Michigan Wolverines Using 1st Half Suspension Of Defensive Star As Motivation Versus Oklahoma

The Michigan Wolverines enter their highly anticipated showdown with Oklahoma carrying an extra chip on their shoulder. Senior linebacker Jaishawn Barham’s controversial targeting penalty and subsequent ejection against New Mexico means he’ll miss the first half of Saturday night’s game in Norman. Rather than let this setback derail their preparation, the Wolverines are channeling their frustration into motivation.

Fifth-year EDGE defender TJ Guy made it clear during Tuesday’s media session that Michigan won’t just play without Barham—they’ll play for him. The veteran’s passionate comments reveal a team that believes their star linebacker was unfairly penalized and is determined to prove they can overcome adversity on college football’s biggest stage.

“You know how bad he wants to be out there for us and he knows how bad we want him out there with us, so we going to play for him for sure,” Guy declared. His words carry the weight of a locker room that clearly feels their teammate was wronged by what many consider a questionable targeting call.

TJ Guy Rallies Michigan Wolverines Around Jaishawn Barham

Guy’s defense of his teammate went beyond simple support, evolving into a passionate critique of the officiating that led to Barham’s ejection. The veteran defender didn’t mince words when describing what he witnessed during the controversial play that changed everything.

“I mean, did you guys watch me on the play? Go watch me on the play, bro. They were holding me and s—. They didn’t seem to call too much stuff for us, but I don’t think he should get punished for the way he plays. He’s a big, strong, fast, aggressive guy. So I tell him not to take that away from him at all,” Guy explained.

This sentiment reflects a broader frustration within the Michigan program about how officials handle targeting penalties. Guy’s comments suggest the Wolverines felt the referees missed other infractions while being overly harsh on Barham’s aggressive but seemingly legal play.

The veteran’s message to Barham was equally telling: don’t change who you are. In an era where targeting penalties have become increasingly controversial and potentially game-changing, Guy emphasized that Barham shouldn’t alter his playing style out of fear of future penalties.

Guy’s leadership in this situation demonstrates the kind of veteran presence that championship teams need. Rather than allowing negativity to fester, he’s helping channel the team’s frustration into productive energy that could fuel their performance against the Sooners.

Barham’s Suspension: A Controversial Call

The targeting penalty that led to Barham’s ejection occurred during what initially appeared to be a momentum-shifting play. The linebacker’s sack-fumble-touchdown was reversed after review, with officials determining not only that the New Mexico quarterback was down but that Barham made illegal contact to the head.

Guy’s assessment of the controversial play centered on the difficulty of avoiding head contact given the physical mismatch between Barham and the opposing quarterback. “Stay in the strike zone,” Guy said when asked what Barham could have done differently. “But the quarterback was so short and he’s [6-3], so I can’t really tell him to dive and lunge. You might miss him, but I don’t know. I wouldn’t tell him anything. Keep being him.”

This perspective highlights one of the ongoing challenges with targeting penalties in college football. While player safety remains paramount, the practical application of these rules sometimes creates situations where defensive players face impossible choices.

Michigan’s appeal of the targeting penalty was denied, confirming that Barham will miss the first half against Oklahoma. This decision adds another layer of controversy to what many already considered a questionable call.

The suspension couldn’t come at a worse time for Michigan, as they face their first true test of the 2025 season. Oklahoma represents a significant step up in competition from New Mexico, and losing one of their best defensive players for half the game creates additional challenges.

How Michigan Plans to Cope Without Barham

Head coach Sherrone Moore and his defensive staff will likely turn to sophomore Cole Sullivan and senior Jimmy Rolder to fill the void left by Barham’s absence. Both players impressed during the New Mexico game, earning praise from Guy and demonstrating they’re ready for expanded roles.

“They were hoopin’,” Guy said about the backup linebackers. “They were doing their thing, bro. I’m really proud of them. All the linebackers had a great camp. But those guys are starting-caliber guys, so it was good to see them go out there and make plays be who they are.”

This confidence in the depth chart reflects Michigan’s recruiting success and player development under Moore’s leadership. Having “starting-caliber” players ready to step up in crucial situations speaks to the program’s overall strength and preparation.

The linebacker rotation will be crucial against Oklahoma’s offensive attack, which features multiple weapons that can exploit any weakness in coverage or run support. Sullivan and Rolder must be ready to execute at a high level from the opening snap.

Guy’s assessment also reveals the competitive nature of Michigan’s linebacker room throughout training camp. When multiple players are pushing each other daily in practice, it creates the kind of depth that proves invaluable during adversity.

Barham’s Expected Second-Half Impact

While Barham will miss the first half, Guy made it clear that the linebacker is approaching his eventual return with the right mindset. Rather than dwelling on the suspension or letting it affect his confidence, Barham is preparing to make an immediate impact when eligible to return.

“[He has handled it] like a professional,” Guy noted. “He’s not beating himself up or making a big deal out of it. He is gonna come back in the second half and f— s— up, for real.”

This professional approach from Barham demonstrates the maturity that comes with being a senior leader. His ability to stay focused on what he can control—his preparation and eventual performance—sets an example for younger players facing adversity.

The psychological impact of Barham’s return could prove significant for both teams. Michigan will get an emotional boost from having one of their best players back on the field, while Oklahoma must account for a fresh, motivated linebacker entering the game at halftime.

Barham’s 65 tackles during the 2024 regular season demonstrate his importance to Michigan’s defensive success. His combination of size, speed, and football instincts makes him irreplaceable in terms of production, though his leadership and energy might prove equally valuable.

What This Game Means for Michigan

Saturday night’s contest represents more than just another early-season game for Michigan. It’s the first true test of Sherrone Moore’s program in his second season as head coach, and it comes with the added storyline of Moore returning to his alma mater.

The game also marks Michigan’s first road contest against an SEC opponent, adding another layer of significance to an already important matchup. With ESPN’s College GameDay broadcasting from Norman and a primetime ABC slot, the national spotlight will be firmly focused on both programs.

For Michigan, this game could set the tone for their entire 2025 season. A strong performance without Barham for the first half would demonstrate the program’s depth and resilience. Conversely, struggling against Oklahoma could raise questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.

The Wolverines’ response to adversity will reveal much about their championship potential. Great teams find ways to overcome obstacles, and Barham’s suspension provides an opportunity to prove their mental toughness.

Guy’s comments suggest Michigan is embracing this challenge rather than making excuses. That mindset, combined with proper preparation and execution, could turn a potential disadvantage into a source of strength that propels them to victory in one of college football’s marquee early-season matchups.