The Michigan Wolverines started the 2026 college football season with one of the most controversial wins in recent history. Still, the Wolverines have earned the respect of their opponent this weekend, the Oklahoma Sooners.
The Wolverines played the Western Michigan Broncos at home to start the year. They were down 12-7 and threw a Hail Mary out of the back of the end zone as time expired, or so we thought. Instead, after a review, one second was added to the clock. This time, quarterback Bryce Underwood found JJ Buchanan for a touchdown to win the game, 13-12.
Despite that narrow win, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables said Michigan has the Sooners' respect.
"Very experienced football team, 62 lettermen coming back," Venables said."One of the
best rosters in all of college football. They've won 32 of their last 35 home games and lost to the No. 1 team twice and the No. 3 team one other time."
The Sooners also have to account for what happened when these teams met last season. Oklahoma defeated Michigan 24-13 in Norman, but the Wolverines now have home-field advantage and another opportunity to prove they are better than they looked in Week 1.
Oklahoma's 51-0 win over the University of Texas at El Paso Miners creates an obvious contrast between the two teams' opening weekends, but Venables understands that Saturday will be a completely different challenge. Michigan has the roster and home-field history to make the Sooners work for every possession.
That is ultimately why Venables' comments matter. Oklahoma could easily look at Michigan's shaky opener and assume the Wolverines are vulnerable, but the Sooners' head coach is making sure his team does not fall into that trap. If Michigan can play closer to its potential in Ann Arbor, Oklahoma will have to prove its Week 1 dominance can translate against a much more talented opponent.
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This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Michigan has Oklahoma's full respect despite narrow Week 1 win
