John Mateer didn't look like a quarterback of the No. 11 team in the country with some of the decision she made against Michigan on Saturday. However, the Wolverines never made things easy for the Oklahoma quarterback, and he couldn't even give them that credit.
It was certainly a game of defense in the 17-10 win Michigan had over Oklahoma, but the Wolverines were able to hold things down pretty well over Mateer, only allowing one touchdown on the day. Let's face it, though, that touchdown drive was aided by two personal-foul penalties that gave the Sooners 30 free yards.
After the game, Mateer spoke about his play, and while he didn't play the best game of his career, Michigan's defense deserves a lot of credit for his 17-for-33, one touchdown, and one interception performance. Apparently, Mateer believes it was all on him.
"I miss a lot of throws I normally don't miss," Mateer said.
John Mateer: “I missed a lot of throws I normally don’t miss.” #Sooners pic.twitter.com/KyfVd8vD2J
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) September 12, 2026
Michigan's defense never let up against the Oklahoma Sooners
In two games of the season now, Michigan's defense has been the shining light, coming up big in crucial moments. Even when players like Jyaire Hill and Dom Nichols committed tough penalties that aided the Sooners on their touchdown drive, when it mattered most, the defense stepped up, like Hill with his interception that set up Michigan's go-ahead touchdown.
Going head-to-head with the elite Oklahoma defense, Michigan held its own, finishing with 60 total tackles, three sacks, eight tackles for a loss, one pass defended, and the one crucial turnover. Winning the turnover battle was the difference in the game for Michigan, and Mateer isn't even giving the credit for it.
One of the biggest highlights of Michigan's defensive performance was the emergence of John Henry Daley, the Utah transfer who came with a lot of hype. Coming back from an Achilles tear, Daley was very quiet in the Western Michigan win, but came alive against the Sooners.
Daley had the second-most tackles with eight total tackles, four solo tackles, one sack, and three tackles for a loss. As one of the leaders on this defense, it was great to see his impact on the game, constantly giving Mateer trouble.
So, sure, Mateer missed a lot of throws he may typically make, but let's face it, the Michigan defense caused him to be uncomfortable all day, both throwing and even running the ball. It seems like it might be back to the drawing board for Oklahoma, while Michigan has cruised to 2-0.
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