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Gut reactions as Michigan football is humbled by Oklahoma

Frustrating is the best way to describe the performance of Michigan football on Saturday night against Oklahoma.
ByChris Peterson|
Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore is pictured before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooner and the University of Michigan Wolverines at the Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.
Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore is pictured before the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooner and the University of Michigan Wolverines at the Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The bubble burst for Michigan football fans on Saturday night as the Wolverines were overwhelmed by Oklahoma in a 24-13 loss that wasn't as close as the final score indicated.

Michigan never truly threatened in the second half. The Wolverines never had the ball in scoring position with a chance to tie the game.

Every time Michigan football got close, it decided to hand off a few times and punt, or so it seemed. Fans are asking if Kirk Campbell is still the offensive coordinator, because the gameplan lacked imagination.

What made that even worse is that the Wolverines were bullied up front. Michigan ran for 146 yards compared to 138 for Oklahoma, but a good chunk of that came on the 75-yard touchdown by Justice Haynes to open the second half.

Outside of that, Michigan didn't sustain much offense or much of a push on the offensive line. Outside of that run, the backs got 78 yards on 27 carries (2.8 average). Bryce Underwood was under pressure constantly in the second half and finished 9 of 24 for 147 yards.

Donaven McCulley caught a 44-yard pass to set up a field goal. Channing Goodwin had a 25-yard reception, which was a positive sign, but the offense passed for 142 yards. U-M had just 288 total compared to 408 for Oklahoma.

There were always going to be growing pains. The offensive line didn't do him any favors. Neither did Chip Lindsey, who was too predictable most of the night, at least that's how it seemed.

Michigan was outplayed and out-coached. It was ugly and this team doesn't deserve to be ranked. However, the season isn't over. It is clear, though that this Michigan football team needs to get a lot better.

Gut reactions

  • Brent Venables flustered Bryce Underwood. But growing pains should be expected. Don't overreact to this week or last week. Development isn't linear.
  • The offensive line was disappointing.
  • The defensive line was even more disappointing. The pass rush was non-existent. Pressure had to be manufactured.
  • The offense was way too conservative. Bryce also has to run more.
  • The 408 yards allowed was most concerning. Michigan's pass defense is a problem.
  • The sky isn't falling. Lots of season left.
  • Nebraska just became even more important.
  • Go Blue
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