GAME 2 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS
Final Score: 17-10, Michigan by 7 over Oklahoma
SP+ Projection: Oklahoma by 7.0 (+14.0)
CD Projection: Oklahoma by 6 (+13)
FIVE FACTORS
GAME 2 RECAP vs. Oklahoma
The Michigan offense is still sputtering, but we saw a commitment to the QB run game that has been absent since the days of Shoelace. Bryce Underwood’s 38-yard touchdown run was the most explosive play for the Wolverines in a game pitting two great defenses against one another. Michigan’s 28% success rate is not good enough to win most games, but this team has proven they can find a path to victory even in the darkest hours. I was especially encouraged to see Jason Beck find ways to get Andrew Marsh the ball, as well as integrating Savion Hiter into the pass game. This offense will continue to improve game after game.
The Michigan defense is start of the show for the 2nd consecutive week. Holding Oklahoma’s offense to 10 points, and 35% success rate is a huge accomplishment. John Mateer created all kinds of trouble for the Wolverines last season, and this coaching staff learned some valuable lessons from that film. Most critically, Jay Hill’s defense was able to create 2 huge turnovers: 1 fumble recovery on the Sooners’ only first half scoring opportunity and a clutch fourth quarter interception by Jayaire Hill to set up the winning touchdown.
This was another absolutely solid performance for the kicking game. Trey Butkowski made his only FG attempt, and both extra points. Cam Brown pinned Oklahoma inside the 1-yard line twice! In the return game, Bryson Kudzal had one return that would have been better left a touchback. Also, Andrew Marsh was tentative on a first half punt that bounced, and then did not fair catch a critical fourth quarter punt that ended up downed at the 1-yard line also. If the return game can match the kicking game, the Wolverines will continue to set up their offense and defense with a field position advantage.
This will make for a fascinating week in the media. Bryce still showed a few struggles, but also showed what he can add to the offense with his legs. The biggest take away must be that penalties and alignment issues must be cleaned up before Big Ten play starts. At the end of this day, Michigan is 2-0 and likely to climb back up into the middle of the top 25 as they head into Week 3. GO BLUE!
