Michigan takes a dive on ESPN's FPI, mixed views ahead of Oklahoma showdown

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Michigan was nearly a five-touchdown favorite this past weekend against New Mexico. While the Wolverines beat the Lobos, it wasn't how the sportsbooks saw it happening. Michigan looked good offensively, but underwhelmed at times on the defensive side of the ball. After 60 minutes, Michigan came out on top, 34-17.
Entering Week 2, a major showdown at Oklahoma, ESPN's FPI isn't nearly as high on the Wolverines as it was entering the season.
Following Week 1, Michigan fell six spots to No. 21 in the nation, according to the advanced analytics. What is FPI exactly?
The Football Power Index (FPI) is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season. FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 20,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule. Ratings and projections update daily. FPI data from seasons prior to 2019 may not be complete.
Michigan's remaining odds
According to the advanced analytics, Michigan is now projected to go 8.1-4.0 in 2025. The Wolverines have just a 0.1% chance to win all of their games this season, and a 2.9% chance of winning the Big Ten Conference. The FPI says Michigan does have a 17.5% chance of making the College Football Playoff, yet just a 0.5% chance of winning it all this season.
Wolverines' chances of beating Oklahoma
The FPI has Oklahoma ranked at No. 23 in the country, and the Sooners actually fell three spots after a 35-3 win over Illinois State in Week 1. According to ESPN's matchup predictor -- based on the FPI -- Michigan is the underdog with a 46.5% chance of winning in Norman.
The Wolverines will trot out Bryce Underwood this weekend, who was very impressive in Week 1. But he is a true freshman, and Michigan fans will quickly find out how he handles a tough environment like he will face this weekend.
More Michigan News:
Games notes fans should know prior to Michigan taking on Oklahoma
Sherrone Moore updates the health of a few Michigan players ahead of Oklahoma
Sherrone Moore shares the final verdict for Jaishawn Barham's targeting call
Two Michigan players made Big Ten team of the week after Week 1 win
Michigan football is an early underdog against Oklahoma in Week 2

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.
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