Jaishawn Barham still makes an impact
It's still hard to believe that Jaishawn Barham won't be able to play during the first half of Michigan's game against Oklahoma on Saturday.
Barham is one of the Michigan's most impactful defenders. The good news for the Wolverines is that Cole Sullivan should be able to fill in just fine. He flashed some playmaking ability of his own last week with an interception, and a sack.
However, Barham should be motivated when he gets in the game. It's only a half, but the elite linebacker, who can cover and rush the passer, will make at least one impact play during the second half of the game.
Whether it's a sack, a forced fumble, tackle for loss, whatever -- Barham wil make his presence felt.
Michigan football vs. Oklahoma prediction against the spread
Even before the season, I predicted Michigan to win this game. I'm reminded of the many early-season road trips Michigan has made over the years, and not many have gone that well.
There was the win over Notre Dame in 2006, or the victory over Florida in 2017. Yet, the Wolverines have dropped plenty of these games. That is another era, though.
Michigan beat Ohio State last season with 65 passing yards and two interceptions. Michigan also beat Alabama without a passing attack. If the defense can play like it did last season, and if Michigan can run the ball, it shouldn't even need that much from Bryce Underwood.
Whether the defense can play at that level remains to be seen. Many on the field Saturday, including all the defensive linemen, plus a few transfer additions, were on the field against Alabama.
So, along with an elite performance from Wink's defense, a solid outing on the ground, and another solid day from Underwood, with either one or zero turnovers, Michigan wins outright.
Michigan 20, Oklahoma 16