Michigan Wolverines will square off against the No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday at 12:14 p.m. on FOX, a high‑profile test that follows a rocky opening week for the Wolverines.
Week One Review
Sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood opened the season with 12 completions on 22 attempts for 170 yards, a touchdown, an interception and a fumble, while also contributing 47 rushing yards and scoring on the opening drive, but his inconsistency raised concerns.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham confirmed that Underwood remains the starter, yet he warned that the position is far from secure, describing the role as ‘not infinite.’
Should Underwood be removed, freshman Tommy Carr would step in, a decision maker praised by Whittingham as poised, intelligent and unflappable.
Whittingham lauded Oklahoma’s defensive line as ‘very talented’ and highlighted quarterback John Mateer as ‘outstanding,’ while also calling Sooners head coach Brent Venables ‘extremely intelligent.’
The Wolverines’ offense showed a lopsided possession time and suffered from poor execution, prompting Whittingham to say the unit ‘has a lot to fix.’
While the offensive line was deemed ‘not bad,’ the team needs greater violence in the run game, and leaders have rallied to address the urgency.
Wide receiver JJ Buchanan emerged as a bright spot, and edge rusher John Henry Daley impressed in his return from injury, though he is not yet at peak form.
Safety Rod Moore was effective but may have been overused, and tight end Hogan Hansen missed the opener due to injury, with a possible return on the horizon.
Freshman edge rusher Carter Meadows and sophomore lineman Andrew Babalola are being integrated back into practice, adding depth as the Wolverines prepare for the Sooners.
The heightened sense of urgency among the players underscores the importance of the upcoming contest, as Michigan looks to correct its offensive shortcomings and capitalize on a defense that has shown flashes of strength.