Michigan escaped its season opener with a dramatic victory, but the Wolverines will have plenty to address as they turn their attention toward a much tougher test against Oklahoma.

The Sooners will present a step up in competition, and if Michigan wants to leave its next matchup with another win, there are three areas that should be at the top of the team's priority list during the week: offensive line play, the continued development of quarterback Bryce Underwood and more decisive running from the Wolverines' running backs. 

It all starts up front.

Michigan's offensive line has long been one of the program's biggest strengths, but the Wolverines need more from the group heading into this week's matchup. Head coach Kyle Whittingham didn't blast the O-line, but no running backs scored in week one and the unit definitely didn't dominate the Broncos.

"The offensive line didn't play bad," Whittingham said. "I've watched it three times now, the entire film, and they did not have a bad game. It wasn't a great game, but but it wasn't bad. There were some big runs negated, and you know, a big throw or two negated from penalties and pass protection was okay. We allowed the one sack, but I thought the offensive line after watching it a few times wasn't as as big of a liability as I thought it was initially."

Still, the offense needs more consistency overall when it comes to running the ball and protecting the quarterback in order for pass plays to open up. That becomes even more of a priority against an Oklahoma team that will bring more athleticism and talent to the field than Michigan saw in its opener.

If the offensive line struggles, everything else becomes more difficult.

To put it bluntly, Bryce Underwood was not good against Western Michigan. Per PFF, Underwood was the lowest graded offensive player for the Wolverines. He is the single biggest key to Michigan's success and his play against the Broncos will not get it done against tougher opponents, like Oklahoma. 

There is no question that Underwood possesses enormous talent, but Michigan needs him to become more consistent as the competition gets tougher. He will need to make sound decisions, remain composed when pressure arrives and take advantage of opportunities in the passing game and the run game.

Michigan cannot expect Underwood to carry the offense by himself, nor should it put that responsibility on his shoulders per Whittingham. But the Wolverines need their quarterback to continue growing into the position and become more comfortable running the offense. 

Against Oklahoma, Michigan needs Underwood to be better and orchestrate some big plays.

Perhaps one of the most frustrating issues from the opener was seeing Michigan's running backs spend too much time moving east and west instead of attacking the defense.

"We weren't running very violent," Whittingham said. "We had to be more violent in our runs, and you know sometimes instead of getting north and south, a little too much east west going on. We need to be more north and south. That's that needs to be who we are."

Too often, trying to bounce a run outside can turn a potential gain into little or nothing. That will certainly be more of an issue against a fast, athletic Oklahoma defense.

Michigan needs its running backs to be decisive, physical and willing to take what the offensive line gives them. A stronger north-and-south running game would help the Wolverines stay ahead of the chains and take some pressure off Underwood. 

Michigan survived its opener on a miracle Hail Mary connection, but Oklahoma represents a much bigger test. If U-M doesn't make noticeable improvements in these three areas, among others, Michigan will fall to 1-1.