Week 2 Chaos- Texas Rises, Notre Dame Falls, and the Playoff Picture Shifts

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian praised Ewers' composure: "There's something about Quinn in his demeanor. He's a very calm guy. He's really collected. He never rides the emotional rollercoaster." This steadiness proved crucial as Ewers led the Longhorns to convert seven of their first eight third-down attempts.

The Longhorns' offensive line, anchored by tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., provided stellar protection against Michigan's pass rush. Defensively, Texas held Michigan to just 80 rushing yards. This comprehensive victory has vaulted Texas into the national championship conversation, with Ewers solidifying his status as a potential top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Notre Dame's Shocking Upset

In a shocking upset, No. 5 Notre Dame fell to Northern Illinois 16-14, marking the first time a MAC team has defeated an AP top-five opponent. Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock emphasized his team's preparedness: "We didn't need luck. That was our theme. I didn't think we needed luck. We just need to play our best."

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard threw two costly interceptions, with the second setting up Kanon Woodill's game-winning 35-yard field goal with 31 seconds remaining. This loss is a significant blow to Notre Dame's playoff hopes and raises questions about their competitiveness at the highest level.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman expressed disappointment: "You know, it's our job as coaches to make sure these guys are ready to go. You go from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in a tale of two weeks, but we've got to own this thing. As coaches and players, we've got to own it, and we've got to fix it."

Oregon's Close Call

The No. 7 Oregon Ducks narrowly escaped Boise State 37-34 on a last-second field goal by Atticus Sappington. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel showed flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency. Oregon's special teams provided crucial plays, including Tez Johnson's 85-yard punt return touchdown. However, offensive line issues and a weak running game (110 yards) remain concerns as they enter conference play.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning acknowledged the team's struggles: "We sure like sweating around here. I have a sense of relief because of the result, but there are certainly a lot of things to fix."

Record-Breaking Performances

Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss set SEC records by completing his first 24 passes and 30 straight overall in a 52-3 rout of Middle Tennessee. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty impressed with over 200 total yards against Oregon, leading all FBS players with 459 rushing yards through two games.

Other Notable Games

In other notable games, No. 8 Penn State survived a scare from Bowling Green, winning 34-27. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen each rushed for over 100 yards to help the Nittany Lions escape the upset bid.

No. 14 Tennessee dominated No. 24 NC State 51-10, with the Volunteers' defense holding the Wolfpack to just 143 total yards. James Pearce Jr. led the defensive charge for Tennessee.

In the Big 12, No. 16 Oklahoma State survived a double-overtime thriller against Arkansas, winning on the strength of key turnovers and a pick-six.

No. 17 Kansas State needed a strong second half to overcome Tulane 34-27 on the road. The Wildcats' defense stepped up late with crucial stops and a scoop-and-score touchdown.

Clemson bounced back from their Week 1 loss with a resounding 66-20 victory over Appalachian State. Cade Klubnik threw for eight touchdowns in the first half alone, silencing critics after the Tigers' poor offensive showing in the opener.

Heisman Trophy Race

The Heisman Trophy race is starting to take shape. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty leads all FBS players with 459 rushing yards through two games. Quinn Ewers' performance against Michigan has thrust him into the conversation. Travis Hunter of Colorado continues to impress on both sides of the ball, recording nine catches for 89 yards, a pass breakup, and a tackle for loss against Nebraska.

Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord has been a revelation since transferring from Ohio State. His 635 yards and eight touchdowns through two games, including a stellar performance in an upset win over Georgia Tech, have put him in the early Heisman discussion.

Coaches on the Hot Seat

Several coaches are feeling the heat after disappointing starts. Auburn's Hugh Freeze is under scrutiny after a 21-14 loss to California, dropping his record to 5-11 in his last 16 games against FBS competition. UAB's Trent Dilfer is struggling in his college coaching debut, falling to 3-9 against FBS opponents after a 32-6 loss to ULM.

Looking Ahead to Week 3

As Week 3 approaches, several intriguing matchups loom on the horizon. Texas will look to build on their momentum as they host Wyoming, while Notre Dame faces the daunting task of regrouping against Central Michigan. Oregon's trip to Texas Tech will be a litmus test for both programs, and Tennessee's clash with Florida could have significant implications in the SEC East race.

Playoff Picture Shifts

The early-season chaos has reshaped the College Football Playoff picture, with Texas surging into contention and Notre Dame facing an uphill battle. As conference play begins to ramp up, every game takes on added importance in the race for those coveted four playoff spots.

In the Big Ten, Ohio State's dominant win over Western Michigan, coupled with Michigan's loss to Texas, has shifted the balance of power in the conference. The Buckeyes now look like the team to beat, but Penn State's narrow escape against Bowling Green raises questions about their ability to compete with the elite.

The ACC saw Clemson bounce back with a 66-20 thrashing of Appalachian State, but the conference's playoff hopes may rest on Florida State's shoulders after their impressive Week 1 victory.

Under-the-Radar Stories

Several under-the-radar stories emerged in Week 2. Clarion, a Division II program, snapped a nearly five-year home losing streak with a 20-9 victory over Lincoln (Pa.) University. In the FCS ranks, Idaho shocked Wyoming 17-13, marking their second consecutive season with an FCS-over-FBS upset.

SMU's transition to the ACC got off to a rocky start with an 18-15 loss to BYU. The Mustangs' struggles in their first Power Four matchup raise questions about their ability to compete in their new conference.

NFL Draft Stock Watch

As the college football season progresses, NFL scouts are keeping a close eye on prospects whose draft stock is rapidly changing. Texas wide receiver Xavier Restrepo has emerged as a reliable target for Quinn Ewers, showcasing the route-running precision and sure hands that NFL teams covet. His performance against Michigan's talented secondary will have scouts taking a closer look.

On the defensive side, Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. has been a disruptive force, leading a unit that held NC State to just 143 total yards. His ability to pressure the quarterback and stop the run will make him an intriguing prospect for teams in need of defensive line help.

Conversely, Michigan's offensive struggles against Texas may hurt the draft stock of some of their linemen, who were expected to dominate but instead allowed consistent pressure on their quarterback.

Looking Forward

As we catch our breath from a quality Week 2, it's clear that the 2024 college football season is shaping up to be one for the ages. Traditional powerhouses are being challenged, new stars are emerging, and the race for the College Football Playoff is more wide-open than ever.

With conference play looming and several high-profile matchups on the horizon, fans can expect more twists and turns in the coming weeks. The only certainty is that in college football, expect the unexpected.