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Michigan vs. Oklahoma is a must-win game for both programs

Week 2 for Michigan and Oklahoma could make or break their seasons.

The Week 2 slate isn’t as loaded with marquee matchups as last week, but we were gifted an intriguing battle between these two blue bloods. These programs are in entirely different stages of their development. However, both need an early-season ranked victory to spark momentum for a potential College Football Playoff run.

Oklahoma enters year four under Brent Venables’ leadership, and he desperately needs to win. Many are skeptical he’s the right man for the program after a rocky 6-7 season in their first year in the SEC. This season, their schedule is an absolute gauntlet, and he’ll need to secure as many nonconference wins as possible.

Michigan is in its second year under Sherrone Moore, with much less fire underneath him. With looming NCAA penalties, there’s no expectation for the Wolverines to win a national title in 2025. However, star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has generated a lot of hype for this squad. Considered one of the most talented quarterback recruits ever, there are national expectations for him and Michigan to win immediately.

Both teams are entering the game with glaring questions that must be addressed quickly for them to win. For Oklahoma, our Ryan Roberts identified that the offensive line could hold back the Sooners.

“The biggest deficiencies for the Sooners’ offensive line showed up most in the run game. As a team, they managed to rush for just 103 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries, an average of 3.2 yards per carry. That raw average is even more troubling considering Illinois State only racked up four tackles for loss. That means without many negatives, the Sooners’ run game just wasn’t able to create much of a push.” —Ryan Roberts

On Michigan’s side, they’ll need to be significantly more explosive. Last season, it was a struggle to watch the Wolverines’ offense. After Week 1, they looked improved in their win over New Mexico. Our A.J. Schulte discussed why they need to generate more splash plays in the run game.

“On 17 of Michigan’s 27 non-touchdown runs, they went for three or fewer yards. Outside of the explosive runs produced by Justice Haynes, the Wolverines’ rushing attack was largely lackluster. While Michigan will certainly take the explosive plays, the consistency has to improve.” —AJ Schulte

The team that resolves its problems the quickest will win. One of the biggest jumps teams will make in college football is from Week 1 to Week 2. This Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, we’ll find out which team is the most prepared for the challenge ahead.

Is this all too much for Bill Belichick?

North Carolina’s 48-14 loss on Monday night is one of the most embarrassing football games ever played.

The half effort the Tar Heels put in isn’t the only reason why this performance was shameful. It’s also the circus surrounding the team and the attention this game got.

Justifiably, college football media should be locked in on every step that Belichick takes in Chapel Hill. He’s the greatest NFL coach of all time at the end of his career. Outside of his off-field relationship drama with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, Belichick’s transformation of UNC into a powerhouse would be a compelling storyline to follow.

So when this game was scheduled as the lone Monday night game on Labor Day weekend, it made perfect sense in a vacuum. However, no one knew what to expect from Belichick’s squad with the complete roster overhaul they underwent.

With every college football fan in the country tuning in, all they needed to do was look competent. They didn’t need to win; they just needed to show they’re ready to scrap and fight all season long for all four quarters.

That didn’t even come close to happening, as they were utterly outclassed. They gave up 34 points in the second and third quarters alone. And everyone took the time to take shots, including TCU players on IG Live after the game. Our Ian Valentino highlighted that the jabs will keep coming if UNC continues to struggle.

“Expect more of it to come, and especially if North Carolina sees its home crowd disappear midway through the third quarter on a routine basis. Belichick didn’t seem phased, but it’s hard to be competitive in the ACC without a star-studded roster.” —Ian Valentino

The criticism of Belichick is so aggressive because of the complete mismanagement of his personal life. His relationship with a young woman who is 49 years his junior is taboo, and the multiple stories that have propped up over the distractions caused by Hudson are concerning.

The worries about whether Belichick has actually been focused on building a winning program are already justified by how poorly they played to open the season. Not only does it seem this media frenzy is getting to Belichick, but his team looked incredibly unfocused as well.

There’s going to be time for UNC to bounce back after Week 1. But trying to build a program that’s getting clowned on after every loss will be incredibly difficult.

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