Reality Check Coming for Either Michigan or Oklahoma Fans

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 11:21 AM ET

The early stages of each season are known for important swing games. These are games that can completely change the trajectory of a season for both teams. And this is what we will see in Norman, Okla. on Saturday night when No. 18 Oklahoma (1-0) hosts No. 15 Michigan (1-0).

Both teams are coming off disappointing 2024 seasons. The Wolverines finished 8-5 after enjoying a memorable undefeated National Championship in 2023. As for the Sooners, they finished 6-7 for the second time in three years. Neither of these results are good enough to make the fans of these blue blood programs happy.

Michigan quarterbacks Bryce Underwood (19) and Jadyn Davis (2) walk off the field with offensive lineman Nathan Efobi (55) after the 34-17 win over New Mexico at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, August 30, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Despite last season’s disappointment, the off-season for both programs has been full of optimism. Michigan has star true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood leading the offense, a stud transfer running back, Justice Haynes, and a defense that has the potential to be dominant. Oklahoma brought in arguably the top available transfer quarterback, John Mateer, as well as his former offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, to help reignite a once explosive offense.

Week 1 produced what was expected. Michigan cruised to a 34-17 victory over a decent New Mexico (0-1) team, with Underwood completing 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile Oklahoma easily defeated FCS Illinois State (0-1) 35-3 in what was a scrimmage masqueraded as an official game. Most importantly for the Sooners, Mateer met expectations by completing 30 of 37 passes for 392 yards and three touchdowns.

While every victory is positive, once both of these games ended everyone’s full attention immediately turned to Saturday. Because everyone knows that will be the test that will truly show both fanbases if the optimism and hope they felt throughout the off-season was valid or if it was unjustified.

Whichever team is 2-0 will have a fanbase that feels confident that the 2025 season will include a trip to the College Football Playoffs. While the fanbase of the 1-1 team will be disappointed and still left with more questions than answers.

The 2025 season will have many twists and turns in the coming months, but for the team that wins on Saturday night, that road will have a few less potholes.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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