With Week 2 in the books, there is no better time to look back at a week full of intense action and major shakeups. Overall, the weekly game predictions have been going smoothly once again as I went 77-9 during Week 2. This puts my total for the season thus far at 161-21, and hopefully this continues going forward. Some of the country’s best were upset, like Oklahoma losing to Michigan and Oklahoma State beating Oregon, which shocked fans such as myself. One of the best games of the season occurred in a top-five matchup that went to the wire. Games like these can have a lasting impact on a team’s success and the playoff picture.
The Most Impressive
BYU
The Cougars were able to beat the Wildcats in an important Big 12 conference game. BYU’s Bear Bachmeier produced a solid performance by showcasing his versatility with 4 total touchdowns. LJ Martin was his usually productive self, and the receiving group was impressive with multiple 20+ yard completions. In addition to a balanced offense, the Cougars defense was able to cause chaos and make things difficult for Arizona. BYU held the Wildcats scoreless in the second half, ultimately pulling away with a 28-17 victory. This win helps BYU start to separate itself from the rest of the conference.
Missouri
Watching Missouri play thus far has been quite the treat. In a rivalry game, anything can happen, which seemed to be the case after a 0-0 first quarter. After that, both teams were able to create big plays that had the momentum swinging back and forth. Austin Simmons has been exciting to start his Tiger career after transferring from Ole Miss. He had 292 yards passing and 3 touchdowns to pace this high-octane offense. The intriguing part for Tiger fans to be aware of is that their defense forced multiple turnovers and limited the Jayhawks to two offensive touchdowns, with the other coming off a blocked kick. This was an impressive win on the road against their rivals.
Texas
The Longhorns get their revenge after losing to the Buckeyes last year. Though at times it was not pretty, Texas was able to execute late and get the comeback victory. That second half was impressive, in large part because of timely plays by Hollywood Smothers, Arch Manning, and Colin Simmons. In arguably their biggest test of the season, the Longhorns showed the grit, heart, and talent to compete for an SEC championship and be a national championship team. Ohio State is an incredibly talented team, and Texas beat them. This is a statement win early in the year.
The Most Disappointing
Nevada
A loss to a team that the opponent is favored happens, especially in an FCS vs. FBS matchup. However, this was different as the FCS was the favorite. I expected the Wolfpack to take offense to that and pull out a victory. I was wrong, as Montana State walked in and took home a 20-7 win. This is an embarrassing loss and another setback for a program which has struggled recently. Nevada fans will be feeling this loss for quite some time. They know that this loss will replay in the team’s mind for the remainder of the season, leaving them wondering what’s next.
Oregon
With a slow start to another game this season, the Ducks tasted bitter defeat this time at the hands of Oklahoma State. With many people predicting Oregon to be a national championship contender or expecting a playoff appearance, this one stings. I was high on the Ducks offense and defense this year, but their defense has left a lot to be desired. The Ducks offense was able to produce mixed results in both games after coming out slowly. If this trend continues, Oregon might end up on the outside looking in. However, they still control their own destiny. Oregon has the talent to compete, but fans have to wonder whether it is overconfidence or lack of preparation.
Washington State
I anticipated this one to be close, optimistically thinking Washington State’s offense would figure it out. Thus far, their offense has been anything but efficient. The running game has been nearly nonexistent aside from quarterback scrambles, and the lack of third-down conversions is glaring. The lone bright spot for the Cougars defense against Kansas State was Jaylen Thomas, who had 2 interceptions, with one being returned for a touchdown to end the first half. With weaker competition coming up later in the season, WSU will need to improve the offensive production, ultimately leading to more success for their defense.
Best Games of the Week
Ohio State at Texas
Texas was able to make an incredible second-half comeback against the No. 1 team in the country. Ohio State came out fast, entering the half with a 20-3 lead. Arguably the best player in college football, Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State, had a monster game with over 160 yards and a touchdown on 8 catches. His herculean efforts were not enough, especially in the second half. Mistakes and miscues led to opportunities for the Longhorns to come back. The missed field goal late could have sealed it for the Buckeyes. Instead, Texas drove down the field and scored a last-minute touchdown to take the lead. In a matchup with star power, rankings, and revenge on the line, fans were treated to a game that will be remembered for years.
Oregon at Oklahoma State
I mentioned above how this loss for Oregon was disappointing, however, Cowboy fans would have an entirely different perspective. Oregon could not figure it out on both sides of the ball, especially early when they were outscored 21-7 in the second quarter. If someone told me that Oregon would hover around 100 rushing yards and under 200 passing yards this game, I would not believe you. The same could be said about Drew Mestemaker, who torched the Ducks defense through the air and on the ground. The big 3 of North Texas transfers in Mestemaker, Coleman Hawkins, and Wyatt Young were able to make their presence felt in an upset win. Oklahoma State bounces back after an embarrassing loss last week to Tulsa and looks to ride the momentum forward. If they can continue this momentum, they could be a dark horse in the Big 12.
Wake Forest at Purdue
This was an exhilarating, back-and-forth overtime thriller in West Lafayette. As one of the only games to go into overtime thus far, it has to be mentioned among some of the best games this past weekend. Gio Lopez has been off to a hot start this year and was crucial in this game for the Demon Deacons. His 3 total touchdowns, with 2 touchdowns in overtime, showed a clutch nature which will bode well for them in future games. Purdue running back Fame Ijeboi was great in defeat as he rushed for over a hundred yards and had 3 touchdowns. This game would leave some fans questioning the defense, but in a tightly contested game that goes to double overtime, it is hard to complain.
Watch Out For
Week 3 Game Predictions will be released Thursday morning, before the first game of the week kicks off.
