The Big Ten conference has left fans with a lot to talk about after two official weeks are in the books. Week 2 had enough options to pick from for the good, bad, and ugly with 16 teams in play.
The Good
The Illinois Fighting Illini got revenge against the Kansas Jayhawks by winning the back end of the home-and-home series, 23-17.
The Illini defense picked off Jayhawks QB Jalon Daniels three times, and the offense connected at opportune times. Illinois DBs Xavier and Miles Scott (no relation) collected the three takeaways, with Xavier returning one for a score.
Illinois could be 3-0 heading into a showdown with Nebraska Week 4.
Speaking of the Cornhuskers, they played a complete game in their 28-10 beatdown of the Colorado Buffaloes. Nebraska won the takeaway battle 2-0, and sacked Buffs QB Shedeur Sanders five times.
The Bad
Iowa Hawkeyes QB Cade McNamara turned back into a pumpkin in their Week 2 loss to the Iowa State Cyclones in the annual Cyhawk game. McNamara completed 45% of his passes for 99 yards.
Iowa QB play is back!
The Hawkeyes were outscored 20-6 in the second half.
The Oregon Ducks continue to have an identity crisis. They eked out a win against the Boise State Broncos, 37-34. The defense was gashed by Broncos RB Ashton Jeanty for 192 rushing yards and three TDs.
They’ll head to in-state rival Oregon State September 14.
The Ugly
The Michigan Wolverines were laughed out of the Big House by the Texas Longhorns. Michigan was outplayed in every phase of the game, and it is clear that it could be a long season for a team hoping to not show signs of a difficult transition.
The Penn State Nittany Lions escaped Week 2 with a win at home against the Bowling Green Falcons, 34-27.
The PSU passing games’ box score is just as odd as it looked in the game.