Week 2 of the 2025 college football season delivered on its promise of high-octane action, highlighted by two marquee matchups: a ‘Freshman Test’ in Norman, Oklahoma, and the emotional renewal of the Border Rivalry between Kansas and Missouri. Saturday, September 6, 2025, witnessed the No. 18 Oklahoma Sooners challenging the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines while the Kansas Jayhawks traveled to Columbia, Missouri, to face the Missouri Tigers in a game dripping with history.
Oklahoma vs. Michigan: A Freshman Quarterback’s Trial by Fire
Underwood’s Road Test
The Oklahoma Sooners, quarterbacked by redshirt junior John Mateer, played host to the No. 15 Michigan Wolverines in a game that thrust true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood into the national spotlight. According to Sooner Sports, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium provided a hostile environment for Underwood’s first major road start. Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator, Brent Venables, known for his aggressive and complex defensive schemes, presented a formidable challenge.
Venables’ reputation precedes him. A to Z Sports notes his ability to confuse and pressure opposing quarterbacks, regardless of their experience level. The Sooners’ coaching staff prepared for Underwood as if he were a “Super Bowl Quarterback,” acknowledging his inherent talent while anticipating a well-crafted game plan from the Michigan coaching staff, per CBSSports.com.
The Wolverines’ decision to start a true freshman in such a high-stakes environment underscores their confidence in Underwood’s abilities. However, the pressure of a ranked road game against a defense as sophisticated as Oklahoma’s represented a significant hurdle for the young quarterback. Yahoo Sports reported leading up to the game that Michigan’s running game would be crucial to support Underwood and alleviate some of the pressure.
Border Rivalry Reignites: A Century-Old Grudge Match
The Return of a Classic
For the first time since 2011, the Kansas Jayhawks and the Missouri Tigers clashed on the gridiron, reigniting one of college football’s most storied rivalries. The Border Rivalry, steeped in history dating back to the Civil War era, took center stage at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri.
Sports Illustrated detailed the historical context, emphasizing the rivalry’s deep-seated roots and the intensity that characterized past matchups. The hiatus, caused by Missouri’s departure from the Big 12 Conference to the Southeastern Conference in 2012, only served to amplify the anticipation surrounding its revival. As stated on Wikipedia, the series dates back to 1891, showcasing the longevity and tradition of the Border War.
Kansas, led by senior quarterback Jalon Daniels, sought to assert its dominance, while Missouri, now guided by Penn State transfer quarterback Beau Pribula (due to an injury to Sam Horn, according to ClutchPoints), aimed to defend its home turf and re-establish its position in the rivalry. College Football Chronicles highlighted the significance of quarterback play in determining the outcome, noting Daniels’ experience and Pribula’s potential as key factors.
The atmosphere in Columbia was electric, with both fan bases eager to reclaim bragging rights. EssentiallySports captured the palpable excitement, describing the game as more than just another contest; it was a celebration of tradition and a renewal of a passionate rivalry that transcends the sport itself.
Impact and Implications
Both the Oklahoma-Michigan matchup and the Border Rivalry game carried significant implications for the early college football landscape. Oklahoma’s test against a freshman quarterback provided an opportunity to showcase its defensive prowess and solidify its position as a contender in the Big 12. Michigan’s decision to start Underwood reflected its long-term vision and its willingness to gamble on youth and potential.
The renewal of the Border Rivalry injected a dose of history and passion into the season, reminding fans of the enduring power of tradition in college football. The outcome of the game will undoubtedly shape the narratives surrounding both programs and influence their recruiting efforts in the years to come.
Ultimately, Week 2 of the 2025 college football season delivered compelling storylines, intense competition, and a reminder of the rich history that defines the sport. The ‘Freshman Test’ in Norman and the rekindled Border Rivalry served as a potent combination, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
