It's a big showdown at The Big House with Oklahoma making the return trip to Ann Arbor after Michigan football traveled to Norman last year. However, it's not exactly a one-to-one reprise of last year's matchup, given that the Sherrone Moore-led coaching staff is gone, and Kyle Whittingham has taken over the Wolverines program.
As Sooners head coach Brent Venables prepares to head north to Michigan, he shared some thoughts about what the maize and blue present, noting the experience, the new coaching staff, how good the Wolverines tend to be at home, and even quarterback Bryce Underwood.
"Going to be a great, great challenge," Venables said. "Largest stadium in college football, a place that they've been incredibly successful there at home. Very
experienced football team, 62 lettermen coming back. 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 another time. One of the most historic programs in college football history, much like Oklahoma.
"And Coach Whittingham, the staff that he's assembled is a championship pedigree staff. Jay Hill, their defensive coordinator, fantastic resume, really, really excellent coach. And Jason Beck, I mean, what he's done in a very short amount of time and the places that he's done it is really pretty remarkable. The success that he's had, the balance that he's had, the quarterback development. Got tremendous respect for their entire staff and certainly him.
"And Bryce, as I said last night on my coach's show, is one of the most talented players at any position in all of college football. All of his best days are still in front of him. Won nine games as a starting quarterback as a true freshman, a tremendous feat in itself.
"And we've got a great, great challenge, like I said, in all three phases."
Underwood hasn't exactly been getting rave reviews as of late. He struggled in the home opener against Western Michigan, which, coming off the abysmal spring game and some ups and downs a year ago, has created a lot of questions about his viability at the position.
Venables says that he still sees a lot of positives in Underwood's game, noting that there are quite a few moments where he's looked every bit as advertised. And that's who he's preparing for.
"As somebody that follows college football, you've certainly been watching Bryce and his development," Venables said. "He is in a completely different system this year than what he was a year ago. But I don't ever look at it as a life of its own; I'll be very honest. And what we've got to do to defend him in this new system with this new group of players this weekend.
"So I don't know if, other than just some familiarity with the talent, and this guy can run it, he can throw it, he's decisive in making decisions, and he's a rhythmatic player. He's really good that way. You saw that in that first drive, 75-yard drive. They go right down the field. He was an executioner. He was fantastic. And you've seen that.
"So always look at what a guy's capable of, what's his ceiling, what have they shown you when they're at their best. And he's fantastic. So we've got a lot of work to do to get ready for him here this week. But he's got a great group of players that surrounds him, and helps him be successful as well."
Of course, Underwood and the rest of the Wolverines struggled mightily in the season opener against Western Michigan. It took two Hail Mary attempts (amid a bit of controversy) to take down the Broncos. But Venables isn't looking at it that way.
He noted how good WMU has tended to be, but also just how Michigan stayed together and strove to the end to win the football game.
"It says a lot about a team to find a way to win when maybe everything didn't go your way," Venables said. "And let's not forget: that's a MAC champion, a very experienced 10-win football team that's got tremendous pride that put a lot into the game as well, and come down to the last play of the game.
"So to not play your best when it comes to turnover margin, maybe rushing, time of possession, the things that from a stat sheet didn't go in your favor and still overcome and have a chance to win. Says a lot about what they have in the locker room. "
Ultimately, Venables is expecting a fight -- not as much the representation the Wolverines put out onto the field for most of the Week 1 near loss.
"However Michigan played last week, we're going to bring out the best in Michigan, I can promise you," Venables said. "It's a talented football team that's got tremendous pride and, again, a great staff that will have these guys prepared. Their O-line coach is one of the best in college football. And so it needs to bring out the best in our guys."
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Brent Venables makes strong statement about Michigan, Bryce Underwood
