Week 2 Recap

by Big Al

I had a lot of good intentions of creating the Week 2 preview, then I never actually sat down and did it. I'm starting to wonder about my own college football fandom: "We make time for the things that are important to us."

I think part of it is the simple fact that nothing really needs analyzing. Especially this early in the season. There simply isn't much happening right now that means anything. Alabama's path to the playoffs is more difficult, but really no different. The game they played against Texas was essentially meaningless. And next year it will be even more so. So it's hard to get fired up for these things.

Texas 34 - Alabama 24

Watching this game, I expected Alabama to win. Texas was leaving a lot of points on the board early with mistakes and dropped passes. But they kept after it and won going away. This is a very resilient team that we need to keep an eye on. They pulled out a huge road win in a rowdy environment at night. Quinn Ewers is pretty darn good.

Meanwhile, Alabama has been slipping. This is the sort of game they used to win before it even started. I'm not saying they are bad, but they aren't the same juggernaut they used to be. Jalen Milroe looks more comfortable running than passing. That needs to change if he want to take this team to the playoffs.

Oregon 38 - Texas Tech 30

I didn't watch this game, but it looked like it was one crazy evening in Lubbock. Shame for Texas Tech, but Oregon is feeling good right about now.

North Carolina 40 - Appalachian State 34

App State keeps getting close, but can't quite finish the job against UNC. Stinks for App State, but North Carolina has to like being able to pull out games like this.

Washington State 31 - Wisconsin 28

Big win for one of the two remaining Pac-12 teams! But I'd say the bloom is already off the Fickell rose in Madison.

Colorado 36 - Nebraska 14

Somehow, Colorado was being disrespected by Nebraska? Is that what we're going with? Oh sure, whatever. Anyway, Colorado fans rushed the field for a win over a team that missed a bowl last year and who they haven't been rivals with for well over a decade. Admittedly, Colorado fans haven't had much to cheer about in the last few years, so good for them!

Miami 48 - Texas A&M 33

Miami needed a big win. Fortunately, they were playing Texas A&M. The Hurricanes may not be back, but a big win at home against a ranked team is definitely a needed jolt.

Iowa 20 - Iowa State 13

Not only did Iowa score a big rivalry win, but they actually scored 20 points! The first is the biggest news to everyone in the state of Iowa. The second is the bigger news to everyone else.

Michigan 35 - UNLV 7

Michigan looks very good. But J.J. McCarthy's numbers are just absurd. Completing well over 80% of your passes is difficult against air. To do it over the course of two games against real people is just crazy. He hasn't gotten a lot of attention, but those sorts of numbers will give it to you.

Notre Dame 45 - NC State 24

Meanwhile, Sam Hartman finally had a game where he didn't put up 80% completions. But he still helped Notre Dame throttle the Wolfpack on the road. Notre Dame is looking pretty good after three games. We may find out more in two weeks.