September 6, 2025, is when the Michigan Wolverines will face off against the Oklahoma Sooners in a Week 2 non-conference showdown at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman.
This matchup combines two proud programs looking to rebound from lackluster 2024 seasons. Michigan ended that year at 8-5, while Oklahoma stumbled to a 6-7 record in their SEC debut. Both teams see this game as a chance to make an early statement in a season that could define their trajectories.
Fans recently paid attention to the take from David Pollack, a former Georgia defensive standout turned college football analyst. In a recent Instagram clip, Pollack explained why this game isn’t what some might expect for Michigan. He pointed to Oklahoma’s continuity on offense and a defensive line he calls the best in the SEC as reasons the Sooners could steal the spotlight.
Continuity on Offense Gives Oklahoma an Early Advantage
Pollack emphasized Oklahoma’s continuity as a big reason they could surprise Michigan. Specifically, he highlighted the connection between the quarterback and the play caller. The Sooners made waves in the offseason by hiring Ben Arbuckle as their offensive coordinator.
Fresh from Washington State, Arbuckle brings John Mateer, a transfer quarterback who thrived under his guidance in 2024. Mateer threw for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns last season with the Cougars, showing off a dual-threat style that could keep defenses guessing.
This isn’t just a new pairing. Arbuckle and Mateer have a history, having worked together at Washington State. That familiarity means Oklahoma’s offense should hit the ground running, with a playbook tailored to Mateer’s strengths. Continuity like this can be a difference-maker early in the season, when teams still find their rhythm.
Michigan, by contrast, is juggling a quarterback competition between true freshman Bryce Underwood and Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene. Neither has the same system experience that Mateer brings, which could put the Wolverines a step behind in Norman.
Oklahoma’s Defensive Line Could Be the SEC’s Finest Unit
When Pollack called Oklahoma’s defensive line the best in the SEC, heads turned. “I know that for a fact,” he said in the same clip. “I’ve watched those guys inside. If you want to run a football on those defensive tackles, they are a handful.” That’s high praise from a guy who made his name as a defensive lineman, and it’s worth digging into what backs it up.
In 2024, Oklahoma’s defense was the team’s backbone, even as the offense sputtered. The defensive line, led by Gracen Halton and Da’Jon Terry, racked up impressive numbers. Halton, a junior, posted 5.0 sacks and 6.0 tackles for loss, while Terry, a senior, recorded 22 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery, per 247sports, before signing a free agent deal with the Los Angeles Rams after the 2025 NFL Draft.
Together, they helped Oklahoma rank among the SEC’s best in sacks and run defense. The offseason addition of edge rusher Danny Stutsman from Notre Dame, who had seven sacks in 2024, only strengthens the unit.
But is it the best in the SEC? Alabama’s line, Keon Sabb’s, and Georgia’s Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson duo set a high bar. Still, Oklahoma’s blend of power and disruption makes a strong case. Michigan’s offensive line, which struggled in 2024, will have its hands full trying to protect a quarterback and open lanes against this group.
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Oklahoma’s Offseason Moves Signal a Major Turnaround
Pollack also predicted Oklahoma will be one of the most improved teams in 2025, a view tied to their offseason overhaul. Beyond Arbuckle and Mateer, the Sooners landed back Jaydn Ott from Cal, giving Oklahoma a bruising back to pair with Mateer’s versatility. This duo could make Arbuckle’s fast-paced, creative offense a nightmare for opponents.
Defensively, head coach Brent Venables is taking the reins as play caller after Zac Alley left for West Virginia. Venables, a defensive guru with a track record at Clemson and Oklahoma, brings a wealth of experience.
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His influence could elevate a talented defense, especially with a line Pollack can’t stop raving about. Add in a solid recruiting class and key transfers, and it’s clear why optimism is building in Norman. After a 6-7 season, these moves point to a team ready to flip the script.
Pollack’s analysis focuses on Oklahoma’s growth, but the outcome will be execution. Can Michigan weather the storm, or will Oklahoma’s new pieces click? Either way, this game will ripple through the season.
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