Michigan Has More Problems Than a Clock Controversy Ahead of Oklahoma
Bharatmorning.com – Michigan has more problems than a clock controversy as No. 11 Oklahoma heads to the Big House. The Wolverines survived Western Michigan 13-12, but the disputed final seconds overshadowed a performance marked by uneven offense, defensive lapses, special-teams mistakes and costly penalties.
The finish against Western Michigan drew attention after a contested second remained on the clock, giving quarterback Bryce Underwood another chance to throw a Hail Mary. His 47-yard touchdown pass delivered the victory, but it also masked how close Michigan came to losing to a Mid-American Conference opponent.
Oklahoma linebacker Cole Sullivan, who transferred from Michigan after last season, summed up the unusual ending simply.
“That was a crazy game,” Sullivan said.
Michigan has fallen out of the Top 25 and now faces a major test against the Sooners, who arrive as 6 1/2-point favorites. The matchup will reveal whether the Wolverines can quickly correct the issues exposed in their opener.
Underwood Needs More Consistency
Underwood began the Western Michigan game with energy, helping Michigan score a touchdown on its opening possession. The sophomore quarterback, the nation’s top recruit, showed both passing and running ability early before the offense lost its rhythm.
Outside of the decisive touchdown throw, Underwood struggled for much of the night. He will need to make sharper decisions and deliver more accurate passes if Oklahoma slows Michigan’s rushing attack and forces the Wolverines into obvious passing situations.
“I just feel like we’ve got to come out and dominate and be aggressive — how we were the first drive — every single play,” Underwood said. “We can’t get down, our energy can’t get down.”
Coach Kyle Whittingham said earlier in the week that Underwood needs to improve to remain firmly established as Michigan’s starter. Tommy Carr is the backup quarterback; his brother, CJ Carr, plays quarterback at Notre Dame, and Tommy Carr’s grandfathers are members of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Michigan Must Fix Problems Across Every Phase
Michigan has more problems than one difficult outing from its quarterback. Western Michigan controlled lengthy stretches after halftime, including a 20-play touchdown drive that consumed nearly an entire quarter. During that period, the Broncos possessed the ball for more than twice as long as the Wolverines.
Those extended drives limited Michigan’s offensive opportunities and made it harder to recover momentum. Oklahoma is unlikely to offer much margin for defensive breakdowns, especially if the Wolverines cannot get off the field on third down.
Special teams and discipline also hurt Michigan. Andrew Marsh fumbled on a punt return, while the Wolverines committed nine penalties for 80 yards. Against a ranked opponent, avoidable turnovers and flags can quickly change the direction of a game.
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables has prepared for Michigan as a significant opponent despite the Wolverines’ shaky opener. For Michigan, the priority is clear: play with the aggression shown on the opening drive against Western Michigan and sustain it throughout the game.
Michigan vs. Oklahoma FAQ
Why is the Michigan-Oklahoma game important?
The game gives Michigan an immediate opportunity to respond after a narrow win over Western Michigan. Oklahoma is ranked No. 11 and enters Ann Arbor as a 6 1/2-point favorite.
What does Michigan need to improve?
Michigan needs more consistent quarterback play, fewer penalties, cleaner special teams and a defense that can prevent long, possession-draining drives.
What was the clock controversy against Western Michigan?
A disputed second remained on the clock late in the game, allowing Bryce Underwood to throw a 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown that secured Michigan’s 13-12 win.
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