It was a hectic Week 2 in college football. Thursday night saw Miami continue their domination, but against an FCS team. Then, Missouri showed they were a Top 25 team on Friday, defeating their rival Kansas with a strong second half. The real chaos began on Saturday. After nearly losing to Western Michigan, Michigan stunned Oklahoma. Then, Oregon was upset by Oklahoma State, who had just lost to Tulsa. The night ended with a massive comeback from Texas to defeat Ohio State.
With all the big games in Week 2, there has been some movement in the Top 25, with a new team sitting at number one and two teams jumping into the Top 25.
Previous Week:ÃÂ Preseason | Week 2
1. Texas (+1)
Texas jumps up one spot, taking over as the top team in the nation. It was looking bad for the Longhorns early against Ohio State. They fumbled on their first play from scrimmage, leading to an Ohio State field goal. The next drive saw Arch Manning get intercepted, and the Buckeyes turned that into a touchdown. Texas finally put points on the board in the second quarter after a 16-play, 69-yard drive that took 7:41 off the clock and led to a field goal. Ohio State ended the half with a touchdown and a 20-3 lead. Heading into the fourth quarter, it was 23-3, but Texas made the comeback. Arch Manning threw a touchdown, while Hollywood Smothers ran in two scores, as Texas came back to win the game 24-23. Texas returns to action against UTSA next week.
2. Georgia (+1)
Georgia did exactly what they needed to in Week 2 in a dominating win over Western Kentucky. They put up 49 points in the first half, as Gunner Stockton completed 13 of 16 passes for 234 yards and five touchdowns. The Bulldogs also racked up 234 yards on the ground with three more touchdowns. The team also got a kick return for a score from Tyriq Green, leading to 70 total points. The defense held Western Kentucky to just 225 yards, as Georgia won 70-20. They hit the road next week to open SEC play, visiting Arkansas.
3. Indiana (+1)
Like Georgia, Indiana did not have a big-time opponent in Week 2, but also took care of business. Indiana put away Howard early, scoring 41 points in the first half. Josh Hoover was just six of 11 passing, but it was for 145 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, backup Grant Wilson threw just two passes, but for 54 yards and two touchdowns. Lee Beebe Jr. and Turbo Richard both ran for over 100 yards, while the defense held Howard to just 57 total yards. The two teams decided to shorten the fourth quarter, as Indiana won 55-0. Next up for Indiana is a visit from Western Kentucky.
4. LSU (+1)
LSU moves up because of the shake-up in front of them, but needs to figure out things ahead of their big matchup next weekend. While LSU blew out Louisiana Tech, there were some issues. Sam Leavitt completed 25 of 38 passes for 344 yards and a touchdown. Leavitt had some struggles, though, throwing three interceptions in the game. The defense was still stellar, forcing three turnovers and holding Louisiana Tech to just 140 yards, including negative three rushing yards, in the 45-14 win. LSU hits the road to open SEC play as Lane Kiffin returns to his former stomping grounds when LSU visits Ole Miss.
5. Notre Dame (+1)
Notre Dame's defense scored more points in the first 30 seconds of the game than they gave up. On the second play from scrimmage, Boubacar Traore picked up a Rice fumble and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown, making it 7-0. The defense would go on to give up just 128 total yards and not allow a point. CJ Carr was nearly perfect, completing 16 of 20 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns, while a trio of former NFL players' sons also saw their first action. Jerome Bettis Jr., Elijah Burress, and Devin Fitzgerald all hauled in receptions in the 52-0 blowout of Rice. The Irish will host Michigan State next week.
6. Miami (FL) (+1)
It was a record-setting performance for Miami on Thursday night. Miami put up 77 points in the beatdown of Florida A&M. Darian Mensah completed 14 of 15 passes for 252 yards and three scores, while Malachi Toney hauled in four receptions for 96 yards and a score. Luke Nickel, the backup quarterback, completed all eight of his passes for 144 yards and three scores as well. Overall, the Hurricanes put up 856 yards of offense, while facing third down just three times in the entire game. The Hurricanes hit the road for a Friday night game next week, visiting Wake Forest.
7. Ohio State (-6)
Teams ranked number one in the AP Poll have been 197-0 since 2004, when leading by 20 or more points in the fourth quarter. They are now 197-1. Ohio State is the first major drop in the Top 25, but not the biggest drop of the week. Still up 13 points in the fourth quarter, Ryan Day went conservative on offense, leading to a three-and-out, and Texas made it a six-point game. Then Connor Hawkins missed a 45-yard field goal on the next drive, and Texas made the massive comeback. Ohio State will have a chance to rebound next week, as they host Kent State.
8. Texas A&M (+2)
Texas A&M faced Arizona State on Saturday and took a solid victory in the game. It was a tight contest for much of the game, as the Aggies led by seven at half, and by just four going into the fourth quarter. Still, 24 fourth-quarter points, including a pick-six by Marco Jones, turned the game. Marcel Reed completed just 15 of 25 passes for just 163 yards, but he did find receivers in the end zone three times in the 48-20 victory. They open SEC play next week, hosting Kentucky.
9.ÃÂ Ole Miss (+2)
Kewan Lacy was expected to potentially sit out to nurse an injury against Charlotte this week, as Ole Miss has bigger games coming up. Not only did Lacy play, but he averaged 6.7 yards per carry and scored twice in the game. Meanwhile, Trinidad Chambliss completed 23 of 26 passes for 225 yards and two scores. There could be some concern, though. The defense allowed 322 yards to Charlotte while taking the 41-9 win. They will need to improve on defense to get the win next week, as LSU comes to town.
10. Alabama (+4)
Alabama has started back-to-back games slowly, but then made adjustments and came away with blowouts. This week it was against Kentucky. On their first offensive drive of the game, Keelon Russell threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. He would lose a fumble on the next drive, giving Kentucky a chance to take a two-score lead. The defense stepped up, though. Luke Metz intercepted a pass and brought it back for a touchdown, making it 7-7. The second half was all Alabama, as they shut out Kentucky and scored touchdowns on their final four drives. The defense was stellar, coming away with four sacks, three turnovers, and holding Kentucky to one of 14 on third down in the 45-17 victory. Next up for the Crimson Tide is Florida State at home.
11. USC (+2)
USC is now 3-0 on the year after a 49-30 win over Louisiana. Jayden Maiava was once again solid, throwing for 261 yards and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, King Miller ran for 128 yards and a score. Still, the defense struggled some with the dual-threat ability of Lunch Winfield. He threw for 212 yards and a score, while running for 91 yards and two more touchdowns. USC hits the road for the first time next week, as they visit Rutgers to open Big Ten play.
12. BYU (+1)
BYU has opened Big 12 play with a win and a convincing one over a solid team. The Cougars took the 28-17 victory over Arizona on Saturday as Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin led the way. Bachmeier threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns, while running for 37 yards and another score. Meanwhile, Martin ran the ball 20 times for 98 yards while also bringing in two receptions for 27 yards. The defense forced one turnover from Noah Fifita, while holding Arizona scoreless in the second half in the win. BYU visits Colorado State next week.
13. Texas Tech (-1)
Texas Tech escaped the upset bid with a strong fourth quarter against Oregon State. The Beavers took the lead on a field goal to start the quarter, but Texas Tech would respond. They scored a touchdown on a Will Hammond pass and then forced two turnovers on downs. They would score again on a Tommy Castellanos pass to end the game and win 35-24. Still, they were outgained 472 yards to 352 as Will Hammond struggled overall. Had it not been for Texas Tech going eight for 16 on third down compared to the four for 15 by the Beavers, this could have been an upset. The Red Raiders host Houston next week.
14. Tennessee (+2)
The Tennessee offense was scoring at will against Georgia Tech. Faizon Brandon was not great passing, completing just 10 of 21 passes for 148 yards and two scores. Still, the ground game was great. DeSean Bishop ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns, while Daune Morris ran for 98 yards and a score. Overall, the team ran the ball 45 times for 299 yards in the game, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. The defense also forced two turnovers, as Tennessee won the game 45-24. Tennessee will host Kennesaw State next week.
15. Penn StateÃÂ (+2)
The first quarter of the game did not start well for Penn State. They missed a field goal on their opening drive, then punted on the second drive. After Temple quarterback Jaxson Smolik threw an interception, Penn State was in the red zone to start the drive. They would go for it from the Temple two-yard line on fourth down, but failed to convert. Temple then drove 91 yards to kick a field goal and take the lead. That woke Penn State up, as they scored points on every full drive the rest of the game on the way to a 27-9 victory. They will host Buffalo in Week 3.
Article Continues Below16. SMU (+2)
SMU did not have to worry about the short week or the power being out in their second game of the season facing UC Davis. Kevin Jennings was electric, completing 14 of 16 passes for 337 yards and five touchdowns. Then, Ty Hawkins came in and threw another two touchdowns. Six different receivers caught touchdown passes, while seven different pass catchers hauled in receptions of 30 yards or longer. SMU racked up 547 yards of offense and won the game 56-10. Next up for the Mustangs is a road game against Louisville.
17. Utah (+2)
Utah had an SEC opponent on the schedule for Week 2. Too bad for the SEC; it was Arkansas. Devon Dampier was excellent once again, passing for 261 yards while running for 50. He also had two passing touchdowns and two on the ground. Meanwhile, Wayshawn Parker ran for 53 yards with two scores, while hauling in five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown. Utah's defense held Arkansas to just ten points in the 43-10 victory. They host Utah State next week.
18. Iowa (+2)
The battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy is always tight, and it was no different in this one. Iowa State was able to slow down Kamari Moulton, holding him to just 57 yards. Still, Hank Brown was solid for Iowa at quarterback. He went 21 for 30 passing for 191 yards while also running for 22 yards and a touchdown. Iowa ended the game with an efficient nine-play drive that took 4:13 off the clock and led to the game-winning field goal. Iowa won the game 16-13 to take back the Cy-Hawk Trophy. They will host Northern Iowa in Week 3.
19. Michigan (+6)
Welcome back to the Top 25, Michigan. A week after dropping out of the Top 25 due to the horrible performance against Western Michigan, they are right back in it after the win over Oklahoma. Bryce Underwood was much better in Week 2. He completed just nine of 17 passes for 111 yards, but ran the ball for 87 yards and a touchdown. They sacked John Mateer three times while keeping the quarterback contained, something that the Wolverines did not do against Oklahoma last year. They also made a massive fourth-quarter play that won them the game. Jyaire Hill picked off Mateer and brought it back to the six-yard line. This led to a Jordan Marshall rushing touchdown and the 17-10 victory for Michigan. The Wolverines host UTEP in Week 3.
20. Missouri (+1)
Missouri took a big win in a rivalry game on Friday night. After being tied at 14 against Kansas at the end of the first half, Missouri was great in the second half of the game as Austin Simmons threw two second-half touchdowns. He would end up throwing for 292 yards and three total scores. Jamal Roberts was solid, running for 125 yards and a score. Still, the defense was the highlight. They held Kansas to just 255 yards and forced three turnovers in the 38-21 victory. They host Troy in Week 3.
21. Virginia (+1)ÃÂ
Virginia does not look like they have lost a step from last year. So far in two games, they have put up 93 points, while giving up just 11. The defense yielded just three points against Norfolk State, while forcing three turnovers. Virginia did exactly what they needed to do against an FCS opponent to move to 2-0. They will host West Virginia in Week 3.
22. Houston (+1)ÃÂ
Houston took care of business on Saturday, completely dominating Southern. The offense ran the ball 45 times for 288 yards and six touchdowns. All six touchdowns were run in by different people, while ten different running backs rushed the ball in the game. Connor Weigman was not great, completing just nine of 12 passes for 120 yards, but he did throw three touchdowns in the 77-6 win. They will visit Texas Tech next week.
23. Oklahoma (-14)
Oklahoma tumbles in the power rankings after their loss to Michigan, but they were not the biggest losers of the week. After putting up 401 yards of offense in Week 1, they managed just 289 yards in Week 2. The major drop-off was the play of John Mateer. He was just 17 of 33 passing for 189 yards. He also ran for 45 yards. Still, the run game was not good. Mateer was the top rusher, and Oklahoma averaged just 3.4 yards per carry. The defense was solid and did enough to win the game, but if the offense is going to continue to sputter, it could be a disappointing season. They return home against New Mexico next week, with games against Georgia and Texas on the horizon.
24. Oregon (-16)
Oregon came into the season with national title hopes and a quarterback who was looking for a Heisman Trophy. Both quests took a major knock on Saturday. Dante Moore was not great, completing just 14 of 29 passes with two touchdowns against Oklahoma State. Meanwhile, the defense struggled against Drew Mestemaker. Mestemaker threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns, while also running for 109 yards on six carries with a touchdown. Oklahoma State downed Oregon 39-31. The Ducks have now struggled two straight weeks and need to figure things out against Portland State next week.
25. North Dakota State (+1)ÃÂ
North Dakota State enters the chat as the top non-power conference team. They moved to 3-0 on the season with a 38-32 win over Air Force. North Dakota State looked like the service academy team with their start to the game. They opened up with a nine-play, 75-yard drive that took 5:06 off the clock and ended in a touchdown. The second drive took 8:44 off the clock on 16 plays and also ended in a touchdown. Still, the defense struggled late, allowing touchdowns from Air Force on three straight drives in the fourth quarter. Regardless, they got their first-ever Mountain West victory. Next week, the Bison face fellow FBS newcomer Sacramento State on the road.
Joining the Top 25:ÃÂ Michigan, North Dakota State
Dropped from the Top 25:ÃÂ Washington, Memphis
Just Missed Out: Boise State, Louisville, Florida