Sep 11, 20235 min read

Steady Steps

Week two in D1 had a light schedule in regards to even matchups, allowing big performances from guys wanting to put their name in the early Heisman bucket. Just two games were top 25 battles, but The Gameday matchup was definitely a shiner on paper as the #11 Texas Longhorns stormed Tuscaloosa to face #3 Alabama in a marquee showdown. The aftermath? Just a PSA that Texas football is BACK!

The Longhorns gave an early SEC introduction by stompin' and upsettin' the Crimson Tide, 34-24 in their own yard, behind a stellar coming out party by QB Quinn Ewers. QB1 finished what he started last season, passing for 349 yards and three toudys in the winning feat. Ewers, who was forced to exit the game in the 1st quarter of last year's bout with Bama- finished what he had brewin' before his shoulder injury.

Ewers was locked-in all game with a cool and collected mindset as he delivered on all the big throws for the Longhorns. After losing their lead going into the 4th quarter (only time trailing), everyone thought they would fold to the pressure. That didn't happen. Texas regained the lead in the 4th and refused to lose it. Ewers put the dagger in the heart with a 7 play, 85 yard drive to close the door on the Tide. Texas is ready to return to being a powerhouse on the national stage. The road dub over Alabama now gets them in position as they should be sure to move up in the top 5 of the AP poll. Checkout the touch on the Ewers dagger with this pretty angle:

Outside of the big prime time game in Tuscaloosa, most the week 2 headlines were warped around big time player performances as the best are ready to start building their cases for Heisman. With the weak bs schedules in the first weeks of action, this is always the time to go all out and stat pad. It's too early to name it a race, but we certainly have some early candidates in the bucket. I have three on my watch who had great week 2 performances.

Caleb Williams - USC QB

The reigning Heisman winner is back in '23 and wants more. Williams has been just shy of perfect from a efficiency standpoint under center thus far in three lackluster matchups for the Trojans. His best game came this week against arch rival, Stanford. Williams lit up The Cardinal going 19/21 in the air with 281 yards and three touchdowns. Williams also punched in a 21-yard rushing toudy. Trojans cruised to a 56-10 dub behind his efforts.

Caleb may not have the yards and touchdowns that you would think he would have from playing San Jose State; Nevada; and Stanford. Williams has been extremely efficient, however. Hasn't turned the ball over and this week had a 90.5 completion percentage to go with a 98.3 QBR. Look for him to continue to rise. Mesmerize yourself with this missile of a toudy he launched:

Shedeur Sanders - COL QB

Colorado has officially won more games this season than they did last season as they start the year off 2-0 in big thanks to their transferred in QB, Shedeur Sanders. Sanders was great again for the Buffs in week 2 as they win at home against Nebraska. Sanders connected on 31 of 42 passes for 393 yards and two toudys. He also punched in a score on the ground for good measure.

Sanders has taken the FBS by storm in his first two games, as he tries to help resurrect the program in Colorado with his pops, doing so in legitimate fashion. Shedeur looks sharp with his prototype. Real sharp. With the slashin' pocket movement and great touch throwin' on the run- this cat is going to be GOOD as the season progresses.

Michael Penix Jr. - WAS QB

We already know about the super-super senior, Michael Penix Jr. in many cases. Since transferring to Washington, he is a star throwin' the 'skin. Penix resurrected his career last year for the Huskies throwin' for 4,641 yards, with 31 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions as Washington finished 8th in the final AP poll (won Alamo Bowl). Penix is here for one last rodeo- and is off to a good start after two games.

Huskies cruised to another victory behind another solid outing under center for Penix. MPJ had a 90.4 QB rating as he threw for 409 yards and three toudys. The interception kind of hurts, but it was a good showing nonetheless. He's off to a hot start with a 196.9 passing efficiency rating on the season. This week brings a huge opportunity for Penix & the Huskies as they travel to East Lansing for a Pac-12/Big Ten battle with Michigan State. MSU has their head coach on suspension and negative media attention cavin' in. Big time opportunity for Penix to show that Washington wants a shot at the Playoff.

This week has zero matchups between two top-25 teams... last week had 2 now it's dwindled down to zip. I rant every year on the schedule for the first few weeks of the season, especially for powerhouse programs. I have folded to the reality that it's money over the sport. So, whatever. (damn you NCAA). We still should have some good games raise the noise meter. I have three circled on my big board to tune in on.

(7) Penn State @ Illinois - 12:00PM est. (FOX)

Big Ten clash with major upset vibes? Mmm, yes please. Always! (7) Penn State travels to take on the Fighting Illini in a noon clash on FOX. A very possible storm the field may be in sight.

What, you don't remember the last time these two went to war on the gridiron? Penn State (7th ranked) was SHOCKED at home in a nine overtime instant classic loss, 18-20. The first game to reach 9 overtimes in FBS history. Now we see them square off again... with Penn State ranked 7th again (eye emojis). You know what outcome I want to see.

Minnesota @ (20) North Carolina - 3:30PM est. (ESPN)

P.J. Fleck and his Gophers storm Chapel Hill in hopes to upset the Tarheels and claim themselves a problem amongst the Big Ten's best. Drake Maye looks to get back on track, as his performance last week had North Carolina on their heels, no pun, against Appalachian State. Can the Gophers add some buzz and upset the Tar Heels in their backyard? Going to be a tough feat, I'll be watching their attempt.

(11) Tennessee @ Florida - 7:00PM est. (ESPN)

The night game special should bring some noise as the Vols take on the Gators in The Swamp to try and flip the every year rivalry (since '90) back to the Vols' side. Will the Gators stop 'em in their tracks and upset them at home? Joe Milton and co better have the guns ablaze!