Michigan was faced with a difficult early-season test on Saturday night at Oklahoma. The Wolverines were the underdogs all week long by the oddsmakers and most media pundits, and those that chose against Michigan were unfortunately proven right.
Here’s how it all went down.
First Quarter
Oklahoma got the ball first and immediately showed off its high-powered offense. Quarterback John Mateer hit tight end Jaren Kanak
for a 31-yard gain on third down, and then found wide receiver Deion Burks for 21 yards soon after that. The Sooners got into the red zone and converted on a 4th-and-1, and then just two plays later, Mateer did a quick flip to Burks, who took it to the end zone for the score. Oklahoma 7, Michigan 0
Michigan took over, and after picking up one first down via a 19-yard pass from Bryce Underwood to Semaj Morgan, the Wolverines were forced to punt. Oklahoma took over at its own 6 yard line and picked up one explosive play to Burks for 34 yards, but was forced to punt after that.
After a Michigan punt, Mateer made the first big mistake of the night, throwing an interception right into the hands of TJ Metcalf.
End of Q1: Oklahoma 7, Michigan 0
Second Quarter
After punts from both teams, the Wolverines put together their best drive of the first half thanks in part to the drive being extended by a roughing the punter call on Oklahoma. However, kicker Dominic Zvada, who is usually money from any range, missed a 32-yard field goal to keep Michigan off the scoreboard.
With about three minutes left in the half, the Sooners drove right down the field. A personal foul on defensive tackle Trey Pierce gave the Sooners 15 free yards, and then Oklahoma dinked and dunked down the field to set up a two-yard rushing touchdown by Mateer. Oklahoma 14, Michigan 0
HALFTIME: Oklahoma 14, Michigan 0
Third Quarter
On the very first play of the second half, running back Justice Haynes took a handoff 75 yards to the house to cut the deficit in half. Oklahoma 14, Michigan 7
After a pitiful Michigan punt that landed at the Oklahoma 49 yard line, Mateer was able to get their offense back into the end zone in just five plays, with Mateer rushing it in from 10 yards out. Oklahoma 21, Michigan 7
Michigan had to punt yet again, but Oklahoma muffed the punt and Cole Sullivan recovered it for the Wolverines. The drive eventually stalled, and Zvada was able to convert a 42-yard field goal. Oklahoma 21, Michigan 10
After another Oklahoma punt, the Wolverines went on a quick drive that ended in another Zvada field goal. Oklahoma 21, Michigan 13
End of Q3: Oklahoma 21, Michigan 13
Fourth Quarter
Luckily for the Wolverines, an 11-play, 51-yard drive ended in a missed field goal attempt for the Sooners. However, Michigan ended up punting right back, and the Sooners took more than eight minutes off the clock and ended the drive with three points to make it a two-score lead. Oklahoma 24, Michigan 13
Final Score: Oklahoma 24, Michigan 13
Michigan Stat Leaders
- QB Bryce Underwood: 9-of-24 for 142 yards
- RB Justice Haynes: 19 carries for 125 yards and 1 TD
- WR Donaven McCulley: 3 catches for 91 yards
Oklahoma Stat Leaders
- QB John Mateer: 21-of-34 for 270 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 19 carries, 74 yards, 2 TDs
- WR Deion Burks: 7 catches for 101 yards and 1 TD
- TE Jaren Kanak: 5 catches for 69 yards
Michigan will return home next weekend to take on the Central Michigan Chippewas (Noon, Big Ten Network).
