College Football Week 2: Three Teams Rising, Three Falling
Oklahoma State stunned Oregon with a 39-31 win, while Texas mounted a comeback against Ohio State. The article also identifies other teams trending up and down after Week 2, reshaping early-season expectations.
Oklahoma State's 39-31 upset of Oregon marked a dramatic reversal after a listless opening loss to Tulsa. The Cowboys outgained the Ducks 554 to 281, with quarterback Drew Mestemaker throwing for 317 yards and two touchdowns while adding a scoring run. Head coach Eric Morris credited a demanding week of practice and difficult team meetings for the turnaround, which snapped a 21-game losing streak against FBS opponents.
Oregon's decline traces to offseason staff losses, including offensive coordinator Will Stein departing for Kentucky and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi leaving for Cal. The Ducks nearly fell to Boise State the prior week before this loss dropped them outside the AP Top 20. Oklahoma State, meanwhile, collected 36 votes in the new poll, while Texas's comeback against Ohio State further reshaped early-season expectations.
This weekend's results could influence how voters and fans weigh coaching continuity against roster talent when assessing preseason rankings. Programs like Oregon may face heightened scrutiny over staff turnover, while Oklahoma State's resurgence could energize its fan base and boost recruiting momentum. The outcomes may also affect playoff projections and media narratives, as early-season surprises often shape conference perception and national attention for weeks to come.