Takeaways from Michigan’s underdog win over Oklahoma

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

Michigan improved to 2-0 on Saturday afternoon, beating Oklahoma 17-10.

Here are key takeaways from Michigan’s win.

Bryce Underwood’s legs power Michigan’s offense

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood was just 9-of-17 passing for 111 yards and was marginally better throwing the ball than he was in Week 1. However, he did some great things on the ground, including a 38-yard rushing touchdown to put Michigan up 7-0. In all, Underwood had 87 yards on the ground and the score. Underwood will have to improve passing. While Michigan should continue to lean on what he does best (running), that approach is bound to be stopped on a given week; the defense will give up more than 10 points, and Underwood’s arm will decide if Michigan loses. Today was a step in the right direction; he didn’t throw an interception despite a couple near picks. Even so, Michigan has a lot of tough games coming up this season (Penn State, Indiana, Oregon, Ohio State) and improvement is necessary through the air.

Inexcusable penalties

Michigan had 11 penalties for 90 yards, and many of these extended drives for Oklahoma. Jyaire Hill had a late hit, Dom Nichols ripped John Mateer’s helmet off, Shamari Earls had a facemask penalty. Eliminating penalties was a point of emphasis heading into this game, but the team failed to follow the message that head coach Kyle Whittingham had. Michigan’s lucky that all the yellow flags didn’t cost them the game — because they nearly did.

A great defensive effort

Michigan held Oklahoma to just 289 yards and 3-of-13 on third down. Defensive end John Henry Daley (eight tackles, one sack) was an absolute force and disrupted Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer’s timing, as was defensive end Dom Nichols (0.5 sacks). Linebackers such as Troy Bowles (nine tackles) and Nathaniel Staehling (seven tackles) played well, and safety Chris Bracy (six tackles) delivered hard hits throughout the game. It was a cohesive effort (besides the penalties).

Michigan gave up some big plays to tight end Rocky Beers (nine receptions for 94 yards) and there was also a blown coverage 22-yard score to Mackenzie Alleyne, but throughout 62 plays on the field it was the Michigan defense that was the superior unit on the field. Michigan allowed 12 points to Western Michigan last week and now just 10 to Oklahoma. They’re shaping up to be a top-10 defense in the nation, but taller tasks are ahead.

Michigan has an elite punter

UNLV transfer punter Cam Brown was a major difference-maker in Michigan’s win with five punts inside the 20 with a long of 51. Production from Hudson Hollenbeck was an issue for Michigan last season, and Brown appears to be reliable in pinning the opposition back.

What’s next for Michigan

Most people thought Michigan would get clobbered or lose to Oklahoma — neither happened. Tickets dropped from $200 to under $20 on game day because of the pessimism surrounding the team after their 13-12 Hail Mary win over Western Michigan. However, Michigan proved a lot of people wrong and beat a talented Oklahoma team, and remained undefeated. Michigan has a lot of work to do to become a playoff team — they aren’t there yet. What’s important is that Michigan’s biggest goals are still attainable, and maybe this win will give them the belief that they can beat every team on their schedule. The passing game and rushing attack must get better, penalties can’t continue to rack up. Scoring 17 points and still winning is far from a given. Bryce Underwood said the team has a lot to work on, and he’s right. If they keep that approach and attack getting better, this could ultimately be a good season.

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