The matchup of the weekend for Week 2 of College Football is down in Norman, Oklahoma as we have an early Big Ten vs. SEC battle. Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners take on freshman phenom Bryce Underwood and the Michigan Wolverines. Both teams start new quarterbacks this season, and both came out on top in their Week 1 contests against cupcake opponents, and now face a true test in their second matchup. While Michigan is led by a true freshman, Oklahoma brings in John Mateer who spend his last three season at Washington State, throwing for 3,100 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. Let’s get into our favorite picks for game of the week!
Editor’s Note: I ended up not taking this bet to the counter, but feel free to read my analysis below and decide for yourself. However, I have found a player prop in this matchup, click here to check it out.
Check out the latest odds at the best online sportsbooks.
#15 Michigan Wolverines vs. #18 Oklahoma Sooners NCAA Football Insights
Bryce Underwood showed out in his first start for the Wolverines
As I said, both won easily in Week 1. The Michigan Wolverines beat the New Mexico Lobos 34-17. They jumped out to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter and led 24-10 at halftime. The Lobos battled in the second half while Michigan focused on running the clock, resulting in the final score. Bryce Underwood had 21 completions for 251 yards and a touchdown, while the Wolverines running backs went to work.
Justice Haynes had 16 carries for 159 yards and three touchdowns, including a 56 yard touchdown run on the opening drive. But can they keep that up against the Sooners defense?
Oklahoma and John Mateer put up 35 points in their routing of Illinois State, as the defense only gave up a field goal on 151 total yards of offense from the Redbirds. Mateer was 30/37 passing with 392 yards and three touchdowns, but he had an interception as well. He added 24 rushing yards and a TD on the ground as well, and a committee of running backs got the Sooner’s ground game off an running. But will they have success at home against this Big Ten defense?
Matchup Information – Michigan vs. Oklahoma – September 6
- Venue & Location: Memorial Stadium (Norman, OK)
- Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
- Kick Off: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: ABC
Michigan vs. Oklahoma Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of September 6, 2025 at 9:11 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code FREE250 for a 50% deposit bonus up to $250 as well as 100 Free Spins at the online casino.
Spread
- Michigan +5 (-110)
- Oklahoma -5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Michigan +180
- Oklahoma -210
Total
- Over 44 (-105)
- Under 44 (-115)
The storyline around this game revolves around Senior Michigan LB, Jaishawn Barham, who will miss the first half of this contest after picking up a “controversial” targeting penalty against the Lobos. He is a big part of this Wolverine’s defense, was second on the team in tackles last season, and his presence will be missed.
But can the Sooners open things up early and build a sustainable lead without him on the field? They had no problem moving the ball against Illinois State, but obviously Michigan is much tougher on that side of the football.
#15 Michigan vs. #18 Oklahoma NCAA Football Picks and Predictions
John Mateer had nearly 400 passing yards against Illinois State last week
Michigan vs. Oklahoma Prediction: Oklahoma Wins & Covers, Under 46
Best Bet: Oklahoma 1H -3 (-113) BetOnline
In the spirit of full transparency, I’m not sure I will book this. I certainly would be scared off of the hook if any book is still laying it for the first two quarters, and would maybe try to wait and see if you can snag a -2.5 prior to Saturday evening’s kick. My two wonderful co-hosts on The Ole College Try, Colby Marchio and Kate Constable, who are both smarter than I talked me onto this play during our show.
I do not want to back the Sooners for the full game, especially with the Wolverine’s stud linebacker coming back for the second half. The Sooners know this and will be aggressive offensively early, trying to build a substantial lead by halftime. This Oklahoma Sooners defense was perhaps a bit overlooked last season, but they will certainly help Mateer navigate the SEC this year.
Oklahoma is getting a gift by Barham sitting the first two quarters, and I’m sure Venables tries to take advantage early. Neither team is looking ahead to a big matchup next week, so the full focus should be on this weekend’s contest. The Sooners jumped out to a 21-0 lead before halftime against Illinois State, and even against the Michigan defense, I see them covering this first half.
As you can see, I lean with the under overall in this contest, and I certainly think that results in a low scoring first half. Look for both offenses to come out a little flat in this first big matchup against a reputable defense, but without Barham, the Sooners should put up enough points to lead at halftime. Make sure you snag the whole number and get that push potential, or wait like me and hope we can find a -2.5 closer to kick off.
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