Michigan Monday: To Early Look At Oklahoma

Neither Michigan nor Oklahoma had what was considered a difficult first game.  I would say New Mexico ended up being a bit better then expected but Oklahoma had a similar 35-3 win over Illinois State.  

Next weekends night game will be different for both teams as the Wolverines come to Norman, OK for a rare meeting between the two teams.  Oklahoma is not coming off a good year and there will be continued pressure on Brent Venables to have a strong 2025 campaign. 

2024:

Record: 6-7 finished with a loss against Navy in a Bowl Game.

Best Win: Beating #7 Alabama 

Worst Loss: was to Navy in the Bowl Game 

Oklahoma like pretty much every program in the country has a new QB.  For the Sooners its Washington State transfer John Mateer, who last weekend threw for nearly 400 yards (392) and was 30-37.  He also ran for a TD. 

Brent is known for his defense and only let up 151 total yards with 34 passing.  Illinois State leading rusher had 50 yards on the ground. 

What do I expect on Saturday from the Sooners?

Oklahoma has always been known as a running team but not this year.  The Sooners ran for just over 100 yards on Saturday as they are clearly a pass first offense now with the transfer QB from the Disney Movie Cars.  

This will be a good match-up between Wink and Brent to see who can stop who's new QB and offense.  For Michigan fans I sure hope Rod Moore is healthy and ready to play on Saturday.  

• As a Michigan fan you grew up not liking Notre Dame.  Though a small part of you wants to root for CJ Carr.  I thought he had a nice game against a talented Miami team last night.  He showed toughness running the ball and coming back from a 2 TD deficit.  He did make some questionable decisions but also made some nice throws to open ND WR's.  He still should be in Ann Arbor. 

• TCU at Chapel Bill will be interesting tonight.  I wonder if Bill has had time to craft a good defense. 

• I do expect Ohio State to be the #1 team in the nation after their defensive battle with Texas.  I like Arch but he just hasn't had enough snaps or good tape to be considered the #1 pick or Heisman favorite.  

• No real surprises from the Big Ten on the first weekend of football.  Tulane is a good team and that is not an upset over Northwestern.   Wisconsin and early season QB injuries is becoming a regular occurance.  A few MAC teams played better then expected and Ohio gave Rutgers a game.  I guess the biggest disappointment was UCLA with their new transfer QB from Tennessee getting blown out by Utah at home.