The second week of the 2024 college football season saw some top teams solidify their positions while others struggled to make an impact. No. 1 Georgia easily handled Tennessee Tech, while Texas defeated Michigan to move up to the No. 2 spot in the rankings. Ohio State also won convincingly but dropped in the rankings. With plenty of exciting games ahead, fans are eager to see which teams will come out on top in the coming weeks.
Among the winners of the week were the Tennessee Volunteers, who showcased a strong defense in their victory over N.C. State. Nebraska also impressed with a dominant performance against Colorado, led by quarterback Dylan Raiola. The South Carolina Gamecocks also stood out with a big win over Kentucky, led by a stellar defensive effort. Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai had a standout game, rushing for over 200 yards and three touchdowns, solidifying his status as a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate. Northern Illinois pulled off a major upset of Notre Dame, securing a significant win for their program.
On the other hand, some teams struggled in week two and were deemed losers. The Auburn Tigers suffered a disappointing loss to California, with quarterback Payton Thorne throwing four interceptions. Notre Dame faltered against an underdog opponent, undoing the momentum from their previous win over Texas A&M. The Iowa Hawkeyes were defeated by their rivals, the Iowa State Cyclones, in a close game that saw quarterback Cade McNamara struggle. Colorado also faced a tough loss to Nebraska, continuing their struggles to secure wins despite high expectations.
In terms of individual winners, Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, secured his first win with his new NFL team. Harbaugh avoided having to witness his former team, Michigan, being defeated by Texas, and also benefited from not facing any potential sanctions after Michigan received a notice of allegations from the NCAA. With intriguing matchups and storylines emerging in the 2024 college football season, fans can look forward to more exciting games and outcomes in the weeks to come.
Overall, week two of the 2024 college football season showcased both the strengths and weaknesses of various teams. While some teams like Georgia and Texas continued to perform at a high level and solidify their rankings, others, such as Auburn and Notre Dame, faced setbacks that raised questions about their potential this season. Individual players, such as Kyle Monangai of Rutgers, also made a significant impact with standout performances. With plenty of football left to be played, fans can expect more surprises and exciting moments as the season progresses.
