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Oklahoma linebacker Cole Sullivan played 20 defensive snaps in the opener, graded well across multiple positions and contributed on special teams, with Brent Venables expecting his role to grow against Michigan and through the season.

Oklahoma must tackle substantially better than it did in the 51-0 UTEP win, according to Venables, who emphasized block destruction, closing space and getting multiple defenders to the ball against Michigan's stronger ball carriers.

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is operating in a substantially different system under Jason Beck, limiting the direct value of last season's matchup film, while Venables highlighted his running, throwing and rhythmic execution on the opener's 75-yard first drive.

Michigan's rushing personnel combines strong, agile backs with good balance and a veteran offensive line in Venables' assessment, making the ground-game physicality a major part of Oklahoma's preparation.

Michigan's defensive line was identified by Venables as a veteran, high-quality unit central to the team's line-of-scrimmage identity, despite the narrow overall result against Western Michigan.