Kyle Whittingham doesn't sound like a coach confident in Michigan beating Oklahoma

Michigan head coach Kyle Wittingham rightfully gave Oklahoma its flowers for their Week 1 performance, and it makes it sound like he isn't too confident in his own team.

Michigan's Week 1 matchup against Western Michigan was to be Kyle Whittingham's big debut, showing everyone the improvements he has made to this team. Instead, the Wolverines needed a miracle to beat a MAC team, and now they have to face No. 10 Oklahoma, and the Sooners looked good in their Week 1 performance.

Both Michigan and Oklahoma opened the season against their respective "cupcake" teams. The Sooners took care of business, completing a shutout win over UTEP, while it took a miracle review to give the Wolverines one last play to complete the Hail Mary.

There might have been confidence heading into the season for Michigan, but after that performance against Western Michigan, there is now just confusion and dread. The Wolverines are set to play one of the toughest schedules this season, with Oklahoma being the first big test, and Whittingham doesn't sound like someone who is confident that Michigan can take down a talented Oklahoma team.

Whittingham said that while he has been focused on his guys and getting them prepared for the Sooners, he knows this Oklahoma team is very talented from top to bottom, stating, "They are very talented in all three phases, and we've got our work cut out for us."

Michigan will have to look like a totally different team to have any hope of taking down Oklahoma

Michigan's performance in Week 1 is not make-or-break for them this season. They walked out with the win, which ultimately is what matters most when it comes to a resume and making the College Football Playoff. Plus, with the number of ranked opponents Michigan faces this season, they have plenty of opportunities to make a statement for the committee.

That first opportunity comes this weekend against Oklahoma, but after how the Wolverines, mainly the offense, looked vs. the Broncos, confidence levels have taken a nosedive. Bryce Underwood somehow looked like he regressed from last season, the run game couldn't fully get going, and the receivers, besides JJ Buchanan, never got the chance to show off their improvement either.

While Underwood wasn't the only player to struggle against Western Michigan, his struggles affect everyone else. When he can't throw the ball well, the receivers can't do their jobs. When he can't read the defense, the offensive line has to work harder to keep pass rushes at bay. When the passing game is nonexistent, it makes it easier for the defense to slow down the run game.

All roads lead back to Underwood, so if Michigan has any chance of beating the Sooners, Underwood has to look like a totally different player on Saturday. He has to look like the quarterback that took the field for the first drive. The one who kept his footwork clean, was patient in the pocket, knew when to tuck the ball and run, and took care of the football.

That Underwood looked composed and like he could successfully lead this Michigan offense. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck has to find a way to make the right play calls to keep Underwood calm, cool, and collected on offense.

Whether that's throwing in more designed runs for Underwood to keep him comfortable and the chains moving, or even just short, quick passes that allow the receivers and tight ends to work. Anything to keep the ball moving forward.

Oklahoma will be a lot tougher than Western Michigan, and Whittingham is clearly aware of that. So a different Michigan team better come out in The Big House on Saturday, or the hope of the Wolverines having success this season could take a serious hit.

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