Michigan Football Jumps Five Spots in Coaches Poll After Upset Win Over Oklahoma
Michigan football made the biggest leap of any team in the US LBM Coaches Poll this week, climbing five spots to No. 19 after a 17-10 upset victory over Oklahoma. The Wolverines' rise comes just one week after they fell further than any other team in the nation despite a win over Western Michigan.
The win reshapes the Big Ten picture and has direct implications for Iowa, as the Hawkeyes now sit at No. 20, one spot behind Michigan in the conference pecking order.
What the new rankings mean for the Big Ten
Michigan now ranks as the fifth-highest team in the Big Ten behind No. 4 Indiana, No. 6 Ohio State, No. 11 USC and No. 18 Oregon. The Wolverines sit ahead of No. 20 Iowa (2-0) and No. 24 Washington (2-0) in the conference hierarchy.
Oregon plummeted 12 spots after a 39-31 upset loss to Oklahoma State but remains one spot ahead of Michigan. Ohio State gave up 21 unanswered fourth-quarter points in a 24-23 loss to Texas.
Defense leads the way for Michigan
Michigan's defense continued its suffocating start to the season, making life miserable for Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer. The Wolverines racked up eight tackles for loss, three sacks and two turnovers.
All-American wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III was held to just five touches for 20 yards, while Oklahoma's running backs combined for only 43 rushing yards. One year after Mateer torched Michigan's defense for nearly 350 yards and three touchdowns, he managed just 234 yards of total offense and one score.
The turnovers proved decisive. Chris Bracy punched a ball out in the first quarter when Oklahoma was near field goal range, and Troy Bowles recovered it. Then, with the game tied at 10 in the fourth quarter, Jyaire Hill jumped a crossing route and picked off Mateer, returning it 24 yards to set up Michigan's game-winning touchdown.
Bryce Underwood's legs make the difference
Quarterback Bryce Underwood showed more poise, completing 9 of 17 passes for 117 yards. But his legs were the real story. He ran a career-high 18 times for 87 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown run to open the scoring.
Underwood forced a career-high eight missed tackles and picked up four first downs rushing, more than all other rushers combined. He also threw for six first downs, connecting with JJ Buchanan twice for 46 yards and freshman Savion Hiter three times for 41 yards.
What's next for Michigan
Michigan was either tied or trailing with 10 minutes left in both of its first two games, yet walked away 2-0 and as a top-20 team. The Wolverines now face UTEP (1-1), which lost 51-0 to Oklahoma in Week 1, before opening Big Ten play.
For Iowa fans, the rankings serve as a measuring stick. The Hawkeyes remain undefeated at 2-0 but will need to keep winning to climb past Michigan in the conference standings as the season progresses.
Frequently asked questions about the new Coaches Poll
Why did Michigan move up five spots in the Coaches Poll?
Michigan's 17-10 upset win over Oklahoma was the biggest factor. The Wolverines' defense forced two turnovers and held Oklahoma to just 43 rushing yards, earning the largest jump of any team this week.
Where does Iowa rank in the latest Coaches Poll?
Iowa comes in at No. 20 with a 2-0 record. The Hawkeyes sit one spot behind Michigan and ahead of No. 24 Washington in the Big Ten standings.
Who is Michigan's quarterback this season?
Bryce Underwood is Michigan's starting quarterback. He threw for 117 yards and ran for 87 yards in the win over Oklahoma, including a 38-yard touchdown run.