The Oklahoma Sooners massively hurt their College Football Playoff qualification chances by losing 17-10 to the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday in Ann Arbor. After a massive 51-0 win over UTEP in the season opener, the loss surprised many.
After the loss, sports commentator Skip Bayless unleashed fury on Oklahoma’s offense, particularly targeting their offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer. The Sooners quarterback completed 17-of-33 passes for 189 yards, one TD and one interception, while adding 45 rushing yards. Bayless compared Mateer’s performance with Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood. The commentator also said this loss will sting Oklahoma in the end.
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“Last year John Mateer outplayed Bryce Underwood at OU,” Bayless wrote. “This year, just the opposite at Michigan. Mateer just too inaccurate, indecisive. Receivers didn’t help him. Neither did run game or O line. D hung in but without Kip Lewis, overrated. Season-killing loss.”
Bayless noted all sorts of errors in Oklahoma’s offense, ranging from receivers and the running game to problems in the offensive line.
Mateer could only pass for 52 yards while running back Lloyd Avant was handed the ball just five times in the first half. The offensive line also allowed multiple pass rush moments, including one sack against Mateer. As a result, the Sooners quarterback not only had a bad day on the passing front but also faced rushing pressure from Michigan.
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Underwood was a major difference-maker for Michigan. The Wolverines’ quarterback rushed for 87 yards, including an explosive 38-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. He also passed for 111 yards.
Oklahoma was shut out in the first half and trailed 10-0 at halftime. Michigan scored a touchdown in the first quarter and a field goal in the second quarter.
The Sooners finally got on board in the third quarter when John Mateer connected with Mackenzie Alleyne for a 22-yard touchdown. In the early fourth quarter, the Sooners tied the game 10-10 with the help of Tate Sandell‘s 34-yard field goal.
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However, the turning point came with 7:53 remaining in the game. Michigan’s Jyaire Hill intercepted Mateer and quickly converted the turnover into Jordan Marshall‘s go-ahead 1-yard TD.
The loss was significant because Michigan was unranked while Oklahoma was No. 11. The Wolverines avenged their 24-13 loss from last season.
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