Michigan shows its resilience in 17-10 win over No. 11 Oklahoma after getting lucky break in opener

Michigan secured a significant win in their second game of the Kyle Whittingham era with a 17-10 victory over No. 11 Oklahoma. This triumph came after a controversial upset against Western Michigan that the NCAA deemed overturnable. Coach Whittingham emphasized the "great bounce back" after that earlier win. Quarterback Bryce Underwood, who became the team's primary ball carrier, showcased his versatility with a 38-yard touchdown run and maintained proficiency with the ball after Whittingham previously suggested he might need to improve to retain his starting position.

Running back Underwood also contributed significantly, carrying the ball 18 times for 87 yards, which nearly matched the 22 carries combined by the three other running backs against the Sooners. The Wolverines' rushing attack was notably stronger, accumulating 152 yards compared to the Broncos' 106 yards. Offensive tackle Blake Frazier noted that the team struggled to move the ball effectively against Western Michigan, a challenge they overcame in this game.

Despite allowing only one touchdown to the Broncos, Michigan's defense shone, particularly in holding the Sooners scoreless in the first half, limiting their rushing yards to 100 and restricting third-down conversions to 3 out of 13. However, penalties plagued Michigan, costing them 90 yards and including a 15-yard unnecessary roughness call on senior cornerback Jyaire Hill when Oklahoma was nearly pinned at their own 2-yard line.

Hill intercepted a pass from John Mateer at the Sooners' 30-yard line and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown to extend Michigan's lead in the fourth quarter. The senior cornerback reiterated the team's cohesive approach, stating, "The whole team has a next-play mentality."