Before the season began. Michigan was the favorite in its matchup against Oklahoma, and now, after a horrendous showing against Western Michigan, the oddsmakers aren't loving the Wolverines as much as the Sooners.
Michigan was anywhere from a 2.5-to-1.5-point favorite over Oklahoma before kickoffs in Week 1, but now, after narrowly, and I mean literally by the skin of their teeth, getting by Western Michigan, they have fallen to 4.5-point underdogs to the Sooners.
Fans have lost faith in this team, as reflected by dropping ticket prices, and it seems so have oddsmakers, with Oklahoma now favored by over a field goal. Michigan will need to bring everything it has to take down the Sooners and show everyone they aren't the team that showed up against Western Michigan.
The line has moved more in favor of Michigan since the end of the Western Michigan game, but not enough to give the Wolverines the edge.
Finals odds for No. 11 Oklahoma vs. Michigan in Week 2
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- No. 11 Oklahoma: -4.5 (-110)
- Michigan: +4.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- No. 11 Oklahoma: -205
- Michigan: +172
Total
- O/U: 43.4 (-110/-110)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Michigan's run game could be the fix the offense desperately needs
Michigan has an insane running back room with vet Jordan Marshall and five-star freshman Savion Hiter. Then you add on top that quarterback Bryce Underwood is very talented when running the ball as well. So, if this offense is going to get back on track, the run game has to be the answer.
In Week 1, the run game was not a big threat, so Western Michigan could sit back and cover every read Underwood had. If the run game isn't a threat, it is going to be a long day for Underwood trying to throw the ball. Marshal proved last season he can handle the running duties, but now with Hiter, this can be a very strong duo to keep defenses on their feet.
If the run game gets going against Oklahoma, it will force the defense to respect it, opening up more passing lanes for Underwood. Now, I am not saying Underwood needs to be airing it out on every play, but if offensive coordinator Jason Beck can call some easy short passes, it could put Oklahoma on its heels, figuring out how to cover both.
Hiter has a lot of great hype coming out of fall camp, but he wasn't used very much in Week 1. Supposedly, Hiter is ready for the workload Michigan wants to give him this season, but he can't prove he is if he doesn't get the ball. Having a strong duo in the backfield with Marshall and Hiter will make it even harder to stop the run game.
The offense needs a better showing against Oklahoma, even if Michigan doesn't win. The Wolverines need to show they have improved offensively from last season, and even a strong showing in a loss could help quell the worries around Michigan.
I hate to say it, but I don't see Michigan getting the win this week, but I do predict that the Wolverines will show improvement, hopefully getting everything back on track for the rest of the season.
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