I think Michigan will Win - Game #2 Oklahoma

Because at halftime John Mateer looks really banged-up.

 

 

Mateer underperforms

OU quarterback John Mateer failed to rise to the big stage in Ann Arbor, leading OU to its first scoreless first half since the Sooners’ loss to Texas in 2022.

Mateer opened the game with only 52 passing yards on a 44% completion rate and 21 rushing yards on seven carries in the first half. 

Link

Last year Mateer pretty much won the game for Oklahoma.  He is a lot like the gritty comdpetitive leader of a quarterback for Western Michigan. This year he was very good again in the first half running; it was not his fault Michigan had these two defensive ends and a guy in the middle closing in on him.  He is asked to carry the team, every game, and that is a lot to ask.  The Oklahoma fans are merciless.  Give the guy a break.

Reminds me a little of Bryce Underwood too.  Give him a break.

Underwood was really good in this one, with his running, passing a very few times, and game management, especially no turnovers.

And that indeed is the real story:  management.  I am very impressed with Kyle Whittingham.

Give him credit, Brian at Mgoblog hinted at it in a rambling way.  No weird stuff, just get the best out of what you have rationally and calmly.  I'd go much further and be more blunt in that Whittingham turned a real downer in the week before against Western Michigan into a solid team.  The defense, I don't know where it came from is excellent from front to back and stars are emerging.  That is what is unique about college football--you never know.

Just to name a few, Trey Pierce, Dom Nichols, Troy Bowles (I would include Zeke Berry) emerged from Michigan and the transfers like Daley, Snowden, Bracy, and Staehling fit right in.  Defensive coordinator Jay Hill is looking very good right now.

Whittingham has shown he is the man in charge.  He is blunt yet personable at the same time; not folksy or cute, knowledgeable and confident, and very sharp and attentive, all without the demonstrative ego and power complex of most coaches.  So far he has not erred.  It began a little weird--rhino was a 5,000 pound flop--but the staff has been very good at improving players and developing camaraderie.

Maybe the word is genuine.  Whittingham is doing a great job.