September 07, 2017 - Dion Caputi
College Football: Week 2 Storylines
UCLA's unforgettable comeback, (1) Alabama knocking off (3) Florida State, a nail-biter between West Virginia and Virginia Tech, as well as the Big Ten thriving early. Week 1 of the 2017 college football season was excellent, and fortunately for those of us at home, we're just getting started.
As we move into the second week of the collegiate season, there's once again a bevy of intriguing storylines on schedule for you to keep a close eye on. Here's what I'm most looking forward to this weekend:
• (5) Oklahoma AT (2) Ohio State - September 9, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
The Buckeyes went to Norman and throttled the Sooners on their home turf last season, 45-24. This year, Oklahoma is coming off a more convincing Week 1 offensive performance where Sr. quarterback Baker Mayfield was able to call it a day by halftime. Can OU's young head coach Lincoln Riley vindicate last season's bad loss in Columbus? We'll see.
[caption id="attachment_77902" align="alignright" width="239"]
Tyquan Lewis led the way against Indiana with two sacks.[/caption]
Ultimately, this game will come down to Oklahoma's offense against Ohio State's defense, where the former looked dominant while scoring 35 first-half points and the latter notched five sacks, two interceptions, and one fumble in week 1.
Baker Mayfield will be under heavy scrutiny all season from an NFL evaluation standpoint, as he's lacking prototype size or ideal physical traits for the next level. However, a signature performance early on would generate a dose of positive momentum for the Austin, Texas native.
Conversely, Ohio State's defensive edge trio of Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard, and Nick Bosa are sure to leave a mark on the game. As well, true Fr. running back J.K. Dobbins has Buckeye fans excited after his 181-yard rushing effort in his college debut. Scouts and fans alike will want to get a look at him - he's wearing No. 2.
• (13) Auburn AT (3) Clemson - September 9, 7 p.m. ET
Dabo Swinney spoke highly of Auburn's balance on both sides of the ball last season and War Eagle is unquestionably superior to its 2016 counterpart. While it's not impossible for Gus Malzahn's squad to win ten regular season games this year, it'd require a sizable upset in order to win a night game at Memorial Stadium this Saturday.
However, Auburn boasts a potentially elite running game featuring the trio of Kerryon Johnson, Kam Martin, and Kamryn Pettway. Though Johnson is unlikely to suit up due to a hamstring injury, Pettway - last season's bell cow - returns from suspension this week. Everyone's favorite sleeper quarterback Jarrett Stidham will have to be a lot more effective this week if Auburn is to stand a chance of outscoring Clemson.
Clemson, last year's national champion, has an enviable ground game itself with four players rushing for 50+ yards and at least one touchdown against Kent State in week 1. Oh, and the Tigers also completed passes to 15 different receivers as well.
Get ready for a lot of offense. Slam the over on this one.
• (14) Stanford AT (6) USC - September 9, 8:30 p.m. ET
"It's one of those dates you mark on your calendar because you know it's going to impact your season,"Â said USC head coach Clay Helton of this tie.
[caption id="attachment_77890" align="alignright" width="244"]
Ronald Jones II rushed for three touchdowns in week one against Western Michigan.[/caption]
We may be getting an early preview of the Pac-12 title game here and the contest is likely to be a tale of two star rushers. USC Jr. Ronald Jones IIÂ took charge offensively against Western Michigan in week 1 as his quarterback, Sam Darnold, failed to settle into the game. Meanwhile, Cardinal Jr. Bryce Love stepped in nobly in the wake of Christian McCaffrey as Stanford routed Rice in Australia.
As eluded to, Trojan Jr. quarterback Sam Darnold was porous in his season debut, but can quickly extirpate all negativity with a strong game this weekend. Though Josh Rosen carries the lion's share of the pro buzz after UCLA's come back, Darnold is still favored by many to be selected No. 1 overall in next year's draft.
I'm expecting a tight game with a fun conclusion, and it's possible that this won't be the last time we see these two teams lock horns in 2017.
Quick Hits...
• (15) Georgia travels to South Bend to take on newly minted top twenty-five ranked (24) Notre Dame, but will do so with true Fr. Jake Fromm under center. Starter Jacob Eason sprained his knee against Appalachian State before Fromm entered and led Georgia on three consecutive touchdown drives. Gametime at 7:30 p.m. ET.
• (20) Washington State looks to avenge last season's loss to unranked Boise State on September 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Get a good look at the Cougars' interesting pro prospect Luke Falk, as he's 101 passing yards away from breaking the school's career passing record.
• Don't forget, (16) Miami FL vs. Arkansas State has been canceled outright due to Hurricane Irma despite the game being staged in Jonesboro. 'Canes athletic director Blake James confirmed it will NOT be replayed at a later date.
Tyquan Lewis led the way against Indiana with two sacks.[/caption]
Ultimately, this game will come down to Oklahoma's offense against Ohio State's defense, where the former looked dominant while scoring 35 first-half points and the latter notched five sacks, two interceptions, and one fumble in week 1.
Baker Mayfield will be under heavy scrutiny all season from an NFL evaluation standpoint, as he's lacking prototype size or ideal physical traits for the next level. However, a signature performance early on would generate a dose of positive momentum for the Austin, Texas native.
Conversely, Ohio State's defensive edge trio of Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard, and Nick Bosa are sure to leave a mark on the game. As well, true Fr. running back J.K. Dobbins has Buckeye fans excited after his 181-yard rushing effort in his college debut. Scouts and fans alike will want to get a look at him - he's wearing No. 2.
• (13) Auburn AT (3) Clemson - September 9, 7 p.m. ET
Dabo Swinney spoke highly of Auburn's balance on both sides of the ball last season and War Eagle is unquestionably superior to its 2016 counterpart. While it's not impossible for Gus Malzahn's squad to win ten regular season games this year, it'd require a sizable upset in order to win a night game at Memorial Stadium this Saturday.
However, Auburn boasts a potentially elite running game featuring the trio of Kerryon Johnson, Kam Martin, and Kamryn Pettway. Though Johnson is unlikely to suit up due to a hamstring injury, Pettway - last season's bell cow - returns from suspension this week. Everyone's favorite sleeper quarterback Jarrett Stidham will have to be a lot more effective this week if Auburn is to stand a chance of outscoring Clemson.
Clemson, last year's national champion, has an enviable ground game itself with four players rushing for 50+ yards and at least one touchdown against Kent State in week 1. Oh, and the Tigers also completed passes to 15 different receivers as well.
Get ready for a lot of offense. Slam the over on this one.
• (14) Stanford AT (6) USC - September 9, 8:30 p.m. ET
"It's one of those dates you mark on your calendar because you know it's going to impact your season,"Â said USC head coach Clay Helton of this tie.
[caption id="attachment_77890" align="alignright" width="244"] Ronald Jones II rushed for three touchdowns in week one against Western Michigan.[/caption]
We may be getting an early preview of the Pac-12 title game here and the contest is likely to be a tale of two star rushers. USC Jr. Ronald Jones IIÂ took charge offensively against Western Michigan in week 1 as his quarterback, Sam Darnold, failed to settle into the game. Meanwhile, Cardinal Jr. Bryce Love stepped in nobly in the wake of Christian McCaffrey as Stanford routed Rice in Australia.
As eluded to, Trojan Jr. quarterback Sam Darnold was porous in his season debut, but can quickly extirpate all negativity with a strong game this weekend. Though Josh Rosen carries the lion's share of the pro buzz after UCLA's come back, Darnold is still favored by many to be selected No. 1 overall in next year's draft.
I'm expecting a tight game with a fun conclusion, and it's possible that this won't be the last time we see these two teams lock horns in 2017.
Quick Hits...
• (15) Georgia travels to South Bend to take on newly minted top twenty-five ranked (24) Notre Dame, but will do so with true Fr. Jake Fromm under center. Starter Jacob Eason sprained his knee against Appalachian State before Fromm entered and led Georgia on three consecutive touchdown drives. Gametime at 7:30 p.m. ET.
• (20) Washington State looks to avenge last season's loss to unranked Boise State on September 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Get a good look at the Cougars' interesting pro prospect Luke Falk, as he's 101 passing yards away from breaking the school's career passing record.
• Don't forget, (16) Miami FL vs. Arkansas State has been canceled outright due to Hurricane Irma despite the game being staged in Jonesboro. 'Canes athletic director Blake James confirmed it will NOT be replayed at a later date. 