Free Press sports writer Rainer Sabin highlights the best and worst performances from No. 24 Michigan football's 17-10 victory over No. 10 Oklahoma on Saturday, Sept. 12, in Ann Arbor at Michigan Stadium.
Michigan vs Oklahoma winners
Jay Hill
The secondary smothered Oklahoma’s receivers. The linebackers fit gaps and choked running lanes. The edge rushers collapsed the pocket and knocked quarterback John Mateer off his mark. At times, it felt as if there were more than 11 Michigan players lined up against Oklahoma’s offense, which was held scoreless in the first half and averaged just 4.7 yards per play. Credit Hill, the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator, for creating that kind of impact with a well-conceived game plan. He did his best work in limiting Mateer, a dual-threat dynamo
who was viewed as Heisman Trophy candidate heading into the season. Mateer completed just 52% of his pass attempts while generating just 234 yards of total offense.
There were questions about how quickly the Wolverines would adapt to Hill’s scheme, which he claimed was the “most complicated … in the country.” But based on the first game, Michigan has given the impression it has been in the system for years. After all, they have surrendered just 510 yards and conceded only one touchdown in two games.
Bryce Underwood
Underwood faced a firestorm of criticism following his poor showing in the Wolverines’ last-second win over Western Michigan last weekend. Not even a 47-yard, game-winning Hail Mary on the final play redeemed Underwood in the eyes of a fan base that saw him struggle to put together completions and move the offense. Then, U-M coach Kyle Whittingham seemed to put Underwood on notice when he told reporters that the quarterback’s hold on the starting job was not “infinite.” It led to speculation that Underwood could be benched if he turned in another dud against the Sooners. Well, he didn’t. Underwood played much better, producing a series of winning plays. The biggest? A 38-yard dash to the end zone near the end of the first quarter. It was one of several designed runs and Underwood executed it beautifully.
He also made several nice throws from the pocket, including a 36-yard strike to JJ Buchanan that was delivered not long before his touchdown run. Overall, he was much more composed and far more effective. Of course, it wasn’t perfect. Underwood botched a pitch and nearly lost a fumble. He also unleashed some risky passes. But on Saturday, he was more of an asset than a liability while contributing 198 yards of total offense.
John Henry Daley and Dom Nichols
Daley’s recovery from an Achilles injury he suffered last November was a major topic throughout the offseason. Some wondered whether the Utah transfer would be as good as he was before his setback. Before getting hurt, Daley recorded 11½ sacks and was a second-team All-American selection with the Utes. Flash forward to the opener against Western Michigan and Daley didn’t make much of an impact. He collected three tackles and contributed just two pressures. But on Saturday, Daley was a force. He snuffed out Oklahoma’s first possession when he dragged Mateer down 9 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Later, he made two tackles for loss, shooting gaps in run defense. He was impressive. Nichols, the defense’s top performer in the first game, was even better. He created havoc off the edge. According to Pro Football Focus, he generated three pressures and nearly forced Mateer to fumble on a pass that was confirmed to be incomplete after a review. He also teamed up with Chase Taylor on a sack that set OU back in Michigan territory and forced the Sooners to settle for a field goal.
Jyaire Hill
The cornerback, known as “Suga,” came up with the defensive play of the season midway through the fourth quarter when he swooped in front of Oklahoma receiver Trell Harris and snatched Mateer’s pass before returning the ball 24 yards to the edge of the Sooners’ end zone.
The interception, which came on a 3rd-and-9 situation, changed the complexion of the game. A conversion would have allowed Oklahoma to continue its drive with the score tied at 10. Instead, Hill gifted the Wolverines a golden opportunity at the 6-yard line. They made the most of it. Two plays after Michigan regained possession, Jordan Marshall barreled across the goal line, giving U-M a 17-10 lead that would endure the rest of the game.
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Losers
Offensive Line
For the second week in a row, Michigan’s offensive line was less than stellar. The unit committed four penalties — two holding fouls and a pair false starts. They also struggled to create room for the Wolverines’ fleet of running backs. Marshall, Savion Hiter and Bryson Kuzdzal netted a combined total of just 50 rushing yards – 37 fewer than Underwood did himself.
If the Wolverines are going to contend for a Big Ten title, they must get more out of their backfield. Over the long term, Underwood won’t be able to prop up the ground attack by himself or provide cover for an offensive line that is unable to consistently open holes for the talented ball carriers behind it.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bryce Underwood big winner in Michigan's massive win vs Oklahoma
