Michigan Falls: Haynes Shines, Underwood Struggles

Michigan vs Oklahoma ended in disappointment as the Wolverines fell short despite a breakout performance from Justice Haynes. His 75-yard touchdown run was a highlight, but Bryce Underwood struggled, and the Sooners pulled away behind John Mateer’s dual-threat ability.

A Heavyweight Matchup With High Stakes

Michigan entered the weekend seeking a complete victory to establish itself before the start of Big Ten play. Under second-year head coach Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines continue to shape their power football identity, blending elements of Jim Harbaugh’s era with modern passing concepts. Facing the Sooners provided a chance to measure progress. Instead, the Wolverines left Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium with more questions than answers. The ground game offered promise behind sophomore running back Haynes, but passing inefficiency and defensive breakdowns allowed the Sooners to gain control. Before more than 84,000 fans in Norman, the matchup carried the intensity of a bowl game. By night’s end, Michigan returned home knowing it must continue developing before reaching championship level.

Michigan vs Oklahoma Shows Need for Passing Growth

The spotlight again centered on freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, Michigan’s most heralded recruit in program history. Underwood’s arm talent is evident, but Oklahoma’s disciplined secondary forced him into an inconsistent night. He completed just 9 of 24 passes for 142 yards, finishing with no touchdowns and a 40.2 QBR. His longest completion came on a 44-yard strike to Donaven McCulley, who led the Wolverines with 91 receiving yards. However, the Wolverines never established a reliable passing rhythm. Moore and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey have stressed that development takes time. Underwood flashes elite arm strength, but his accuracy under pressure and pocket awareness remain areas that need refinement. Against a defense as organized as Oklahoma’s, those shortcomings were exposed. For fans watching Michigan vs Oklahoma, the contrast between Underwood’s inexperience and Mateer’s composure told the story.

Justice Haynes Highlights Michigan’s Run Game

The bright spot came in the backfield. Haynes delivered the best game of his young career, carrying 19 times for 125 yards and one touchdown. His highlight — a 75-yard burst in the second quarter — showcased patience, vision, and breakaway speed. That play temporarily shifted momentum and demonstrated why he was one of the most coveted recruits in his class. Fellow back Jordan Marshall contributed 28 yards on nine carries, grinding out tough yards. Underwood, however, was bottled up as a runner, finishing with negative yardage due to sacks and scrambles. The reliance on Haynes’ explosiveness underscored Michigan’s lack of offensive balance. Oklahoma adjusted quickly, stacking the box and daring Underwood to win over the top. The Wolverines never found an answer.

Oklahoma Offense Outpaces Michigan Defense

If Underwood offered a glimpse of Michigan’s future, Oklahoma’s Mateer represented the present standard. Mateer played with poise, completing 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards with one touchdown to Deion Burks and one interception. His impact extended to the ground game, where he added 74 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Each time the Wolverine’s defense seemed ready for a stop, Mateer extended the drive with his legs. His decision-making in the read-option game neutralized Michigan’s aggressive front seven, forcing hesitation and creating running lanes. Burks was the standout receiver, finishing with seven catches for 101 yards and a score, while four other Sooners recorded double-digit receiving yards. The balanced attack resulted in 408 total yards for Oklahoma, compared to just 288 for Michigan.

Key Plays Define Michigan vs Oklahoma Showdown

The game hinged on a series of small but decisive moments:

• Haynes’ 75-yard touchdown in the second quarter cut Oklahoma’s lead and energized the Wolverines, but Michigan’s next two drives ended in punts.
• TJ Metcalf’s interception early in the third quarter set up Michigan in plus territory. The Wolverines managed only a field goal, leaving points on the field.
• In the fourth quarter, trailing by one possession, Michigan needed a stop. Instead, Oklahoma marched downfield, capped by Mateer’s second rushing touchdown. The score stretched the lead and effectively sealed the Sooners’ victory.

These moments reflected the difference between an experienced quarterback converting opportunities and a freshman still learning.

Michigan Defense Battles but Falls Short

Michigan’s defense kept the game competitive. Linebacker Ernest Hausmann paced the unit with 11 tackles, while Jaishawn Barham and Jimmy Rolder added six each. The front seven recorded two sacks and eight tackles for loss, with Cole Sullivan delivering a key third-quarter sack. Yet the secondary struggled against Burks and Oklahoma’s quick-hitting routes. Mateer’s accuracy in the intermediate passing game neutralized blitzes, and the Wolverines surrendered too many chunk plays. For Oklahoma, defenders Kip Lewis and Peyton Bowen combined for 12 tackles and consistently limited Michigan’s receivers after the catch. Their work kept Underwood uncomfortable and prevented the Wolverines from building any momentum through the air.

Special Teams Keeps Michigan Close in Oklahoma

Michigan’s special teams quietly prevented the score from becoming more lopsided. Kicker Dominic Zvada went 2-for-3 on field goals, including a 42-yarder, and converted his lone extra point attempt. Punter Hudson Hollenbeck averaged 41.5 yards across six punts, pinning Oklahoma inside the 20 twice and unleashing a long of 55. On returns, Andrew Marsh totaled 37 yards on two kickoff attempts, though none dramatically flipped the field position. Still, the unit’s consistency kept Michigan within striking distance until late in the contest.

Sherrone Moore Reacts After Michigan vs Oklahoma

For Sherrone Moore, the challenge is clear: Michigan has the talent to match elite programs, but execution and balance remain elusive. Developing Underwood is the long-term priority, yet Moore must find ways to win now in a competitive Big Ten. After the game, Moore emphasized the need to clean up execution: “As far as handling the crowd noise and the atmosphere and all of that, he handled it fine. It was just the execution. And that’s everybody — it’s not just him… we all gotta do our jobs. That’s O-line, that’s receivers, that’s running backs, whoever it is in those situations to make it easier for him.” With conference play looming, Michigan must sharpen its passing attack and maximize Haynes’ momentum. The Wolverines can no longer afford missed opportunities if they hope to contend for a Big Ten title.

What Michigan Learned From the Oklahoma Matchup

For Oklahoma, the victory solidifies playoff aspirations. Mateer’s steady leadership, paired with a disciplined defense, gives the Sooners a formula to handle both explosive athletes and grind-it-out matchups. This Michigan vs Oklahoma matchup may become a turning point if the Wolverines correct their offensive issues in Big Ten play. Haynes’ breakout, Underwood’s growing pains, and a defense that battled but ultimately broke highlight a team still learning how to win at the highest level. If Moore can turn this loss into a building block, Michigan may look back on Norman as the moment its young quarterback and roster began to grow into future contenders. Main Photo: BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images