College football fans were delighted to take in several Top 25 matchups during Week 1. The slate for Week 2 doesn’t have quite as many high-profile games. However, here are three matchups to keep an eye on once Saturday rolls around.
4:30 PM EST: Iowa @ Iowa State
This heated intrastate rivalry is the best game on the board for Week 2. Oddsmakers currently have Iowa State favored by four and a half points so it’s expected to be a close game.
Iowa comes into Ames after throttling the Indiana Hoosiers in Week 1 to the tune of 34-6. The Hawkeyes offensive line looked like a strong unit as the running game produced 158 yards. Can Iowa’s rushing attack have success against Iowa State’s experienced defensive line?
Iowa State had a lackluster Week 1 performance against Northern Iowa. The no. 7 ranked Cyclones only led 13-10 at the half and were lucky to escape with a 16-10 victory. Heisman Trophy candidate Breece Hall had a disappointing outing as he only rushed for 69 yards on 23 carries.
How will this fierce rivalry play out? Will Iowa continue its hot start or will Iowa State find a better offensive rhythm?
Noon EST: Oregon @ Ohio State
Here’s an intriguing Week 2 matchup that should get a great deal of buzz. Most online sportsbooks make Ohio State a two-touchdown favorite in this contest. That line seems a bit high against a talented Oregon squad.
A huge question for the Ducks is whether or not defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux will be able to play. The future NFL first-round draft pick is dealing with an ankle sprain after being rolled up on in the Ducks’ Week 1 win over Fresno State. Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal has stated that Thibodeaux is listed as day-to-day.
Ohio State had a bit of a scare against Minnesota in Week 1. However, the Buckeyes showed a huge amount of explosiveness on offense thanks to C.J. Stroud and the receiving corps. It will be interesting to see how well this Ohio State offense will do against a solid Oregon defense.
8:00 PM EST: Washington @ Michigan
Here’s a nice matchup in Ann Arbor under the lights on Saturday night! Michigan is currently listed as a six-and-a-half-point favorite over Washington. Look for the Huskies to be in a foul mood after their embarrassing loss to Montana last weekend.
Washington’s defense looked decent against Montana but the offense was an absolute train wreck. Probably the most disturbing thing for the Huskies was their inability to have any success running the football. Washington only ran for 65 yards and only averaged 2.4 yards per rush last week. Those numbers must improve against the Wolverines on Saturday.
Michigan’s rushing attack was a thing of beauty against Western Michigan in Week 1. The Wolverines racked up 335 yards on the ground and averaged 7.8 yards per carry in dominating fashion (ESPN). If running backs Blake Corum and Hasaan Haskins get going on Saturday, it could be a long evening for Washington!