In Win over Michigan, Oklahoma Shows It Has the Pieces for a CFB Playoff Run

That looked like a College Football Playoff contender. Simple as that.

Sure, it's early. And we'll get to the grueling schedule and the obvious hurdles standing in Oklahoma's path in a minute. Sometimes, however, you have to live in the moment, and in this moment, on the heels of a 24-13 victory over Michigan on Saturday night, with a superstar quarterback coming into his own, the hope for the Sooners and something much larger is alive and well.

The formula to win big in the year 2025 is simple. You need money. You need a quarterback. You need weapons on offense. You need a capable head coach. And you need just enough defense.

Oh, did we mention you need money?

It would appear, at least through a few weeks, that Oklahoma checks all of these boxes. The money made it possible, although now the rest is in motion.

It begins with the quarterback, John Mateer, who is suddenly the favorite to win the Heisman as of late Saturday night. Mateer followed the path of Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, Cam Ward and many others who found success and fortune in new destinations, leaving Washington State this offseason for Norman, Oklahoma.

Two weeks into the season, and he's showcased the enormous skillset that made him the most coveted transfer portal player this offseason. He hasn't been perfect—and he certainly wasn't again Michigan—but his playing style is chaotic and effective.

Because of his ability to throw and run, he's a problem. Not just for Michigan, but for any team still to come. 

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Mateer had his fair share of errant throws against the Wolverines, which included an interception. He also delivered a handful of spectacular throws, some on the move, that will make him a nightmare to guard.

He is as advertised, as are the weapons. It starts with Deion Burks, who has two touchdowns and 14 catches through only two games. He appears to be taking his game to another level, and he isn't alone.

The other huge portal addition, running back Jaydn Ott, has yet to truly find his rhythm as he battles an injury. In time, that will change. And given what we saw from Ott at Cal, his presence will add an entirely new dynamic to this offense. 

Patience. It's coming.

While Mateer will take on headlines for the foreseeable future, the defense is where this team could truly separate itself in terms of recent success. Under Brent Venables, one of the best defensive minds in the sport, it's never looked quite right in Norman.

At least through two games, it's looked the part. Oklahoma has allowed only 16 points and less than 500 total yards in two games.

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Granted, the Sooners have faced Illinois State and a Michigan team led by a true freshman QB—albeit a very talented one. Time will tell if this side of the ball can do its part, but the early returns are encouraging.

The good news—or the bad news, depending on how you look at things—is that clarity over this team's standing is inevitable. After playing Temple next week, the gauntlet will commence.

Oklahoma plays Auburn, which is suddenly very compelling. After playing Kent State the following week, the true test will begin. 

Oklahoma plays at Texas, at South Carolina, vs. Ole Miss, at Tennessee, at Alabama, vs. Missouri and LSU to close out the year.

It is, quite simply, absurd.

No team across college football will endure the kind of stretch that awaits this team. In many ways, even with the addition of Mateer, the schedule has prevented many from taking this group truly seriously.

Knowing the path ahead, many choose to sidestep the hype. But given the flashes Mateer has produced and the early, positive signs the defense has delivered, Oklahoma is a team that must be respected.

In the SEC, a lot is fluid. Texas lost to Ohio State in Week 1, and the offense is a work in progress. Alabama was clobbered this same day, and the hot seat conversation surrounding its head coach has begun. Florida fell to South Florida on Saturday, prompting another hot seat conversation to reignite.

The good news? Games don't lie. Results tell the story. The SEC will remain a wildcard through the rest of the season.

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Oklahoma will have its chance—many, in fact—to announce itself as a serious playoff contender and SEC threat in the weeks ahead. A win over Michigan at home shouldn't drastically alter the expectations for a team that was built to be better.

To see the pieces come together is encouraging, even with plenty of growth still to be had. Indeed, the schedule is a beast. There's no denying that. But for as daunting it as it might look from Oklahoma's standpoint, the other teams can't feel good about what they witnessed Saturday night, either.

All the ingredients are in place, starting with a quarterback who appears to be as good as advertised. Next stop, Temple. After that, the sky might just be the limit.