Oklahoma vs. Michigan Prediction, Picks & Best Bets: College Football Week 2 Odds

It’s no longer a ranked vs. ranked non-conference matchup as Michigan fell out of the AP poll prior to facing No. 11 Oklahoma, but my Oklahoma vs. Michigan prediction is backing the home underdog in spite of last week’s lackluster performance in a game where points should be at a premium. It’s all part of our college football predictions for Week 2.

Kickoff from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., is scheduled for noon E.T., airing on FOX. Oklahoma is a 5.5-point betting favorite.

🏈 Oklahoma vs. Michigan picks & odds: Week 2

See the latest college football odds and our college football picks.

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 3.68 units

💰 Oklahoma vs. Michigan prediction & best bet

Michigan +5.5 (-105)

The way UTEP defended Oklahoma last week gave Michigan a clear blueprint for how to strategize this week: don’t blitz. Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer racked up all of his 225 passing yards against the blitz, which UTEP deployed on 14 of his 18 dropbacks. Conversely, Mateer went 0-for-4 against a standard pass rush, so the Wolverines should drop more defenders in coverage often.

Michigan should also be encouraged by how its defense held up, despite losing the time-of-possession battle by more than 20 minutes. It didn’t allow a touchdown from Western Michigan’s three red zone possessions.

Score prediction: Oklahoma 20, Michigan 17

🙌 Oklahoma vs. Michigan touchdown scorer prediction

Bryce Underwood to score a touchdown (+180)

Quarterback Bryce Underwood was Michigan’s leading rusher last week, as the running back duo of Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter was bottled up for 59 yards on 16 carries. Underwood accounted for 36% of the team’s rushing attempts, and that number should climb higher to offset an aggressive Sooners defense.

Michigan will want to stay out of obvious passing situations, as Underwood averaged just 5.9 yards per attempt not including the final Hail Mary, and logged a 36.7 QBR. 

🚀 Oklahoma vs. Michigan same-game parlay

If Michigan is going to cover the point spread, it will likely come amid a strong defensive effort. Neither team allowed a touchdown last week, and Oklahoma’s defense led the SEC in yards per play, yards per rush, and sacks last year. The Wolverines’ best chance of success is also to feature what Underwood does best, which is run the football, to keep Oklahoma’s defense off balance.

💡 How I'm betting Oklahoma vs. Michigan: College football strategy

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I always prefer to be a sports bettor who does not overreact from a team’s poor performance a week later. I also know how much slander Michigan got from the press all week with many believing it should not have been granted time for the final play that allowed it to avoid a massive upset last week. Oddsmakers are smart in what they do and know Oklahoma would always be the more popular side given how last week’s events played out, so this is a great opportunity to fade the public.

WIth regards to Underwood’s player props, I preferred the Over on his rushing attempts to his yardage total (the lowest O/U is 29.5 at DraftKings), as yardage lost to sacks count against a rushing total. The Sooners averaged an FBS-best 9.4 tackles for loss last season, and finished with the third-most sacks (45).

📊 Live Oklahoma vs. Michigan odds: Week 2

Our live Oklahoma vs. Michigan odds update in real time.

📈 Oklahoma vs. Michigan betting trends

📺 How to watch Oklahoma vs. Michigan: Week 2

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
• Kickoff: Noon ET
• Location: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
• TV: FOX
• Streaming: Fox One