#15 Michigan vs #18 Oklahoma NCAAF Pick: SEC/B1G Battle in the Top-20 (Sep 6)

• Michigan defeated New Mexico last week, beating them 34-17 to start the season.
• Oklahoma had little trouble against FCS Illinois State, winning 35-3 to get to 1-0.
• These teams last met in the 1976 Orange Bowl, a game that Oklahoma won 14-6.

Michigan and Oklahoma face off in a battle of top-20 teams this week. The Sooners defense was impressive in Week 1, but faces a much tougher test against the Wolverines. The winner will climb close to the top-10.

Michigan Aims for CFP Return

Michigan is hoping to return to contention after taking a step back last season. Their opener against New Mexico wasn’t particularly impressive, but it was a win nonetheless. The Wolverines will face a much tougher test against #18 Oklahoma this week, especially on defense where they’ll face a much more consistent passing attack. Michigan will need to improve its passing game as well, in case they fall behind.

Oklahoma in Need of Big Win

Washington State Transfer QB John Mateer had an excellent start to his Sooners career, going 30/37 for 392 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT in a 35-3 win over Illinois State. His dominance over an FCS opponent isn’t enough to prove that Oklahoma will be a legit contender to return to the CFP this season, but a win over Michigan would be much different. Beating the Wolverines here may also catapult Oklahoma into the SEC title race.

#15 Michigan vs #18 Oklahoma NCAAF Pick

This should be a competitive matchup between two blue blood programs with hopes of sneaking into the 12-team CFP. In their first meeting in just under 50 years, expect some flashy offense and a somewhat high scoring result. In the second half, look for Michigan’s defense to tighten up and keep this one pretty close.