Michigan’s trip to Norman ended with a costly setback, both on the field and in the rankings. Following a 24-13 loss to Oklahoma, the Wolverines slid from No. 18 to No. 23 in the latest AP Poll. The Sooners, meanwhile, jumped five spots to No. 13 after a performance that highlighted their defensive strength and balanced offense.
The Wolverines managed only 288 total yards, and their running game lacked rhythm throughout the night. Justice Haynes provided the lone spark with a 75-yard touchdown, but outside of that burst, Michigan’s ground attack faltered.
Excluding his long run, Haynes averaged just 2.29 yards per carry, with nine of his other 18 attempts going for two yards or fewer. Jordan Marshall added only 3.1 yards per attempt.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood, making his first road start, never settled into a rhythm. He completed nine of 24 passes, including a 44-yard strike to Donaven McCulley, but the offense repeatedly stalled.
“Like last year’s home game with Texas, this was the litmus test, and the Wolverines failed badly,” The Wolverine’s Chris Balas observed.
He noted that Oklahoma’s two turnovers allowed Michigan to linger in the contest longer than the play suggested.
On the other side, Sooners quarterback John Mateer stole the spotlight with 344 yards and three touchdowns. Despite questions about Oklahoma’s offensive line entering the game, the unit controlled the trenches against a Michigan front that struggled with rotation issues and injuries.
Michigan now prepares for its final nonconference game against Central Michigan before heading to Nebraska on Sept. 20.