Oklahoma moves up more than 10 spots in ESPN’s power rankings after Michigan win
By Luke Greco
Published:
After a massive win against Michigan, Oklahoma has moved up 12 spots to No. 11 overall in ESPN’s updated power rankings after Week 2.
In the only ranked matchup of Week 2, Oklahoma hosted Michigan in Norman and came out with the victory, 24-13. The Sooners made Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood’s life miserable as they held him to 9 of 24 completions for only 142 yards and no touchdowns.
It was Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer who got the better of Underwood. Mateer completed 21 of his 34 pass attempts for 270 yards and a touchdown. Mateer was also the leading rusher for the Sooners, carrying the ball 19 times for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns. Deion Burks was Mateer’s favorite weapon this week, bringing in 7 receptions for 101 yards and catching Mateer’s only touchdown.
While the defense of the Sooners was able to stop Michigan’s rushing attack for most of the game, Michigan running back Justice Haynes did end up with 125 yards and a touchdown.
Here’s some analysis on OU from ESPN’s Eli Lederman:
The Sooners rode a smothering defensive performance and the playmaking of quarterback John Mateer to one of the most important wins of the Brent Venables era in a 24-13 victory over Michigan Saturday night. But self-inflicted wounds nearly cost Oklahoma in Week 2. While the Wolverines’ offense largely languished, the Sooners gifted Michigan three of its four first downs before halftime via defensive penalties. Isaiah Sategna III’s muffed punt and Tate Sandell’s 42-yard field goal miss marked a pair of special teams blunders. And Mateer wasn’t immune, either, overthrowing a receiver for a first-quarter interception before sprinkling in a handful of other miscues into an otherwise exhilarating performance. Altogether, the series of errors left the door open for a Wolverines comeback. And while Michigan couldn’t make the Sooners pay for their mistakes Saturday night, others surely will when Oklahoma dives into SEC play later this fall.
The Sooners will look to keep this momentum rolling as they go on the road to take on the Temple Owls. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sept. 13.
