Michigan might be college football’s greatest mystery through two weeks

Michigan might be college football’s greatest mystery through two weeks

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

Michigan might be college football’s greatest mystery through two weeks

The college football season has already seen its fair share of on-field controversy. That was, of course, highlighted by the ending of the Western Michigan and Michigan game in Week 1. Regardless of that ending, the Michigan Wolverines looked horrible.

They lost their Top-25 ranking accordingly. There was now no positive spin on head coach Kyle Whittingham’s debut or how embarrassing the performance truly was. Michigan’s next opponent was the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners.

Despite playing on the road, Oklahoma was a touchdown favorite in most game lines. All the money seemed to be on the Sooners to control the contest. However, another surprise happened Saturday.

MORE: Biggest college football storylines entering Week 2

In a tough battle in Ann Arbor, Michigan defeated Oklahoma 17-10. The Wolverines didn’t just win. Their defense dominated an Oklahoma offense that scored 51 points in its season opener the previous week.

Michigan football coach Kyle Whittingham watches a replay during his team's game against Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium in

Michigan football coach Kyle Whittingham watches a replay during his team’s game against Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Michigan Redemption?

John Mateer came crashing back down to earth. He completed just over 50 percent of his passes and threw a costly interception. Michigan’s offense wasn’t spectacular, but the Wolverines made the plays they needed when it mattered most.

So, is Michigan a bad team or, at worst, an average one? Its talented roster certainly makes a case for why the Wolverines entered the season ranked in the Top 25. However, games aren’t played on paper.

They are played on the field. Michigan struggled against its Week 1 opponent and then turned around and beat a College Football Playoff favorite in Week 2.

MORE: Steve Sarkisian sends strong message on Ryan Day, Ohio State before Texas clash

That makes this team difficult to figure out.

NCAA Football: Western Michigan at Michigan

Sep 5, 2026; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham walks off the field after Michigan beat Western Michigan on a Hail Mary touchdown pass with time expired at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Let’s take it a step further. Michigan quite literally needed a miracle and some questionable officiating to escape with a win in Week 1. Then, one week later, the Wolverines held Oklahoma to 10 points and handed the Sooners their first loss of the season.

Is Michigan back? No. Are the Wolverines as bad as they appeared to be after Week 1? Also no.

Michigan’s win over Oklahoma doesn’t erase the concerns from the season opener, but it does provide a much-needed reminder that this roster has legitimate talent. The Wolverines may not be a national championship contender, but they also aren’t the disaster Week 1 suggested.

For now, Michigan appears to be somewhere in the middle. And after Saturday, that’s a much more reasonable place to start.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos