Michigan vs. Oklahoma 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

It’s the Michigan Wolverines vs. the Oklahoma Sooners in a 2025 Week 2 matchup as the Wolverines head to Norman in a heavyweight top-25 matchup. Both Michigan and Oklahoma are coming off disappointing 2024 seasons, but look for this season to compete at the top of their conferences and have a chance at a bid to the College Football Playoff.

Michigan Wolverines vs. Oklahoma Sooners: Matchup History and Excerpts

Michigan and Oklahoma have only faced off once in their history. That was in the 1976 Orange Bowl, which the Sooners won 14-6. Oklahoma is currently a 4.5-point favorite ahead of Saturday’s game.

During his college tenure, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore played offensive line for Oklahoma on some very successful Sooners teams. This will be his first time returning since 2007.

Ahead of the reunion, Moore recognized the significance of his return to Norman. However, he’s said he’s focusing on the players and prep for Michigan. Moore also commented on the improved Sooner offense and defense.

“Obviously, it all starts with [John] Mateer, the quarterback and what he does,” began Moore. “And they’ve got a bevy of running backs and Burks on the outside that plays extremely well. They move the tight end, who was at linebacker, Kanak, to tight end, No. 12. And he can find space. He can find areas. And defensively, they’re fast. I’ve known Brent [Venables], obviously, for a long time. And much respect to a lot of people on our staff. Brent was my defensive coordinator. Kevin Wilson is on their staff now.”

Moore understands the challenge that his team faces heading into a tough environment to face off against a talented, well-coached team.

Meanwhile, Brent Venables is heading into his fourth season as Oklahoma’s head coach, and this most be his most talented team yet.

Venables had a lot to say about freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and the promising flashes he showed in his first collegiate start.

“It’s going to be a really cool matchup of two incredible programs that represent the excellence of college football. As I said to open up, (Underwood) is a little different. It reminds me a lot of a Trevor Lawrence — just quick, decisive, accurate, poised, tough, consistent,” Venables said. “There’s a reason he was the No. 1 player in America.”

Bryce Underwood will be a challenge for the Sooner defense to contain. Both Michigan and Oklahoma will have their hands full with preparation ahead of Saturday.

Michigan vs. Oklahoma 2025: Keys to the Game and Predictions

Key Players for Michigan

Quarterback Bryce Underwood had his first collegiate start last weekend versus New Mexico, and it did not disappoint. Underwood showed flashes through his touch and accuracy that Michigan fans have been craving since the departure of J.J. McCarthy.

Alabama running back transfer Justice Haynes also had a terrific debut, logging 159 rushing yards and three touchdowns. While Michigan’s offensive line was mediocre in the run game, it was excellent in pass protection, giving Underwood clean pockets to throw from. Keeping Underwood protected once again will be critical for this offensive line. 

Defensively, the Wolverines had a lot of players who showed significant improvement in their first game of the season. Linebacker Cole Sullivan and safety Brandyn Hillman particularly had great games and showed why they are starting-caliber players.

After linebacker Jaishawn Barham was ejected for the first half of this week’s game because of targeting, Sullivan will be expected to pick up the slack for one half.

Michigan also had terrific performances on the defensive line from Damon Payne, TJ Guy, and Nate Marshall, and will need to continue their excellent play into this week.

Key Players for Oklahoma

Washington State transfer quarterback John Mateer played well last week against Illinois State, bringing much-needed experience to the Sooners’ quarterback room.

The Sooners also employed a three-headed backfield with three running backs splitting the snaps equally. With transfer running back Jaydn Ott potentially returning from injury this week, the Sooner running game could be even more dangerous.

In the passing game, Oklahoma has two talented wide receivers, who will both be hearing their names called in the NFL draft in Deion Burks and Keontez Lewis. 

Defensively, R Mason Thomas is the star on the defensive line and is one of the best defensive players in the country. Linebacker Sammy Omosigho is the leader of the Oklahoma defense, commanding the improved, talented defense.

In the secondary, Peyton Bowen and Robert-Spears Jennings are two talented safeties who bring back-end support to the defense, and support one of the better units in the SEC.

Keys for Michigan to Win

Oklahoma will be starting two true freshman offensive linemen. It will be critical for Michigan’s defensive front to create pressure in unique ways. They must fill holes in the run game and make John Mateer uncomfortable. 

Once again, all eyes will be on Bryce Underwood. Not only will he have to show the same poise and calm as last week, but the offensive line will have to play well against a much better defensive unit.

Underwood will likely be used more as a runner this week. The offensive line will have to play well, opening holes and keeping the pocket clean.

Michigan’s secondary is outmatched by Oklahoma’s outside receiving talent. Holding up for long enough for the defensive line to get pressure will be vital if the Wolverines don’t want to get shredded through the air. If Michigan cannot stop the pass, their entire defensive game plan will likely be extremely limited, creating huge opportunities for big plays for Oklahoma’s offense.