Greg McElroy picks winner of Oklahoma-Michigan showdown
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
No. 11 Oklahoma will head to the Big House to face Michigan in Week 2.
The showdown was anticipated to be a top-25 clash, but the Wolverines dropped out of the AP poll after a polarizing victory vs. Western Michigan. Meanwhile, the Sooners are coming off a 51-0 season-opening shutout vs. visiting UTEP.
ESPN’s Greg McElroy recently shared his prediction for Oklahoma vs. Michigan. McElroy expects the Sooners to beat the Wolverines 24-13. During the Always College Football show, he shared his reasoning.
“Everything that Michigan needs to do is the thing that Oklahoma does really well. Michigan not being able to do it is something that I think is going to be a challenge. Can they throw their way to victory? I don’t anticipate that because we know what [Kyle] Whittingham’s formula is,” McElroy said. “It requires a run game and we know that [Brent] Venables is going to completely sell out against the run. They were a top 5 group in that area last year.”
McElroy believes it won’t be a lopsided game and that Michigan might pose some challenges to an ailing Oklahoma.
“I don’t think this is going to be a blowout because there are some question marks with Oklahoma from a health standpoint,” McElroy said. “But if Michigan’s front can hold up against the run and both defenses are playing really, really good, I think this game could be a real grind.”
What tips the scales in Oklahoma’s favor for McElroy is quarterback John Mateer, who tossed 3 touchdowns last week. McElroy has more faith in Mateer than Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, who had an uneven showing in Week 1.
“I trust them more and I think their quarterback will play a better game than Bryce Underwood, which will ultimately give the Sooners the victory,” McElroy said.
Oklahoma leads the all-time series 2-0 after beating Michigan 24-13 last season in Norman for the first matchup between the programs since 1976. Oklahoma vs. Michigan is set for a noon ET kickoff and will be televised on FOX.
Who will win Saturday’s showdown? Predict the winner on Kalshi!
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