​Following a hard-fought season-opening win over WMU, Michigan defensive ends coach Lewis Powell met with reporters to review his unit’s performance and look ahead to a marquee non-conference clash against Oklahoma.Evaluating the Edge Rotation and Key ContributorsAddressing Western Michigan’s advantage in time of possession, Powell admitted that while he probably should have rotated more to keep his defensive line fresh, he ultimately felt his players needed those critical live snaps.The opener showcased encouraging growth and health along the edge:Dom Nichols: One of the highest-graded defensive players in Week 1, Nichols continues to establish himself as a premier room leader. Powell noted that gains in weight and strength have positioned Nichols to be cornerstone of the defense moving forward.John Henry Daley: Powell confirmed Daley is 100% healthy, calling his bounce back from an Achilles injury remarkably impressive.Young Depth: Cam Brandt and Nate Marshall made key contributions in their reps. Powell plans to expand the Edge rotation against Oklahoma, with hopes that freshman Carter Meadows will also be cleared to return. Turning the Page to OklahomaDespite securing the victory, Powell noted that the entire program felt disappointed with how they played. Rather than lingering on the opener, the focus has shifted entirely to learning from the film and attacking the next challenge.That next challenge features an Oklahoma offensive line that Powell considers one of the best, most experienced, and athletic units in the country. He stressed that his Edge group must step up as game-changers to control the line of scrimmage.At the center of Oklahoma’s high-powered attack is quarterback John Mateer, whom Powell identified as the clear focal point for Michigan’s game plan. Calling Mateer a physical dual-threat who runs like a tailback and presents a tough tackle in space, Powell expects the Sooners to lean heavily on his legs in what will be one of the top offensive test Michigan faces all season. A Clash of PowerhousesWhen asked if the defense needs to carry the team’s workload, Powell emphasized that football remains a collective effort. While certain weeks require the defense to take the lead, his group enters every contest expecting to dominate regardless of circumstances. As two of college football’s ultimate powerhouses prepare to square off, Powell expressed pure excitement for the Big Ten-SEC showcase, promising a high-stakes matchup that both teams are eager to embrace.Powell’s guys will need to be at their best to take on a quarterback like Mateer. It’s going to be crucial to try to keep him in the pocket as much as possible and to not get out of position. Mateer is the kind of the player who is going to find some levels of success but limiting him needs to be priority No. 1.