The second week of the 2024 college football season saw top teams like Georgia, Ohio State, and Texas maintain their winning momentum. Georgia comfortably beat Tennessee Tech, Ohio State defeated Western Michigan, and Texas scored a big win against Michigan. Amidst the action, questions arose about which teams emerged as winners and losers.
Among the winners of the week were the Tennessee Volunteers, who showcased their strong defense in a victory over N.C. State. Nebraska also stood out with a convincing win against Colorado, signaling progress for the program under coach Matt Rhule and quarterback Dylan Raiola. South Carolina impressed with a dominant performance against Kentucky, while Rutgers’ running back Kyle Monangai shone with an outstanding game against Akron. Northern Illinois pulled off a major upset against Notre Dame, securing a significant win for the program.
On the flip side, the Auburn Tigers suffered a disappointing loss to California, with quarterback Payton Thorne struggling with turnovers. Notre Dame’s hopes for a successful season took a hit with a surprising loss to a team previously unranked. The Iowa Hawkeyes came up short in a rivalry game against Iowa State, with quarterback Cade McNamara’s performance falling short of expectations. Colorado also faced a setback with a loss to Nebraska, reflecting ongoing challenges for the program despite high expectations.
In individual accomplishments, Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai emerged as a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate with an impressive performance in a win against Akron. Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, secured his first win with the NFL team, avoiding the fallout from Michigan’s loss to Texas. Overall, the college football landscape saw some teams solidify their status as contenders, while others faced setbacks that will shape their season moving forward. With many games still to be played, the season promises plenty of excitement and surprises for fans to enjoy.
