Zak Drapeau's CFB Week 2 Game of the Week: 14 Michigan v 18 Oklahoma

Zak Drapeau
Sep 4
3 min read

Updated: Sep 17

by Zak Drapeau 9/4/2025 Sportz Nation

Not only is NFL Football back today but College Football is back for Week 2 starting Saturday. After an electric Week 1 of the sport that saw 4 Top-10 teams fall, Week 2 isn't as star-studded but still has a few great matchups we can't wait to see.

While there are several games deserved of the "Game of the Week" moniker like Iowa vs Iowa State, Baylor vs SMU and even Florida vs South Florida, #14 Michigan and #18 Oklahoma's matchup takes the top spot.

Ranked, 1-0 teams coming into this battle, the College Gameday crew will also be covering this game in their game of the week at Memorial Stadium down in Norman, Oklahoma.

As the line stands now, Oklahoma is 4.5 point favorites in the game with an over-under line of 44.5. Oklahoma definitely had the more impressive win last week, winning 35-3 against Illinois State while Michigan won 34-17 against New Mexico. Both teams have new Quarterbacks under center and while Michigan's True Freshman was the #1 prospect o the 2024 class and performed like it last week, Oklahoma's transfer John Mateer was one of the best Quarterbacks in the nation for Week 1.

Photo by Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network via Imagn Images

The Washington State-transfer Mateer had 392 yards and 3 TDs through the air, completing 30-of-37 throws while adding another TD on the ground as well. One of the Top-10 favorites, Mateer really hit the ground running but was it just a product of a cupcake-early game for the Sooners?

Oklahoma will no doubt be tested more in their matchup with the Wolverines but with that being said, are the Wolverines much better on defense than Illinois State? In short, yes they are but they are still not a Top defense in the country. In their Week 1 matchup with New Mexico, the Lobos certainly had a tough time but would put up 17 points and have a decent time passing the ball especially to their Tight End Dorian Thomas. If the Wolverines let Oklahoma have the same passing lanes including to their Tight End Jaren Kanak, the Wolverines have a good chance of getting blown out.

Luckily for the Wolverines, Head Coach Sherrone Moore will be on the sidelines as he prepares for a 2-game suspension that begins on Week 3 for the 2023 sign-stealing scandal.

Photo by Junfu Han/USA Today Network va Imagn Images

The Wolverines are certainly not in the dog house either, their True Freshman QB Bryce Underwood completely shattered the expectations set for him in his first game. Underwood was poised in the pocket and clearly not afraid to make tough throws as he showed off the rifle on his shoulder more than a few times as well. Helping Underwood was the Alabama-transfer Running Back Justice Haynes who exploded from the first drive in the game for 159 rush yards and 3 touchdowns on only 16 carries.

Zak's Prediction

So far I am 2/2 with my G.O.W. Preds picking Ohio State -1.5 last week and taking the under 28.5 and I'm going to pick the favorites again and take Oklahoma -4.5. Oklahoma's offense seems to be elite this season with John Mateer in Brent Venables offense and Michigan doesn't have the firepower to pressure him after having more than 10 draft picks leave their defense in the last two years.

I also think this game is going Over 44.5 in a matchup where neither defense is among the elite. I think we will see Underwood have a good game but his inexperience could lead to a turnover or two from him. If Michigan doesn't rely on the run or they are forced to pass to cover an Oklahoma lead, it could spell the beginning of the end for the Wolverines.