line.
The Sooners’ offensive line struggled last year and didn’t look much better in the opener, averaging just 3.2 yards per rush. Not exactly inspiring confidence.
Michigan’s Defensive Strategy
Michigan wants to contain Mateer and keep him from making plays outside the pocket. Their defensive line will try to exploit Oklahoma’s shaky line and bring the heat early and often.
The Wolverines’ secondary can’t afford to lose focus, because Mateer’s got the arm to test them deep. It’s a lot to handle for one Saturday night.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
Oklahoma’s Defensive Strategy
Oklahoma needs to disrupt Underwood’s rhythm and force him into quick, maybe even risky decisions. Venables will probably mix in blitzes, stunts, and creative coverages to rattle the freshman.
The Sooners also have to shore up their run defense. Michigan’s Justice Haynes can flip a game on the ground if they don’t.
Implications for the College Football Playoff
This game carries real weight for both teams’ College Football Playoff hopes. According to The Athletic, Michigan sits at a 29% chance of making the CFP, which could jump to 46% with a win. A loss? That drops them to 20%.
Oklahoma’s odds are slimmer—just 12% right now—but a win would push them up to 25%. Lose, and they’re down to 4%. That’s a tough spot.
Oklahoma faces a brutal schedule, with seven teams in the top 25 of The Athletic‘s model. That includes No. 1 Ohio State, No. 10 Auburn, No. 8 Texas, No. 16 Ole Miss, No. 20 Tennessee, No. 12 Alabama, and No. 5 LSU. Beating Michigan would give their playoff hopes a serious shot in the arm.
Predictions
Experts can’t seem to agree on how this game will turn out. Some lean toward Oklahoma, pointing to their home-field advantage and Mateer’s experience.
On the other hand, a few folks argue that Michigan’s tough defensive front might just give them the edge. Most expect a pretty low-scoring game, with both teams putting a lot of trust in their defenses.
If you want a deeper dive or more expert takes, check out The New York Times.