Brent Venables emphasizes physical play for Oklahoma ahead of Michigan matchup

Oklahoma prepares to face Michigan in Ann Arbor this Saturday in one of the 2026 college football season’s most anticipated matchups. Sooners head coach Brent Venables highlighted the need for sustained physicality on both sides of the ball for all four quarters. Oklahoma enters the contest following a 51-0 opening victory against the University of Texas at El Paso Miners. Michigan aims to improve its performance after narrowly securing a 13-12 win over the Western Michigan Broncos behind a last-second touchdown. Venables noted that successful blocking, tackling, and swarming to the football remain the essential requirements to secure a win on the road. The Wolverines struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack in their first game, a trend they hope to reverse against the Oklahoma defensive front.

• 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Brent Venables: Physicality is the key to beating Michigan on Saturday