It’s time for our first top-10 matchup of the season.
Week 2 boasts a game between two of the four playoff teams from a season ago as Texas visits Michigan. There’s also a game that could be a first-round College Football Playoff preview in Eugene and a fascinating matchup between old Big 12 rivals looking to make a bowl game this season.
Yes, the defending champions are underdogs at home. The Longhorns looked fantastic in their Week 1 win over Colorado State. Michigan, meanwhile, leaned on its defense in a 30-10 win over Fresno State that was much closer than the final score.
The biggest question for Michigan is the passing game. Can the QB timeshare of Davis Warren and Alex Orji make some explosive plays to take the pressure off the Michigan defense?
Both teams got wins over FCS opponents in Week 1 but they were drastically different. NC State struggled mightily against Western Carolina. Tennessee blitzed Chattanooga and quickly made it clear the Mocs had no chance.
Given Tennessee’s passing attack, NC State’s chances hinge on its defense playing much better than it did in Week 1.
Both teams had more trouble than expected against their opponents in Week 1. Boise State needed a 21-point run to put Georgia Southern away and Oregon eked out a 24-14 win over Idaho.
Ashton Jeanty went off for 267 yards and six touchdowns in the Broncos’ opener, and he’ll surely be the focus for Oregon’s defense. New Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel was 41-of-49 passing in Week 1 but averaged just 7.6 yards an attempt.
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Halftime: Texas 24, Michigan 3
Quinn Ewers is 18 for 26 with 203 passing yards and 2 TDs. Michigan’s two turnovers definitely didn’t help, but the Longhorns offense is just doing whatever it wants.
Touchdown Texas!
The Longhorns take advantage of the sloppy turnover and add to their lead just before halftime. On third-and-goal, Quinn Ewers finds Matthew Golden in the end zone. The Wolverines are in trouble.
Texas recovers fumble!
The Longhorns have the ball back with under a minute left after Michigan’s Colston Loveland fumbles the ball without contact.
Texas settles for FG
The Longhorns had multiple shots at the end zone inside the 10-yard line but can’t convert. Kicker Bert Auburn hits the short field goal to extend the lead.
Interception Texas!
Disaster strikes just three plays into Michigan’s drive. Davis Warren threw it high and it was tipped up and into the hands of Andrew Makuba.
It’s been a rough start for Oklahoma State at home against Arkansas, but this pick-six will definitely help.
Touchdown Texas!
The Longhorns are moving the ball at will. It’s Jerrick Gibson finding the end zone this time, capping off a 12-play drive with a 7-yard touchdown. That was a statement drive by Texas.
The Longhorns are on the move again and inside the Michigan 20. Starting running back Jaydon Blue is injured and on the sidelines for the time being, but that isn’t slowing down Texas.
Michigan settles for FG
The Wolverines’ drive fizzled out just inside the red zone and Dominic Zvada hits the 37-yard field goal to make it 7-3. It’s not a touchdown, but Michigan fans are probably feeling a little more encouraged after that nine-play drive.
It was shortlived though, as Penn State just drove the length of the field in 3 plays to cut the lead back down to 17-14.
Meanwhile, Bowling Green has taken a 10-point lead on Penn State at Beaver Stadium.
Now the Wolverines are cobbling together a respectable drive. Davis Warren had a chunk play through the air and now Donovan Edwards breaks through the Texas defense for a long run. Michigan is nearing the red zone.
Touchdown Texas!
The Longhorns are having little trouble moving the ball against the Wolverines. After getting to the edge of the red zone with a couple first downs, Quinn Ewers scrambles and finds tight end Gunnar Helm over the middle for a 21-yard touchdown.
Early scoreboard update beyond the Big House:
Bowling Green 10, Penn State 7 Arkansas 14, OK State 0 Georgia Tech 7, Syracuse 7 Tulane 7, K-State 3 Cincinnati 7, Pittsburgh 0
The Wolverines went a quick three-and-out on the ensuing possession and Texas will have the ball back with great field position at the 44.
Texas TD called back, Longhorns miss FG
Quinn Ewers just made an excellent play on a scramble, finding a receiver in the end zone for a touchdown, but a holding penalty negated . Two plays later, Bert Auburn misses a 43-yard FG attempt.
Facing a third-and-long, Quinn Ewers drops a dime to Isaiah Bond for a 33-yard gain. The Longhorns are on the march and nearing Michigan’s red zone.
We are underway at Michigan Stadium! The Longhorns will have the ball first. They closed as 6.5-point favorites.
What to watch: Week 2 college football viewing guide
Here are the five best games to watch in college football Week 2. (Amy Monks/Yahoo Sports illustration)
