Week 2 is now over. While the games were decided on the field, the results had a ramification off the field. We now look at the winners and losers of Week 2. 

Winners:

The University of Oregon:

What a turnaround for the Oregon Ducks. After struggling vs. Fresno State last week at home, Oregon flipped a switch against Ohio State and dominated the game from the beginning. The running game highlighted by CJ Verdell, Anthony Brown, and Travis Dye had a combined average of 7.1 YPC. Overall, they had 269 yards on the ground. Each time Ohio State needed a stop, the run game prevented that from happening. Verdell had two rushing touchdowns on the ground and added another touchdown on a reception. 

I would like to apologize for doubting Oregon. It truly is any given ballgame. 

Iowa: 

I genuinely have no idea how good Iowa is. The defense is legit, having created four turnovers this week on top of the three turnovers last week. The offense is okay. In both matchups, the Hawkeyes haven’t needed it. I do not think this is sustainable, as they still face Wisconsin and that school I graduated from on the road. They also have Penn State at home. Points will have to come at some point, but right now, they’ve done enough. 

Back to the game itself, Iowa took control of the game for the most part. After Iowa scored a TD to go up 21-10, it never felt like Iowa State would get back in the game. For that, it was a complete performance. 

Arkansas:

Arkansas probably played the most complete game out of any team this weekend. Holding Texas to 256 yards while the Razorbacks’ main touchdown output came from a backup QB is very impressive. What is also impressive is the Arkansas running game. Arkansas had five rushers run for at least 40 yards each. The game was comfortably in the control of Arkansas. Texas was shut out the first half and was never able to reduce the lead to single digits. 

Jack Coan:

Throwing a TD after dislocating your finger is very impressive. Nothing but respect there. 

BYU: 

Finally beating Utah after losing nine straight games in the series is an amazing feeling. Beating Utah at home is an even better feeling. Jaren Hall showed that he was a dual-threat stud this game. Hall threw for three touchdowns while rushing for almost 100 yards as well. The ground game for the Cougars generated 230 yards, which showed that they moved the ball up and down the field with ease. 

On top of this, BYU will be a new member of the Big 12 in a few years. What a week for the program. 

USC Fans:

Clay Helton got fired.

UCF, Houston, & Cincinnati: 

Welcome back to the big leagues, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston. These teams and BYU are joining the Big 12 in the next few years. This would be a welcome return for Houston, who will join the spiritual successor of the SWC. As for Cincinnati and UCF, they both were members of the Big East when the conference was an AQ member. The Big 12 will replace quality in Oklahoma and Texas in Texas with quality in UCF and Cincinnati and a program in Houston. 

Stanford:

See what happens when you play the right QB, Stanford? Things go really well. Stanford completed a 180 from its performance last week. After starting Jack West last week, resulting in an awful showing against Kansas State, Stanford started Tanner McKee. The offense looked a lot better. McKee contributed three touchdowns against USC — two in the air, and one on the ground. Nathaniel Peat also had a big day on the ground with the 87-yard touchdown run. A pick-six by Kyu Blu Kelly effectively sealed the win in the middle of the third quarter. 

Losers:

Ohio State University:

We all saw how Ohio State hasn’t been able to stop a nosebleed this season. The Buckeyes got away with it against Minnesota due to an injury to Mohamed Ibrahim and the general ineffectiveness of the Minnesota passing game. This didn’t happen with Oregon. Oregon ran all over Ohio Stadium. When the defense was able to get stops, the offense was ineffective in capitalizing on that. The last three Oregon drives to end the game were all punts. The resulting Ohio State drives? Punt, interception, end of game. All in all, a very bad showing at home. 

Iowa State: 

The future 2021 Alamo Bowl Champions struggled tremendously against an actually good team in Iowa. Everything that went wrong for Iowa State’s offense did go wrong. Brock Purdy threw three interceptions and got benched. Breece Hall has not gotten going so far this season. Between last week and this week, Iowa State has the makings of a team that has regressed. As much as Matt Campbell may not want to leave, it might be time for him to bolt before the coaching stock takes a dive. 

Texas:

One week after they win a game with ease against a good Louisiana team, the Longhorns get destroyed by SEC bottom-feeder Arkansas. After anointing Hudson Card a week prior, he got benched this game and is benched for the foreseeable future, with Casey Thompson being named the starter. Even Doak Walker Award candidate Bijan Robinson was slowed down. If the Longhorns show up like this in the SEC, they’re in trouble. 

Florida State University: 

Y’all seen the clip. I will share it again below.

Jacksonville State 59-yard game-winner as time expires to beat Florida State! pic.twitter.com/uxUPumAOFt

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 12, 2021

Clay Helton:

Yeah, losing your job is not fun. After the blowout loss to Stanford at home, alumni support completely eroded. Keyshawn Johnson and Matt Leinart were the two loudest voices calling for changes at the program. They got their wish and Helton was fired. Clay did bring a clean presence to USC, but the wins didn’t come after Sam Darnold left. It was time. 

Notre Dame:

Toledo? Toledo? If it wasn’t for a Florida State kick that went wide left in overtime and Toledo committing multiple penalties on the last scoring drive for Notre Dame, the Irish would be 0-2.

Those that watched Michigan and Washington outside of Michigan and Washington fans:

Zero reason for anyone to watch this game. Michigan pulled its best Navy impression with the lack of passing, and Washington was starting guys from Twitter at receiver. If you watched this for monetary reasons, I will pray for your soul.