The Wolverines managed just seven points and 229 total yards before the controversial, game-ending Hail Mary. A week is not enough time to fix all of their issues before facing a fast and aggressive Oklahoma defense. Meanwhile the Sooners have had to do some shuffling on the offensive line with left tackle Michael Fasusi reportedly out. They won't have things easy against a Michigan defense that played well last week. This game feels like 22-9.
This line moved dramatically toward the Sooners after Michigan's poor offensive showing and controversial win over Western Michigan last week. But the number has since reverted a bit. I expect the Wolverines to play better on Saturday, but this nasty Oklahoma defense is the wrong team to get well against. I still don't know how Michigan scores; the Sooners limited the Wolverines to 13 points last season. Michigan's defense played well last week and has a chance to slow John Mateer & Co., but at some point the dam will break.
Overreaction to Week 1 results is a common malady among bettors. Still, Michigan’s all-but-invisible offense against Western Michigan can't be dismissed. Forget the infamous wait-a-second finish. The Wolverines were thoroughly outplayed for the first 59:59 while QB Bryce Underwood removed himself from Heisman Trophy consideration before Labor Day. Oklahoma wielded the No. 3 rush defense in the land last year. If Michigan’s pass game does not reawaken, relying on the run might be fool’s gold. The Sooners cake-walked over UTEP 51-0, showing little in the process. Injuries to the O-line are mildly concerning, but UM must score some to stay within the spread.
I have little confidence in Michigan's ability to move the ball against this Oklahoma defense, but I'm not exactly confident the Sooners will be all that successful on offense, either. It almost feels too obvious, but sometimes the obvious is obvious for good reason.
OK, while Michigan absolutely didn't deserve Saturday's win, and it might take me until 2028 to get over that, this is a massive overreaction number for Week 2. Why, because Oklahoma pounded UTEP? Nuh-huh. I'd favor UM at home (if slightly) and fully expect this to come down all week. That's why taking it now. Honestly thought it was a mistake by FanDuel but I'm staring at the number.
