College Football Week 2 Preview: Key Matchups, Rising Stars, and More

With Week 2 of college football right around the corner, fans are eager to see if the thrilling performances of Week 1 can be topped. Last weekend, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty dazzled with six touchdowns. Now, the question remains: can Jeanty deliver an encore performance against a resilient Oregon team that struggled to secure a win over Idaho? Meanwhile, the game of the week takes place in Ann Arbor, where defending national champions Michigan Wolverines will face off against the Texas Longhorns. With so much excitement ahead, let’s dive into the matchups and players that will define this week.

The I-35 Rivalry: UTSA vs. Texas State

One of the most intriguing matchups of the week comes courtesy of the I-35 Rivalry between UTSA and Texas State. This game isn’t just about proximity, with the schools less than 60 miles apart; it’s a showdown filled with rich history and personal connections. UTSA’s head coach Jeff Traylor and Texas State’s G.J. Kinne first met in 2005 at a Dairy Queen in Gilmer, Texas. Kinne, then a high school quarterback, later played for Traylor and helped secure the Texas 3A Offensive Player of the Year honor with over 3,200 passing yards and 47 touchdowns.

Fast forward to 2024, and these two coaches are set to clash once again, but this time as head coaches of competing programs. Traylor has built a powerhouse at UTSA, compiling a 40-14 record with two conference titles, while Kinne has revitalized Texas State, taking the team to its first bowl game and finishing 8-5 last season. The bond between the two coaches remains strong, but their competitive spirits will take center stage on Saturday as they lead their teams into battle.

UTSA holds a 5-0 record in the series, but with four of the games being decided by one score or less, this matchup is expected to be fiercely competitive. Both teams have a lot on the line, but only one will walk away with bragging rights.

Michigan vs. Texas: The Game of the Week

The headline game this weekend features two powerhouse programs—Michigan and Texas—in what promises to be a pivotal matchup early in the season. For Michigan, success hinges on controlling the line of scrimmage, especially against Texas’ talented defensive front. The Wolverines struggled in their opener but must dominate at the line to limit Texas’ explosive offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers.

Ewers, who torched Alabama for over 300 passing yards and three touchdowns last year, poses a significant threat to Michigan’s defense. Texas, on the other hand, will look to neutralize Michigan’s potent running game. With two massive fifth-year seniors, Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton, anchoring the defensive line, Texas may have the personnel to keep Michigan’s offense in check and force the game into a high-scoring affair—something Texas will be more than comfortable with.

Ashton Jeanty: Ready for an Encore

Boise State’s star running back Ashton Jeanty is on everyone’s radar after an incredible six-touchdown performance in Week 1. Jeanty, who rushed for 267 yards in Boise State’s 56-45 victory over Georgia Southern, will face Oregon this week, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can deliver another Heisman-worthy performance.

Jeanty has been honing his speed, strength, and football IQ in preparation for this season, and his 77-yard touchdown run in Week 1 was a testament to his growth as a player. With NFL scouts and Heisman buzz surrounding him, Jeanty knows that team success will open the door for individual accolades. “I don’t think there’s a better running back in the country,” he said confidently.

Rising Freshman Wide Receivers

Freshman wide receivers across the nation made their mark in Week 1, and many are expected to build on those performances in Week 2. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, Alabama’s Ryan Williams, and Auburn’s trio of Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, and Malcolm Simmons are just a few of the names making headlines.

Jeremiah Smith impressed in his Ohio State debut, racking up 92 yards and two touchdowns. The five-star freshman helped the Buckeyes cruise past Akron, and he will look to continue his momentum against Western Michigan.

At Alabama, Ryan Williams stole the show with two catches, both resulting in touchdowns, including an 84-yard bomb that showcased his game-breaking speed. His efforts helped Alabama dominate Western Kentucky, and he’ll look to replicate that success against South Florida.

Auburn’s trio of freshman receivers—Cam Coleman, Perry Thompson, and Malcolm Simmons—combined for three touchdowns in the Tigers’ Week 1 win over Alabama A&M. These dynamic playmakers have added a spark to Auburn’s offense, and fans can expect more fireworks as they settle into their roles.

As Week 2 of college football approaches, there are plenty of matchups and storylines to keep an eye on. From the I-35 rivalry between UTSA and Texas State to the marquee showdown between Michigan and Texas, fans are in for a thrilling weekend of action. Players like Ashton Jeanty and the emerging crop of freshman wide receivers will undoubtedly continue to make waves as they prove their worth on the national stage.

Make sure to follow all the key storylines, and stay tuned as the college football season heats up!