Everything Hurts - CFB 2024 Week 2 Review
The highs of College football are so high. But wow, the lows are so so low. That is the beautiful dichotomy of the game. While I love the NFL, every game holds more value in the college ecosystem. Not only are there fewer games, but one or two plays can dictate your year. You go from thinking this will be your year to internet trolls calling for the job of the Head Coach.
Notre Dame is the living embodiment of this conversation this week. But it could have been Penn State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, or Oregon just as easily. A few plays in each game were all the defense between the high and the low.
It's why you celebrate every victory, no matter how small, and each week is a moment to cherish with your team.
Here’s your comprehensive recap of all things college football from this weekend:
Game of the Week: Texas vs. Michigan.
Texas looked like a real-deal contender. Is that a surprise? Not necessarily. However, it proves that last year wasn't a fluke. Sark has something cooking down in Austin, and this game confirms it for everyone. Despite losing several key pieces, the offense was just as strong as last year. In my opinion, this is due to the growth of Quinn Ewers. He looked so impressive as he orchestrated the offense in all sorts of situations. I saw someone on Twitter (or X, whatever) say that he looked like the game had finally slowed down for him. Considering he has some of the best arm talent in the world? That's a dangerous combination.
As of right now, Texas is my pick to win it all.
On the other sideline, this was an absolute worst-case-scenario game for Michigan. They couldn't hold onto possession through long drives or move the ball, and the defense broke under pressure. If I am a fan of the Maize and Blue in Ann Arbor, I would be sweating. This whole thing could unravel quickly. Would an 8-4, 7-5 season surprise anyone at this point? I don't think so.
But when you win the title, who cares what happens the following year.
Upset of the Week: Northern Illinois
I mean, this was obvious, right? I hate it, but it's obvious. They played strong, fast, and most importantly, they weren't scared. Where they really succeeded is that they kept making the extra little play against Notre Dame. They would get a couple extra yards on every run, didn't miss tackles, and didn't give up cheap points.
They played so well against a Notre Dame team that played so bad.
Woof.
Under-the-Radar Game of the Week Oregon-Boise State
Everybody knows how much I enjoy this Boise State team. Based on week 1's results, this game had high upset potential and almost played out that way.
These are two major brands in the P4 and G5, so why is it under the radar? Because it was on freaking Peacock at 10 pm Eastern. I can't imagine too many people were dialed into this one, which is a shame because Jeanty put on another show. After being down late, Oregon showed some serious guts to pull out the victory.
Biggest Storyline of the Weekend: Being a Notre Dame fan stinks.
Notre Dame, the number 5 team in the nation, lost to Northern Illinois. They were 29-point favorites at home and lost, which raises a whole host of questions.
What went wrong?
Is Riley Leonard the guy?
Why does this keep happening to Freeman led teams?
Can Notre Dame even make the playoffs anymore?
Will this happen more in the world of transfers?
I don't know if those are right or wrong questions to ask; I know my answers to them, but I don't blame people for asking those questions. It doesn't affect my fandom or my belief in what they can do throughout the year, but it certainly makes every game more stressful.
Breakout Team of the Week: Nebraska
Honorable mention: Tennessee
ignore the fact that they played Colorado because that is irrelevant to this statement. Nebraska played a primetime game with a potential superstar quarterback and an unbelievable crowd. Then, they proceeded to dominate their opponent. Over the past 7 years, that has not been the case, no matter how much we have hyped up Nebraska. They consistently have crapped down their leg and shown that they were not a serious program. Just a really disappointing team so many times.
But Matt Rhule has something special brewing over there. I can’t wait to see how he continues to build the program his way.
Plus - Dylan Raiola’s Patrick Mahomes impression cracks me up.
Player of the Week: Quinn Ewers
I have tried for days to compare how he played. Many times, the term point guard is used to say a quarterback has control over the offense, but I don't think that's the right example.
The best I could come up with is that he is a Sous Chef. He is taking Sark's incredible play design and delivering on the execution just like a Sous chef does for the Head Chef. They have to work in tandem, and I think that's where Texas was lacking in previous years. Previously, it felt like Ewers succeeded because of the offensive philosophy; this weekend, Ewers was helping create the offensive philosophy.
Stat Line of the Week: Cade Klubnik
Cade Klubnik is not a name I expected to write here, but after a national embarrassment, here we are. Clemson came out and absolutely blitzed a top G5 program to score 56 in the first half.
Play of the Weekend: Kansas State scoop and score
Big time moment in the midst of a tight game.
Random moment that made me giggle: Alan Bowman
While I laughed at it, you gotta be smarter than this.
Let's talk about Heisman candidates. Jaxon Dart
Dart came into the season as one of the names in Heisman consideration. That doesn't stop now.
Obviously, he was a guy on everyone's radar. Through two games, nothing has changed. He opened up the last game against Middle Tennessee State, completing his first 24 passes. No big deal.
Ole Miss is currently outscoring their opponents 128-3. Long story short, Lane Kiffin likes to score and score a lot. Jaxon Dart will be the benefactor of that mentality. He is already up to 795 passing yards and 6 touchdowns. Wait until he starts using his legs. Woo boy, his stats are about to be insane if he can stay healthy.
Look Ahead to Next Week
LSU vs. South Carolina - Gameday’s game…. Sure? Cola will be rowdy at least.
Alabama vs. Wisconsin - If Wisconsin had shown me anything then I could see this being an upset.
Boston College vs. Missouri - National prominence? No. Football enjoyment? Yes.
Oregon vs. Oregon State - YES PLEASE. RE-ALIGNMENT REVENGE TIME.
Washington vs. Washington State - YES PLEASE. RE-ALIGNMENT REVENGE TIME.
Indiana vs. UCLA - I really like what Coach Cig is doing for the Hoosiers.