Week 2 Review

Week 2 of college football delivered on excitement and surprises, even after an initial perception of a letdown compared to Week 1. The day kicked off with a bang as Texas stormed into the Big House and dismantled Michigan 31-12. The Longhorns dominated in all facets of the game, leaving no doubt about their early-season potential.

Texas's commanding victory over Michigan solidified their status as a top contender in college football. The Longhorns' performance suggests that a national championship run is a realistic goal. With a deep and talented roster, Texas possesses the firepower to compete with powerhouse programs like Georgia and Ohio State. However, they'll face stiff tests against Oklahoma and Georgia, which will serve as crucial benchmarks for their championship aspirations.

Michigan's performance against Texas was a stark reminder of the challenges they face in the post-Harbaugh era. Despite expectations for a decline, the Wolverines' struggles were more pronounced than anticipated. To reach their goal of an 8-9 win season, they must address several key areas, including their quarterback situation and offensive line play. With a demanding conference schedule on the horizon, Michigan will need to make swift adjustments to avoid further setbacks.

Arkansas missed out on a significant victory over Oklahoma State, falling short in a thrilling fourth-quarter shootout. Despite holding a lead late in the game, the Razorbacks surrendered 18 points in the final frame. Oklahoma State's offensive struggles, including a subpar performance from star running back Ollie Gordon, contributed to their less-than-ideal outcome.

Oklahoma State's comeback victory over Arkansas was fueled by timely plays and turnovers forced from the Razorbacks. The Cowboys' ability to capitalize on Arkansas's mistakes proved to be the difference in the game. While Oklahoma State has shown promise, they'll need to address areas for improvement to reach their goal of a College Football Playoff appearance. The Cowboys face off against Tulsa this Saturday before a highly anticipated Big 12 matchup against Utah on September 21st.

Arkansas has established a solid foundation for their SEC campaign with two impressive non-conference performances. The Razorbacks' offense has shown significant promise, and limiting turnovers will be crucial for their success. If they can maintain this momentum, Arkansas has the potential to upset a few SEC teams. While their conference schedule is challenging, the early matchups against Auburn and Texas A&M present opportunities for the Hogs to make a statement.

Notre Dame's stunning upset at the hands of Northern Illinois in Week 2 was one of the biggest shocks of the college football season. After a promising opening-week victory over Texas A&M, the Irish suffered a humiliating home loss that ranks among the most embarrassing defeats in program history. This marks the second time in the past three seasons that Notre Dame has fallen to a non-Power Five opponent, raising serious questions about their overall competitiveness.

Notre Dame's loss to Northern Illinois significantly diminishes their chances of making a College Football Playoff run. With a relatively weak schedule, the Irish now face a limited window of opportunity to earn the quality wins necessary for playoff consideration. Their upset loss has dramatically altered their season outlook.

Notre Dame's offensive struggles were a major factor in their upset loss to Northern Illinois. Quarterback Riley Leonard struggled to find his rhythm, completing just 20-of-30 passes for 163 yards and throwing two interceptions. Head coach Marcus Freeman will need to make significant adjustments in the coming weeks to improve the offense's performance and keep Notre Dame's playoff hopes alive.

Oregon narrowly escaped a potential upset against Boise State in Week 2, winning by a field goal in a thrilling contest. The Ducks' performance raised questions about their national championship aspirations, which had been high coming into the season. While Oregon has shown resilience in securing a win, their struggles against non-conference opponents suggest that they may need more time to develop into a true title contender.

Oregon's offensive line continued to be a major concern in Week 2, allowing four sacks against Boise State. Coach Dan Lanning must prioritize improving the offensive line to ensure the team's success. A strong offensive line is essential for any team, regardless of individual talent. The Ducks' upcoming rivalry game against Oregon State will be a crucial test to determine if they have made sufficient progress in solidifying their offensive front. If they cannot establish a dominant offensive line, Oregon's expectations for the season will likely be significantly lowered.

Nico Iamaleava has exceeded expectations in his debut season at Tennessee, quickly establishing himself as one of the nation's most promising young quarterbacks. Tennessee fans, who had high hopes for the team entering the season, have been thrilled by Iamaleava's performance. His impressive statistics, including 38-of-51 passing for 525 yards and 5 touchdowns, have propelled the Volunteers to a strong start. Not only has Iamaleava led a potent offense, but Tennessee's defense has also been a key factor in their success.

Tennessee's defense has been a revelation in 2024, allowing just 13 points through the first few games. The Volunteers' defensive unit has generated a strong pass rush, recording four sacks and forcing four turnovers. This defensive dominance has balanced Tennessee's high-powered offense, creating a well-rounded team with significant playoff potential. The Volunteers will face a stern test in a few weeks when they travel to Oklahoma for a crucial SEC matchup.

Nebraska's dominance over Colorado showcased the program's resurgence under head coach Matt Ruhle. In his second season, Ruhle has guided the Cornhuskers to a strong start, highlighted by the impressive performance of freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola. While Raiola's statistics may not have been eye-popping, his ability to make the right reads and deliver accurate passes to playmakers was instrumental in Nebraska's victory.

Nebraska's victory over Colorado showcased a balanced and well-rounded team. The Cornhuskers recorded 334 yards of total offense, including 185 passing yards and 149 rushing yards. Defensively, Nebraska's performance was equally impressive, limiting Colorado's talented offense to just 10 points and 260 yards. The Cornhuskers were particularly effective against the run, allowing only 16 rushing yards.

Nebraska's schedule for the remainder of the season presents a favorable opportunity for the Cornhuskers to build momentum. Following their matchup against Northern Iowa, Nebraska will enter Big Ten play with games against Illinois and Purdue. If Raiola continues to perform at a high level and the defense maintains its strong play, Nebraska could achieve a season that fans in Lincoln have been eagerly anticipating.