For the first time in Michigan's long-storied history they will embark on a journey to the heartland of America. It's a primetime litmus test to see where this group stands and how far the Wolverines can go in 2025.
Recent history shows that Michigan football can withstand the Sooner onslaught and leave Norman with a statement victory to set the tone for the rest of the season. Here's why the maize and blue will beat Oklahoma in a sea of red.
1. Brent Venables chokes in big games
Dating back to 2023, Venables is 1-6 against ranked teams. The lone victory came against the same club that Michigan football upset in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The pressure is on Venables to win this one because Oklahoma's schedule only gets tougher, and Sooner Nation will be yelling at the top of their lungs for Joe Castiglione to offer Sherrone Moore a blank check to come home.
2. Michigan's coordinators have a better coaching reputation then Oklahoma's
Ben Arbuckle is being treated as the savior of Oklahoma's offense, but has never met an opposing coach like Wink Martindale in his career. While at Washington State Arbuckle was winless in his last four contests against ranked squads as the offensive coordinator for the Cougars. His quarterback, Cam Ward put up gaudy numbers, but to Arbuckle's credit, he didn't have the resources like he does now at Oklahoma.
At North Carolina, Chip Lindsey averaged 30 per game in 2024, compared to the 30 that the Sooners defense allowed in the seven losses. Lindsey's offense was held under 20 just twice last year. Arbuckle lost his last four overall meetings before leaving the Palouse state for the SEC.
3. Michigan carries a slight special teams edge at kicker
This is the type of game that should come down to the wire. Tate Mandell is Oklahoma's kicker and has made a career-high of 54 yards, but is only 40% from 50 or more. He also missed a 48 yard field goal in the Memphis win for UTSA last season. Dominic Zvada is more reliable in clutch situations and that could be the deciding factor in a close encounter.