The Oklahoma Sooners face the Michigan Wolverines at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Oklahoma is seeking a 2-0 start to the season, while Michigan aims to rebound from a narrow Week 1 victory. Three key strategies could lead to a Sooners win.
Oklahoma will emphasize establishing a strong ground game. The Sooners improved their offensive line and retooled their tight end group, featuring veterans Hayden Hansen and Rocky Beers, after finishing with one of the nation’s worst rushing attacks in 2025. In Week 1 against UTEP, Oklahoma averaged 4.35 yards per carry, totaling 170 yards and two touchdowns on 39 attempts, led by Lloyd Avant’s 79 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. The Sooners also hope to utilize quarterback John Mateer in the running game, as he carried for 79 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan last season.
Defensively, Oklahoma aims to force Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood to win the game through the air. Head coach Brent Venables complimented Underwood, but the Sooners’ strategy centers on stopping the run and making Underwood throw in difficult third-down situations. Last year, Oklahoma’s defense limited Michigan to a 33% offensive success rate.
Finally, Oklahoma hopes to quiet the Michigan Stadium crowd early. Playing in a hostile environment during Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff, the Sooners need early success on offense and defensive stops to dampen the energy of the Michigan faithful.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy