College football Week 2 winners and losers: Big Ten’s slipping reputation and bad QB investments

Key Points:

• Texas, led by Arch Manning, secured a dramatic 24-23 comeback victory over top-ranked Ohio State, highlighted by two touchdown runs from Hollywood Smothers and a strong defensive second half.
• The Big Ten struggled in Week 2, finishing 2-5 against Power 4 opponents and suffering losses by top teams Ohio State and Oregon, intensifying questions about the conference's depth compared to the SEC.
• Oklahoma State's quarterback Drew Mestemaker impressed NFL scouts with a standout performance against Oregon, completing 26 of 43 passes for 317 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 109 yards, boosting his draft stock.
• Michigan and Oklahoma, despite high-paid quarterbacks Bryce Underwood and John Mateer, are relying heavily on defense to win games, as both signal-caller's performances have been inconsistent this season.
• The Group of 6 College Football Playoff race remains wide open after Boise State upset Memphis, complicating the battle for the automatic playoff bid outside the Power 4 conferences.