College Football Picks: Michigan vs Oklahoma Best Bets
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These two storied programs will be meeting for just the second time ever, the last coming in the 1976 Orange Bowl, where Oklahoma came away with a 14-6 victory. Both teams have their hopes set on returning to an Orange Bowl this year as they come in ranked in the top 20 and are legitimate contenders for the College Football Playoff. Primed for the spotlight of Gameday and the national game of the week, all eyes will be on these two teams. For Oklahoma, Saturday will prove to be a big test for head coach Brent Venables, who has put together some very good teams and been competitive, but has not quite gotten over the hump to the College Football Playoff. For Michigan, this will be a big test in a hostile atmosphere to prove they belong back in the College Football Playoff after being two years removed from winning a National Championship and missing the playoffs a year ago.
Michigan vs Oklahoma Betting Odds for Week 2
Spread: Michigan +5.5 (FanDuel Sportsbook); Oklahoma -4.5 (DraftKings Sportsbook)
Moneyline: Michigan +175 (Caesars Sportsbook); Oklahoma -195 (ESPN Bet)
Total: Over 43.5 (BetMGM); Under 44.5 (ESPN Bet)
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Michigan vs Oklahoma Betting Picks for Week 2
Both of these teams come in after passing tests against weak opponents. Michigan and freshman phenom quarterback Bryce Underwood took home a 34-17 victory over New Mexico, where Underwood completed 21-of-31 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown in his first-ever taste of college football. It was a very impressive first start for the true freshman; however, it was against a less-than-stellar opponent. The Oklahoma defense, led by defensive mastermind Brent Venables, will prove to be a much tougher test.
Last week, Oklahoma took home a 35-3 victory over Illinois State, where transfer quarterback John Mateer threw for 392 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Mateer looks to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation; however, the running game will be a big question mark for the Sooners, as they mustered just 3.2 yards per attempt on the ground against an inferior Illinois State team. Much like the Sooners' defense for Michigan, the Wolverines' defense will be a much tougher test than that of Illinois State.
A few interesting notes coming into this game will be the status of Jaydn Ott for Oklahoma. Ott had an injury-plagued season a year ago at Cal, but despite that was still the number three running back in the transfer portal. In 2023, Ott looked like one of the most dangerous running backs in the country, rushing for 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry for the Golden Bears. Venables has stated Ott will be a big part of their offense this season, but with just one carry in the opener and a lingering shoulder injury, it is a complete unknown how much action Ott will get on Saturday. Michigan will also be hindered slightly as it will be without star linebacker Jaishawn Basham for the first half after being ejected for a targeting call in the second half of last week's contest.
Michigan vs Oklahoma Expert Pick: Under 44.5 (ESPN Bet)
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Michigan vs Oklahoma Predictions for Week 2
Both teams are anchored by their defense as both boast strong front sevens. Both teams also seem to have one-dimensional offenses. Michigan, over the past few years, has relied heavily on its running game. While Michigan's rushing numbers looked good against New Mexico, and Justice Haynes looks to be the real deal at running back, if you take away the two explosive touchdown runs against the Lobos, Michigan averaged just 3 yards per carry against a subpar opponent. But, you can't look at everything in a vacuum; obviously, those explosive runs matter, and maybe the Wolverines can break one against the Sooners. If OU can limit the big run plays, it will put a lot of pressure on a freshman quarterback getting his first real taste of college football in an extremely hostile environment. Another issue I see here for Michigan is the lack of playmaking at wide receiver, as again, their tight ends look to be their best pass catchers, with no real threats at wide receiver. With the run game being the major driver for the offense and the tight ends being the biggest weapons for the offense, it brings a lot of focus to the middle of the field and gives a very good defense an edge in only having to focus on one major area.
On the other side of the ball, the Sooners have a similar problem in allowing the defense to key on just one aspect of their offense. While Mateer may be one of the best quarterbacks in college football, the ground game was nonexistent against a poor Illinois State team. There is potential that Ott may help with that, but it is a complete unknown how much he will be able to play and if he will even be a factor if he does go. Again, it is worth noting that being one-dimensional against a strong defense is extremely difficult.
I would expect this game to be a defensive battle. While I typically favor the team with the experienced quarterback over the inexperienced freshman in a hostile road environment, I think the game will be too close to lay points, especially given the number is higher than three. Under looks to be the best play in what should be a defensive affair, and better yet, it can be had without any juice.
