Michigan’s journey to Norman, Oklahoma, to face the Sooners ended in disappointment as the Wolverines fell 24‑13, a defeat that was as much about the Sooners’ execution as Michigan’s shortcomings, particularly in their offense and their ability to handle Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer. Mateer, a transfer from Washington State, emerged not merely as a game‑changer but as a statement figure, delivering a performance that reminded everyone of why he was one of the most talked‑about transfers of the offseason. In his second start for Oklahoma, he made every moment of the spotlight count.
Mateer’s stat line from the game tells a story of control, versatility, and sheer efficiency: he completed 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards, threw a touchdown, and added one interception; but his impact wasn’t limited to the passing game—he also rushed 19 times for 74 yards and two touchdowns. He accounted for all three of Oklahoma’s scores, dipping and darting with the ball in his hands in a way that Michigan simply couldn’t contain. The narrative of a dual‑threat quarterback isn’t new, but Mateer executed it with a swagger that felt Mahomes‑like, balancing poise in the pocket with decisive running and delivering under primetime pressure (
It was a banner debut in Week 1 for Mateer, when he shattered the school record for most passing yards in an Oklahoma debut by racking up 392 yards and three touchdowns against Illinois State—a record previously held by Baker Mayfield (Huron Daily Tribune, Wikipedia). That performance ramped up expectations heading into the Michigan tilt, and he did not disappoint.
On Michigan’s side, freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood entered hostile territory in Norman and struggled to find rhythm or protection. He completed just 9 of 24 passes for 142 yards, clearly feeling the heat from the Sooners’ defense (Maize n Brew, WTOP News, Wikipedia). His completion rate and modest yardage mirrored a larger narrative: Michigan’s offense never got on track.
The offense’s struggles were systemic. The first half ended scoreless for Michigan, aside from missed opportunities—including a missed 32‑yard field goal by Dominic Zvada from inside the red zone . The offensive line was criticized for its poor run blocking and pass protection, leaving Underwood scrambling far too often This lack of offensive cohesion burdened Michigan’s defense; with fewer sustained drives, the defense was run ragged, especially late in the game.
Yet, the defense had bright spots. Derrick Moore stood out with an elite pass‑rush grade of 86.4, showcasing flashes of dominance (Maize n Brew). Meanwhile, players like Jyaire Hill, TJ Guy, and Jayden Sanders contributed positively. Still, weaknesses among linebackers like Ernest Hausmann and along the defensive line, notably Cameron Brandt and Rayshaun Benny, were exploited as Mateer found space to maneuver (Maize n Brew). Michigan did manage two sacks and an interception, but those occasional moments of resistance weren’t enough to stave off Mateer’s sustained pressure
Total yardage reflected the imbalance: Oklahoma piled up 408 total yards to Michigan’s 288 Time of possession also tilted toward Oklahoma at 32:12, further underscoring the Wolverines’ struggles to stay on the field and control the game flow (Wikipedia). On the ground, Michigan leaned into Justice Haynes, who responded with a spectacular 75‑yard touchdown run on the first play after halftime—the team’s longest since an 85‑yard run by Donovan Edwards in 2022 (Wikipedia). But that explosive play—Haynes finished with 125 rushing yards—was fleeting; aside from it, Michigan managed just 71 rush yards on 31 carries, averaging a meager 2.3 yards per attempt (Wikipedia).
After Haynes’s big run, Mateer responded swiftly. He answered with a rushing touchdown early in the second half to restore Oklahoma’s two‑score lead, reinforcing the dual‑threat statement he was making
Michigan’s coaching staff, led by Sherrone Moore, gave a balanced assessment postgame. Moore highlighted that the offensive issues weren’t solely on Underwood—poor route running, spacing, dropped passes, and blocking failures all contributed to the inefficiency (Maize n Brew). Despite the frustration, Moore tempered criticism by lauding Underwood’s composure in a hostile environment, underlining that this was a learning opportunity. Donaven McCulley stood out as a bright spot, finishing with 91 receiving yards and multiple catches, while no other Michigan receiver came close to matching his production (Maize n Brew).
Meanwhile, Mateer extended praise to the Michigan quarterback, calling Underwood “ahead of where he was as a freshman” and saying he has the makings of a “very, very good quarterback.” That acknowledgement, coming from an opponent who put him under so much pressure, carried weight—perhaps signaling growth ahead for Michigan’s young signal‑caller (Maize n Brew).
This game doesn’t end Michigan’s season; thanks to the expanded 12‑team College Football Playoff format, their playoff hopes remain alive despite the early setback (Maize n Brew). The next opportunity lies their way in a home game against Central Michigan, where Michigan will be expected to reset and find cohesion.
Postgame reflections, then, rest not just on the final score, but on the lessons learned. Michigan’s offense needs sharper lines and cleaner execution. Underwood needs trust, rhythm, and reliable targeting from his receivers. The defense, though showing grit, can’t afford to be on the field so long—not against any team, least of all one led by a dual‑threat maestro like Mateer.
Oklahoma, on the other hand, gained a signature win under lights, against a blue‑blood program. Coach Brent Venables got the performance he needed, leaning on Mateer’s dazzling dual‑threat capability and methodical clock control late in the game. The Sooners mounted a 16‑play, 78‑yard drive in the fourth quarter that killed time and ultimately resulted in a field goal that sealed their lead
With this win, Oklahoma improved to 2‑0 and likely stands to climb in the next AP Top 25 poll. For Michigan, the loss drops them to 1‑1—a sobering early reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. But this game showcased both the immediate gaps and the potential paths forward.
Michigan’s veterans and coaches now have concrete areas to address: offensive line cohesion, third‑down conversions, pass protection, and supporting Underwood with structure. The defense, while not without its weak spots, can feed off improved offensive execution to sustain energy and pressure across four quarters. Meanwhile, Mateer and Oklahoma provided a masterclass in balanced quarterbacking, transforming the dual‑threat narrative into a dominant on‑field reality that Michigan had no answers for on that night.
The loss stings—but it also sharpens. Michigan’s path back to the national conversation starts with recognizing the lessons Norman taught them.
