ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines defensive back Zeke Berry shared insights into the defensive backs’ mindset and strategy ahead of their upcoming game against the Oklahoma Sooners and their potential Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, John Mateer.
Berry said the defensive back unit is strong and confident.
Recommended Videos
“We just need to stay levelheaded, play confident, play physical, and just do what we do,” said Berry.
When asked about facing a quarterback like true freshman starting quarterback Bryce Underwood every day, who can make off-schedule throws and scramble, Berry said, “Bryce definitely prepared us for whatever we need to do throughout the season, no matter who we play. I’m confident in the guys that we have, and I feel like no matter who we play, the guys that we have in the room is going to do their job.”
Reflecting on last year’s marquee matchup in Week 2 against the Texas Longhorns, Berry emphasized the importance of staying calm amid a loud environment.
“Just stay level-headed. No matter how crazy the environment is, we played in similar environments. Just go out there and play Michigan football. Stay confident, play with each other, trusting each other, and we’ll be fine,” Berry said.
The Sooners’ matchup will be under the lights in Norman, Oklahoma, as the Wolverines will travel to the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.
Michigan and Oklahoma will be the only game between ranked opponents in Week 2, which is why College Gameday will be in attendance for the pregame show.
Berry discussed the team’s mentality and vibe ahead of playing on a big stage in their first pivotal road matchup of the season.
“That’s the reason we came here to Michigan, which is to play in games like this,” Berry said. “The mentality is just to go in there and play physical and fast defense and to keep playing like that from the first snap until the last.”
On the topic of practice preparation, Berry explained how the team simulates game conditions with loud music or crowd noise to mimic the atmosphere they expect in games.
Offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi said that the team is preparing for loud environments by practicing silent counts extensively.
He also described how practices were simulated this week for loud game environments.
“They got every speaker hooked up playing as loud as possible during certain periods. It helps us out a lot,” said El-Hadi.
→ Michigan football’s Giovanni El-Hadi talks tuning out noise ahead of primetime showdown vs. Oklahoma
Berry shared the same experience, as he said the team had been receiving piped-in crowd noise and loud music.
“It’s either or,” Berry said. “It’s either loud music or loud crowd noise just to get that same effect that we would get in a game.”
Berry also praised newcomer TJ Metcalf, saying, “That guy’s a hard worker. He plays confidently, fast, and physically. He’s brought the energy we needed for the past couple of years and is going to be a great football player.”
Regarding defensive performance against screen plays by the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, Berry said the team did well on the perimeter and will continue to focus on that area.
On the targeting rule that impacted linebacker Jaishawn Barham, Berry acknowledged the coaching approach: “What we try to tell our guys is just saw the person in half from the chest down.”
Berry said he didn’t think that Barham’s hit on quarterback Jack Layne was targeting.
Berry also touched on the team’s approach to chippiness and trash-talking during games, including against the Lobos.
“We just try to stay disciplined, not indulge in whatever they’re doing,” Berry said, acknowledging it can be tough with emotions running high.
When asked about teammate Rod Moore’s injury status, Berry said he’s seen him running outside and feels he’s improving, but was unsure if he’ll be ready soon.
Speaking of injuries, head coach Sherrone Moore provided an update on Rod and Hogan Hansen, who have a good chance of playing against Oklahoma.
Sherrone also said that offensive lineman Andrew Sprague was healthy and ready as well.