Two storied programs with decades of history finally collided on Saturday, but it wasn’t the heavyweight battle fans hoped for. Instead, Michigan’s freshman quarterback looked overwhelmed, while Oklahoma’s veteran signal-caller showed exactly why he’s one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football.
The result? A reality check for the Wolverines and a statement win for the Sooners.
How Did John Mateer and Bryce Underwood Perform Against Each Other?
The quarterback matchup told the story of experience versus potential. John Mateer finished the game, completing 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards, one touchdown pass, and an interception. However, his legs proved to be the difference-maker, as he led Oklahoma with 19 rushes for 74 yards and two touchdown runs.
Meanwhile, Bryce Underwood struggled to find his rhythm throughout the evening. The freshman completed just nine of 24 passes for 142 yards with no touchdowns and interceptions. His completion percentage of 37.5% reflected a difficult night against Oklahoma’s aggressive defense.
How Did This Historic Matchup Unfold?
Mateer wasted no time establishing his dominance, showing off both his arm and his mobility from the opening drive.
On Oklahoma’s first possession, Mateer completed a 31-yard pass to Jaren Kanak for a first down that put the Sooners on the Michigan 43. Before the Wolverines could adjust, Mateer completed a 21-yard strike to Deion Burks, putting Oklahoma on the Michigan 21. Mateer then ran for another eight yards on the next play, converted a crucial fourth down himself on a keeper, and finished the drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Deion Burks that put the Sooners up 7-0.
Underwood’s first-half struggles extended beyond just statistics. His underwhelming performance was marred by a heated sideline altercation with running back Justice Haynes after the Wolverines failed to convert on their only scoring opportunity of the opening half.
After Michigan drove into the Oklahoma red zone, Dominic Zvada missed a 32-yard field goal, which sent Underwood into a rage. He tracked down Haynes on the sideline and jawed at him. Teammates separated the two players, but while the Wolverines dealt with internal drama, Mateer drove the Sooners downfield to score a touchdown just before halftime, extending their lead to 14-0.
Whatever conversations happened in the Michigan locker room at halftime clearly worked. On the Wolverines’ first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Haynes ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run that showed Underwood and Haynes celebrating with each other, their earlier conflict apparently resolved.
JUSTICE HAYNES 75 YARD TOUCHDOWN RUN ON THE FIRST PLAY OF THE SECOND HALF! pic.twitter.com/wFaaG3BM73
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) September 7, 2025
At 11:23 of the third quarter, Mateer nearly made his first major mistake of the game, firing a pass right into the teeth of the Michigan defense that was almost intercepted. However, he recovered brilliantly on the next play by escaping pressure, rolling right, and completing a 36-yard pass to Isaiah Sategna III, putting the Sooners on the Michigan 14.
Insane play from John Mateer, breaks the sack and casually hits Isaiah Sategna for a 36-yard gain.
Oozing with talent. pic.twitter.com/D59TVjfuWx
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) September 7, 2025
Two plays later, Mateer used his legs again to punch in a 10-yard touchdown run, extending Oklahoma’s lead to 21-7.
Oklahoma’s defense responded by attacking Underwood on Michigan’s next drive, blitzing the freshman quarterback and sacking him for a 13-yard loss. The Wolverines were forced to punt, but Sategna III misplayed the return, fumbled, and Michigan recovered the ball at the Sooners’ 31-yard line. Though Michigan could only gain eight yards on the ensuing drive, Zvada connected on a 42-yard field goal to make it 21-10.
When Did Underwood Finally Show His Potential?
Underwood finally flashed the arm talent that made him such a highly regarded prospect, completing his first big pass with four minutes left in the third quarter. With all of his receivers streaking downfield, Underwood unleashed a 44-yard completion to Donaven McCulley, who outfought a defender for the catch to put the Wolverines on the Oklahoma 27.
However, the promising drive stalled when Underwood missed on two potential touchdown passes. Zvada salvaged the drive by connecting on a 35-yard field goal to cut the Sooners’ lead to eight points.
How Did Oklahoma Close Out the Victory?
As the fourth quarter began, Oklahoma demonstrated why experience matters in crucial moments. The Sooners controlled the clock for 12:19 of the final quarter, methodically wearing down Michigan’s defense. Even though they missed a field goal during this stretch, they choked the life out of Michigan’s comeback hopes and put the game out of reach with a field goal with 1:44 left.
In the end, Mateer proved why he’s one of the most complete quarterbacks in college football. When flushed from the pocket, he executed his intermediate and deep passing game effectively while consistently making the Wolverines pay with his legs.
Underwood showed flashes of the talent that made him a coveted recruit, but ultimately demonstrated that he’s still a raw talent who needs continued development and polish to reach his potential.
This first regular season meeting between Michigan and Oklahoma since 1976 showcased the difference between a seasoned veteran and a promising freshman still learning the college game.
For the Sooners, it was validation of their quarterback’s abilities. For the Wolverines, it served as a reminder that even the most talented young players need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of major college football.
