College football schedule for Week 2: Ohio State-Texas leads our breakdown
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One of the enduring truths about this crazy sport we call college football is that sometimes the biggest story of a given weekend happens in a locale we least expect. This is why we remind you every week in this space that as we hope to highlight what we think will be the most entertaining games, it’s always a good idea to keep tabs on the whole scoreboard and switch channels as events warrant.
Of course, the Week 2 schedule features two major intersectional clashes between the Big Ten and the SEC that will impact the College Football Playoff race and draw most of people's attention. But those won't be the only games with intrigue.
With all that out of the way, here’s our rundown of the most intriguing games on the Week 2 calendar, starting with the first true block-buster matchup of the young season.
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 3 Texas
Time/TV: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: The first top-five clash of the campaign is a rematch from a 1-vs.-2 showdown from Week 1 a year ago. The Buckeyes won a low-scoring affair in Columbus then, and now the Longhorns seek a different outcome in Austin. Unlike a year ago, both teams come in with a game under their belts, so the offenses with plentiful playmakers should operate more crisply. Longhorns QB Arch Manning now has WR Cam Coleman and RB Hollywood Smothers in his arsenal, while QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith wasted no time picking up where they left off for the Buckeyes. They’ll likely have their hands full, but names to know in the defensive secondaries include Ohio State DB Earl Little and Longhorns DB Jelani McDonald.
Why it could disappoint: Last year’s 14-7 slog wasn’t exactly scintillating, but we expect the offenses will operate a bit more crisply this time as they’ve both now had a warm-up game. We’d be surprised if it becomes a blowout in either direction, but anything is possible in this sport.
No. 10 Oklahoma at No. 24 Michigan
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, Fox
Why watch: We now return to the scene of one of those surprising events mentioned above that certainly wasn’t on our radar a week ago. The Wolverines return to action after the controversy of surviving that upset bid from Western Michigan. The Sooners had a much easier time in their opener against Texas-El Paso and look to keep playing dominant defense in the Big House. Aside from the opening drive and the final play, QB Bryce Underwood and the Wolverines’ offense were largely stuck in neutral. They’ll try to find answers against OU LBs Kip Lewis and Owen Heinecke, whose unit is fresh off pitching a shutout. Sooners QB John Mateer distributed the ball well last week. He’ll be opposed by Michigan LB Troy Bowles and DE Dominic Nichols.
Why it could disappoint: It most assuredly will unless Michigan’s offense somehow finds traction. The Wolverines’ defense has yet to surrender a touchdown, but the unit can’t bend without breaking indefinitely.
No. 12 Alabama at Kentucky
Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Why watch: Conference play in the SEC kicks off with this contest in Lexington. The Wildcats handled Youngstown State easily in coach Will Stein’s debut, but it goes without saying that the Crimson Tide represent a significant step up in difficulty. Alabama QB Keelon Russell’s starting debut was primarily a success, though all the Tide’s points on offense against East Carolina came on the ground. LB Grant Godfrey is the centerpiece of the UK defense that will try to stem the Tide. Wildcats QB Kenny Minchey notched four scoring tosses last week, but he’ll need to steer clear of Tide LB Yhonzae Pierre.
Why it could disappoint: Alabama fans are certainly hoping that it does. Any kind of struggle to put away the upstart Wildcats, even on the road, would be viewed as a bad omen.
Arizona at No. 15 Brigham Young
Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox.
Why watch: This is the Big 12 opener for two of the league’s western representatives, and it could absolutely factor in the championship picture. The Cougars played for the title a season ago and are widely expected to do so again, but the Wildcats are a popular sleeper pick by some conference watchers. Both teams warmed up against FCS opponents from their respective home states last week. BYU’s experienced backfield tandem of QB Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin got in some good work in a tuneup against Utah Tech, while Wildcats QB Noah Fifita and WR Giovanni Richardson connected often against Northern Arizona. Both were able to work in plenty of personnel packages on defense, but Cougars LB Siale Esera and Wildcats LB Taye Brown are names you’ll likely hear often.
Why it could disappoint: It could, although BYU has in the past had trouble putting opponents away even on its home field. This one should still be up for grabs in the fourth quarter.
Arizona State at No. 9 Texas A&M
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ABC.
Why watch: The Aggies jump into SEC play next week and hope to do so on a positive note. The Sun Devils came back to earth a bit after winning the Big 12 in 2024 and hope to climb back toward the top this season. A&M QB Marcel Reed wasted little time reestablishing his rhythm with WRs Mario Craver and Isaiah Horton in the opener against Missouri State. ASU QB Cutter Boley likewise did whatever he wanted in a tuneup against Morgan State, with WR Reed Harris emerging as a big-play threat.
Why it could disappoint: We’re a bit less optimistic about this one, as the Sun Devils haven’t fared particularly well against SEC competition. If the Aggies finish their drives effectively, it could get away from the visitors.
No. 23 Missouri at Kansas
Time/TV: Friday, 8 p.m. ET, Fox
Why watch: The Border War provides an early start to the weekend. The long-running series from old Big Eight times was renewed last season following a 13-year hiatus, with Mizzou taking a 42-31 decision in Columbia. The Jayhawks hope to return the favor in Lawrence, though they’re coming off a disappointing 5-7 campaign. Both Kansas and the Tigers were sharp in their openers against Championship Subdivision competition. Jayhawks QB Isaiah Marshall was efficient in his first start against Long Island, while new Mizzou QB Austin Simmons was even more accurate in his outing against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Why it could disappoint: As we mentioned, the Jayhawks are in search of a bounce-back year and might not be up for a power-conference opponent. Unfortunately, Tigers RB Ahmad Hardy is not yet ready for game action as he continues to recover from a gunshot wound.
Memphis at Boise State
Time/TV: Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, USA.
Why watch: We’ll go against precedent a bit and step outside the Top 25 for this important intersectional meeting of Group of Six hopefuls. The Broncos more than preserved their status as Pac-12 favorites with last week’s near upset of Oregon. But they can’t afford to dismiss the Tigers, who already own a significant road win at projected Mountain West contender UNLV and look to put another notch in the case for the American. Memphis in fact has already played twice, with QB Marcus Stokes and RB Jaylin Carter providing the bulk of the yardage. The effort to keep them reined in will be led by busy Broncos DB Travis Anderson. BSU QB Maddux Madsen was effective in Eugene when he had time to operate, and Memphis DE Elijah Kinsler wants to make sure he doesn’t have it. The Broncos will likely need more ground help from RBs Dylan Riley and Sire Gaines.
Why it could disappoint: It might seem early to be talking about wear and tear, but it could be a factor. Memphis has already racked up a lot of travel miles, and Boise gets little recovery time from last week’s physically taxing contest in Eugene.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football schedule for Week 2: Ohio State-Texas leads our breakdown
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