Michigan vs Oklahoma Preview Sept 6, 2025
🏈 Michigan vs. Oklahoma Preview: Wolverines, Sooners Collide in Norman Showdown (Sept. 6, 2025)
Week 2 delivers the nation’s lone ranked-versus-ranked clash as No. 15 Michigan travels to face No. 18 Oklahoma in Norman. It’s a matchup loaded with intrigue: Sherrone Moore’s first marquee road test as Wolverines head coach, a true freshman quarterback on the national stage, and a Sooners squad trying to reassert itself as a playoff contender.
The stakes are clear — this isn’t just a September measuring stick. A win could propel either team into early College Football Playoff conversations.
Michigan’s Week 1 Tune-Up
The Wolverines opened the Moore era with a 34–17 victory over New Mexico. True freshman Bryce Underwood looked poised, throwing for 251 yards and a touchdown while completing 21 of 31 passes. His top target was tight end Marlin Klein, who caught six passes for 93 yards and a score. On the ground, five-star freshman Justice Haynes showcased his explosiveness with 159 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including a 59-yard burst that brought fans to their feet.
Defensively, Michigan forced three interceptions and limited the Lobos to just 51 rushing yards. The only blemish was the secondary allowing 31 completions, while linebacker Jaishawn Barham was ejected for targeting — a reminder of discipline issues that can swing close games.
Oklahoma’s Air Raid Debut
The Sooners dismantled Illinois State 35–3 in their opener, powered by transfer quarterback John Mateer. He set a school record with 392 passing yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball to multiple weapons:
- Keontez Lewis: 9 catches, 119 yards, 2 TDs
- Jaren Kanak: 5 catches, 90 yards
- Deion Burks: 7 catches, 88 yards
The passing game looked dynamic, but balance remains a concern — the Sooners managed only 103 yards rushing on 32 attempts, just 3.2 yards per carry. Against Michigan’s stout front seven, that could be a red flag.
What the Analysts Are Saying
- ESPN’s Jake Trotter described Underwood’s debut as “scintillating,” noting his combination of arm talent and poise.
- Former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky tweeted that Underwood might be the most impressive “unknown” quarterback in college football and pointed out that the freshman hadn’t even showcased his running ability yet.
- Observers of Oklahoma praised the chemistry between Mateer and new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle but stressed the need for more efficiency — the Sooners scored on only half of their drives despite Mateer’s 81% completion rate.
Matchup Keys
Michigan secondary vs. Mateer’s deep ball
Illinois State rarely pressured Oklahoma’s pocket, but Michigan’s pass rush is faster and deeper. If Mateer has clean time, the Wolverines’ defensive backs must hold up against a trio of explosive receivers.
Sooners’ ground game
Oklahoma averaged just 3.2 yards per carry last week. Without balance, Michigan’s front seven can pin its ears back. The Wolverines allowed only 51 rushing yards to New Mexico — a stat that should worry OU fans.
Underwood’s composure in a hostile road environment
Norman isn’t Albuquerque. With 80,000 fans roaring, Moore will likely lean on Haynes’ downhill running and play-action to keep the freshman quarterback out of obvious passing situations.
Prediction
The data models lean toward a tight, low-scoring contest. Some projections have Michigan covering +5.5 with the total under 44.
An upset win in Norman would launch Michigan into the early playoff conversation.
It’s a heavy load for Underwood to walk into Norman and pull off the victory—but he makes it happen. Prediction: Michigan 24, Oklahoma 23.
Big Picture
For Michigan, this game is a true statement game on whether the Moore era can keep the Wolverines in the national elite without Jim Harbaugh. For Oklahoma, it’s about showing they can blend Arbuckle’s pass-happy scheme with just enough grit to win in the trenches.
It’s only Week 2, but Saturday night in Norman may already feel like November.
