Michigan Football stuns No. 11 Oklahoma to remain unbeaten, silence doubters
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The Michigan Wolverines stunned the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners 17-10 at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. It was a much-needed statement win for Kyle Whittingham’s team, improving to 2-0 and silencing doubters around the nation.
Here’s the recap, highlights and stats.
First quarter
Both teams picked up multiple first downs on their opening possessions, but neither were able to find the end zone. Oklahoma’s drive came to a halt with Michigan edge rusher John Henry Daley’s sack on third down to force a punt.
The Wolverines got the ball into Oklahoma territory as wide receiver Andrew Marsh took a handoff 15 yards, followed by quarterback Bryce Underwood connecting with wide receiver JJ Buchanan for 12 yards and another first down.
It appeared Michigan was inching closer to the red zone as running back Savion Hiter sprinted into the second level of the defense, but the run was called back due to holding by Jake Guarena. The Wolverines punted three players later.
Michigan’s defense continued to dominate on Oklahoma’s ensuing possession as linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng came up with a tackle for loss. Henry Daley recorded a tackle for loss as well — forcing the Sooners to punt again.
On the following drive, the Wolverines got going offensively. Underwood found Buchanan for a 36-yard catch on third down to get to midfield. Just moments later, Underwood took off for a 38-yard touchdown run to take an early lead.
In all, Michigan went on a 6-play, 91-yard drive to seize a 7-0 lead with 47 seconds to go in the first quarter.
End of 1Q: Michigan 7, Oklahoma 0
Second quarter
In the early stages of the second quarter, Michigan’s momentum continued as safety Chris Bracy forced a fumble that was recovered by linebacker Troy Bowles. However, the Wolverines couldn’t take advantage on the offensive side.
Despite not being able to extend the lead, Michigan punter Cam Brown was able to pin Oklahoma inside the 1-yard line. On the ensuing third down, defensive tackle Enow Etta forced an errant throw that led to another Oklahoma punt.
The Wolverines took advantage of the field position with an 11-play drive. Underwood weaved through the defense for a 7-yard gain to get into the red zone, and kicker Trey Butkowski hit a 40-yard field goal to go up 10-0 with 2:28 left.
Oklahoma had one more opportunity to score before halftime, but the Wolverines’ defense stepped up once again. Michigan edge rusher Nate Marshall shot into the backfield for a tackle for loss — taking a 10-0 lead into the locker room.
HALFTIME: Michigan 10, Oklahoma 0
Third quarter
Oklahoma marched down the field on the opening drive of the second half — going on an eight-play, 90-yard drive in five minutes to trim the deficit to 10-7. Quarterback John Mateer hit wide receiver Mackenzie Alleyne for a 22-yard touchdown.
Michigan was hoping to respond with a scoring drive of its own, and it looked promising as Underwood picked up multiple first downs on the ground. However, the possession eventually stalled as the Sooners came up with a sack.
The Wolverines pinned Oklahoma inside the one yard line again as Brown booted another great punt, but cornerback Jyaire Hill picked up a personal foul just moments later. On the next play, Mateer found tight end Rocky Beers for a 43-yard gain.
It was a pivotal penalty that gave Oklahoma a fresh set of downs, opposed to facing a third down at its own goal line. Michigan took a 10-7 edge into the fourth quarter, but the Sooners seized momentum as they looked to take the lead.
End of 3Q: Michigan 10, Oklahoma 7
Fourth quarter
The Wolverines shot themselves in the foot with a pair of frustrating penalties, but found a way to keep the Sooners out of the end zone and force a field goal. Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell hit a game-tying field goal with 11:49 to go.
There was no doubt that momentum was on Oklahoma’s side, until Hill came up with a game-changing interception. Hill picked off Mateer and returned it to the six yard line to put the Wolverines on the doorstep of regaining the lead.
Just two plays later, Michigan running back Jordan Marshall powered in a one-yard touchdown run to give the Wolverines a 17-10 lead with just 7:53 remaining. In a game full of swings, momentum was fully on Michigan’s side once again.
Oklahoma had a pair of potential game-tying drives in the final minutes, but Michigan’s defense just wasn’t having it. The Wolverines slammed the door shut as Marshall sacked Mateer on the last snap to secure a season-altering win.
FINAL SCORE: Michigan 17, Oklahoma 10
Michigan stat leaders
- QB Bryce Underwood: 9-for-17, 111 passing yards; 87 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
- RB Jordan Marshall: 11 carries, 32 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
- WR JJ Buchanan: 2 catches, 48 receiving yards
- DE John Henry Daley: 8 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack
- LB Troy Bowles: 9 tackles
- DB Jyaire Hill: 5 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass breakup
- DB Chris Bracy: 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- DE Nate Marshall: 2 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Oklahoma stat leaders
- QB John Mateer: 17-for-33, 189 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception; 45 rushing yards
- TE Rocky Beers: 6 catches, 94 receiving yards,
- DL Taylor Wein: 6 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble
- LB Owen Heinecke: 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack
- DB Peyton Bowen: 6 tackles, 1 pass breakup
Up next
Michigan will look to remain unbeaten, welcoming in UTEP in the non-conference finale on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
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