College football Week 2 highlights: Alabama-Texas score, best action from Saturday
Week 2 of the 2023 college football season is mostly in the books. And boy, was it a wild one.
No. 10 Texas upset No. 3 Alabama 34-24 in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night in the marquee matchup of the weekend, snapping the Crimson Tide’s 21-game home win streak at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Meanwhile, Deion Sanders and the No. 25 Colorado Buffaloes proved they're more than a one-week wonder with a 36-14 victory over rival Nebraska in their first home game of the season. Shedeur Sanders threw for 393 yards, two touchdowns and picked up another TD on the ground.
Colorado and Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns lead the Week 2 winners, while Alabama, Texas Tech and Nebraska are among the week's losers.
Here’s the rest of Saturday's action featuring other US LBM Coaches Poll top 10 teams. And if you are already looking ahead to Week 3 (we are talking to you Crimson Tide and Cornhusker fans), then here’s a complete college football TV schedule.
College football Week 2 Top 25 scores, schedule
- No. 1 Georgia 45, Ball State 3
- No. 7 Penn State 63, Delaware 7
- No. 25 Colorado 36, Nebraska 14
- No. 11 Notre Dame 45, North Carolina State 24
- No. 15 Kansas State 42, Troy 13
- No. 4 Ohio State 35, Youngstown State 7
- No. 12 Utah 20, Baylor 13
- No. 21 Clemson 66, Charleston Southern 17
- No. 20 Mississippi 37, No. 22 Tulane 20
- Miami (Fla.) 48, No. 23 Texas A&M 33
- No. 2 Michigan 35, UNLV 7
- No. 8 Washington 43, Tulsa 10
- No. 9 Tennessee 30, Austin Peay 13
- No. 16 North Carolina 40, Appalachian State 34 (2OT)
- No. 17 Oklahoma 28, SMU 11
- No. 24 Duke 42, Lafayette 7
- No. 13 Oregon 38, Texas Tech 30
- No. 10 Texas 34, No. 3 Alabama 24
- No. 14 LSU 72, Grambling State 10
- Washington State 31, No. 19 Wisconsin 22
- Southern Mississippi at No. 5 Florida State, ACC, 8:30 p.m.
- UC Davis at No. 18 Oregon State, Pac-12, 9 p.m.
- Stanford at No. 6 USC, Fox, 10:30 p.m.
—
College football Week 2 winners and losers
Say it with me: Texas is back. OK, probably. Texas is probably back. Maybe?
We’ve been burned before. But if there was ever a result to justify the faith, this is it: No. 10 Texas 34, No. 3 Alabama 24.
The Crimson Tide’s first home loss in 22 games and the program’s first non-conference loss in the regular season since 2007 doubles as the biggest win for the Longhorns since … when?
While an imperfect performance, Texas stayed the course, fended off Alabama’s comeback effort and delivered the sort of victory against the type of opponent that can change the entire direction of a program.
Read Paul Myerberg's analysis of this game and his top winners and losers from Week 2 here.
— Paul Myerberg
College football Week 3 schedule
Thursday, Sept. 14
Bethune-Cookman at Miami (Fla.), ACC, 7:30 p.m.
Navy at Memphis, ESPN, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 15
Army at Texas-San Antonio, ESPN, 7 p.m.
Virginia at Maryland, FS1, 7 p.m.
Utah State at Air Force, CBSSN, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Florida State at Boston College, ABC, noon
Georgia Southern at Wisconsin, Big Ten, noon
Liberty at Buffalo, CBSSN, noon
LSU at Mississippi State, ESPN, noon
Louisville at Indiana (Indianapolis), Big Ten, noon
Iowa State at Ohio, ESPN2 or ESPNU, noon
Kansas State at Missouri, SEC, noon
North Dakota at Boise State, FS1, noon
Penn State at Illinois, Fox, noon
LSU at Mississippi State, ESPN, noon
Wake Forest at Old Dominion, ESPN2 or ESPNU, noon
VMI at North Carolina State, CW, 2 p.m.
Weber State at Utah, Pac-12, 2 p.m.
Central Michigan at Notre Dame, Peacock, 2:30 p.m.
Alabama at South Florida, ABC, 3:30 p.m.
Florida International at Connecticut, CBSSN, 3:30 p.m.
Minnesota at North Carolina, ESPN or ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.
Northwestern at Duke, ACC, 3:30 p.m.
Oklahoma at Tulsa, ESPN or ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.
San Diego State at Oregon State: 3:30 p.m., FS1
South Carolina at Georgia, CBS, 3:30 p.m.
Virginia Tech at Rutgers, Big Ten, 3:30 p.m.
Western Michigan at Iowa, Big Ten, 3:30 p.m.
Idaho at California, Pac-12, 4 p.m.
Louisiana-Monroe at Texas A&M, SEC, 4 p.m.
Tulane at Southern Mississippi, ESPNU, 4 p.m.
Western Kentucky at Ohio State, Fox, 4 p.m.
North Carolina Central at UCLA, Pac-12, 5 p.m.
Northern Colorado at Washington State, Pac-12, 5 p.m.
Washington at Michigan State, Peacock, 5 p.m.
Northern Illinois at Nebraska, FS1, 7 p.m.
Tennessee at Florida, ESPN, 7 p.m.
Vanderbilt at UNLV, CBSSN, 7 p.m.
Akron at Kentucky, ESPNU, 7:30 p.m.
Bowling Green at Michigan, Big Ten, 7:30 p.m.
Brigham Young at Arkansas, ESPN2, 7:30 p.m.
Georgia Tech at Mississippi, SEC, 7:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh at West Virginia, ABC, 7:30 p.m.
Syracuse at Purdue, NBC, 7:30 p.m.
Florida Atlantic at Clemson, ACC, 8 p.m.
Sacramento State at Stanford, Pac12, 8 p.m.
Hawaii at Oregon, Pac-12, 8 p.m.
TCU at Houston, Fox, 8 p.m.
Colorado State at Colorado, ESPN, 10 p.m.
Fresno State at Arizona State, FS1, 10:30 p.m.
Kansas at Nevada, CBSSN, 10:30 p.m.
Texas-El Paso at Arizona, Pac-12, 11 p.m.
No. 10 Texas beats No. 3 Alabama in Tuscaloosa
The student has become the master on Saturday. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who served as Nick Saban's offensive coordinator in 2019–2020, marched his Longhorns into Alabama's Bryant–Denny Stadium and beat the Crimson Tide, 34-24.
“They (Alabama) were 52-1 in their last 53 (home) games, so I guess they’re 52-2 now," Sarkisian said after the Longhorns win.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He said he's "so proud of my team and my defense. We balled out."
— Cydney Henderson
No. 10 Texas extends lead to 10 with another haymaker
Have yourself a night Adonai Mitchell.
Texas’ junior receiver caught his second touchdown of the night, a 39-yard pass from QB Quinn Ewers, to extend the Longhorns’ lead over the Crimson Tide to 10 points in the fourth quarter. Mitchell has three receptions for 78 yards, while tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders has has five receptions for 114 yards. — Cydney Henderson
No. 3 Alabama's 2-point conversion good after 39-yard TD
Alabama isn’t done yet. After giving up two touchdowns to Texas in all of 15-seconds, the Crimson Tide cut the Longhorns’ lead to three points. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe dropped a low snap, but quickly picked it up and found Amari Niblack across the middle for a 39-yard touchdown. Alabama successfully completed a two-point conversion to bring the score to 24-27. — Cydney Henderson
No. 10 Texas intercepts Milroe again, up by 11
Fifteen seconds later, the Longhorns scored again.
Texas’ Jerrin Thompson picked off Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and returned it 32-yards to the Crimson Tide’s 5-yard line. It marked Milroe’s second pick of the night.
— Cydney Henderson
N0. 10 Texas answers back with TD, leads No. 3 Alabama 20-16
Alabama’s lead didn’t last long. Texas immediately responded by finding the end zone themselves. Texas QB Quinn Ewers completed a 50-yard play to Ja'Tavion Sanders and capped the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to Adonai Mitchell to put the Longhorns up 20-16 over the Crimson Tide.
A pass interference call on Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, his second of the night, accelerated Texas’ drive.
Alabama led for one minute and nine seconds. — Cydney Henderson
No. 3 Alabama takes lead over No. 10 Texas with 49-yard TD
Jermaine Burton finally got his touchdown.
After two of Burton’s end zone catches were erased due to untimely penalties, quarterback Jalen Milroe connected with Burton for a 49-yard touchdown in the final minute of the third quarter.
It marked Alabama’s first touchdown of the game and the Crimson Tide took the lead over Texas for the first time. They are up 16-13 over Texas. — Cydney Henderson
No. 10 Texas marches down field, but misses field goal
Texas had the opportunity to extend their lead to seven, but Longhorns kicker Bert Auburn missed a 42-yard field goal to the left. That’s not the only missed opportunity of the drive. Texas QB Quinn Ewers went for the end zone on third down, but receiver Xavier Worthy couldn’t come up with the ball.
Texas leads Alabama 13-9. — Cydney Henderson
No. 3 Alabama’s Caleb Downs not feeling well, out for now
Freshman safety Caleb Downs, the Week 1 SEC Football Player of the Week, is on the sidelines and not feeling well. According to ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Downs “lost his lunch," an expression that normally means someone vomited. Kristian Story is in the game at safety for Downs. — Cydney Henderson
Alright, alright, alright: Matthew McConaughey attends Texas-Alabama matchup
Matthew McConaughey is in Tuscaloosa.
The actor was in attendance Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium for Alabama’s matchup against Texas, his alma mater. (McConaughey graduated from the school in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree.) He went particularly crazy during Quinn Ewers’ 44-yard TD pass to Xavier Worthy.
"Hook em, baby!" — Cydney Henderson
No. 3 Alabama penalty wipes out touchdown, again
Alabama’s offense appeared to find a groove to start the third quarter with quarterback Jalen Milroe’s 34-yard pass to Isaiah Bond to convert a third down. But another penalty (holding) wiped out Milroe’s touchdown pass to Jermaine Burton, the second time a flag has negated a score this game.
Crimson Tide kicker Will Reichard has been the real MVP so far. He nailed a 51-yard field goal to bring Alabama within 4-points of Texas, 13-9. Reichard is responsible for all 9 of Alabama’s points. — Cydney Henderson
For Shedeur Sanders, Colorado's defeat of Nebraska was 'personal'
BOULDER, Colorado – Deion Sanders preached all week about how Saturday’s game against Nebraska was deeply “personal.”
There were plenty of reasons for this:
∎ It was his first home game as head football coach at Colorado.
∎ It was a sold-out game against the Cornhuskers, Colorado’s hated old rivals.
∎ For his quarterback and son Shedeur, it also was a direct confrontation with Matt Rhule, the Nebraska coach who managed to offend him at times this year, including during pregame warmups when he said he saw him standing on the Buffaloes’ logo at midfield.
“It was extremely personal,” Shedeur Sanders said after the Buffs beat Nebraska at Folsom Field 36-14.
Read Brent Schrotenboer’s full story here.
Halftime: No. 10 Texas 13, No. 3 Alabama 6
The Longhorns enter halftime with a 7-point lead over the Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama has struggled to get points on the board, but the Crimson Tide’s offense appeared to ignite with a third-down conversion when quarterback Jalen Milroe found Kobe Prentice for a 28-yard pass up the middle with 44 seconds left in the first half. A touchdown, however, was called back due to a penalty (ineligible lineman downfield) and another Alabama penalty (illegal motion) kept them out of the end zone. They settled for a field goal to cut into Texas’ lead, 13-6.
Milroe has thrown for 80 yards and one interception and run for 52 yards. Prentice leads Alabama receivers with three receptions for 42 yards.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers looked comfortable in the first half. He’s thrown for 138 yards and one touchdown to receiver Xavier Worthy, who has five receptions for 75 yards so far. — Cydney Henderson
No. 10 Texas back on top of No. 3 Alabama after Ewer's deep-shot TD
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers connected with receiver Xavier Worthy for a 44-yard touchdown to take a 10-3 lead. Texas had tried another deep shot on the previous play, with Ewers throwing a lateral to Worthy, who then tried to find Adonai Mitchell down the field. But a pass interference penalty was called on Alabama’s Terrion Arnold for pulling Mitchell’s jersey, setting Texas up at the Crimson Tide’s 44-yard line and giving the Longhorns another crack at a big play. — Cydney Henderson
No. 3 Alabama ties it up after Nick Saban’s gusty fourth down call
After Texas took an early 3-0 lead, Alabama answered back with a 12-play, 51-yard drive to tie the game, 3-3. The Crimson Tide converted a 4th and three at Texas’ 42-yard-line, thanks to quarterback Jalen Milroe’s 6-yard pass to Malik Benson. But Alabama’s offense couldn’t get in the red zone and settled for a 43-yard field goal. — Cydney Henderson
No. 10 Texas jumps to early lead over No. 3 Alabama after interception
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe ran for 12 yards to capture a first down at the Crimson Tide’s 41-yard-line in the first quarter against Texas, but the drive ended two plays later when Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron intercepted Milroe. Barron’s pick resulted in a field goal for Texas to take an early 3-0 lead over Alabama. — Cydney Henderson
No. 20 Mississippi rallies past No. 22 Tulane with big second half
Tulane led Ole Miss by 10 late into the third quarter, but the Rebels used a big fourth quarter to beat the Green Wave 37-20 in Yulman Stadium. Tulane was without starting quarterback Matthew Pratt, and backup Kai Horton played a solid role but was overwhelmed by the defense in the second half. In the second half, Ole Miss outscored Tulane 27-3, and sealed the win with fumble return for a touchdown with less than two minutes left. — Jordan Mendoza
Mississippi takes fourth-quarter lead on Tulane
The Rebels defense has made life tough for Tulane in the second half, and it’s offense broke through for a touchdown and capitalized on an interception to take a 20-17 lead over Tulane with 12 minutes left. The Green Wave then fumbled the ball to give Ole Miss the ball back. The Rebels have scored 13 consecutive points since the second quarter — Jordan Mendoza
Notre Dame overcomes weather delay to get past North Carolina State
After a lengthy weather delay, Notre Dame used a strong fourth quarter to pull away from North Carolina State and win on the road, 45-24. Leading 24-17 heading into the final 15 minutes, Notre Dame picked off Wolfpack quarterback Brennan Armstrong on back-to-back possessions in the final frame that led to two touchdowns to strengthen the lead. After forcing a fourth-down stop, Sam Hartman tossed a 35-yard touchdown pass to Holden Staes to seal the win before North Carolina State added a touchdown with two minutes left. T he duo of Hartman and running back Audric Estime were tough to stop, as the signal caller threw for 286 yards and four touchdowns on 15-for-24 passing, while Estime had 14 carries for 134 yards and two scores. — Jordan Mendoza
No. 10 Texas at No. 3 Alabama: What to know about the matchup
Time/TV: Saturday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Why watch: The week’s headliner pits these national name-brand programs and future SEC foes in a rematch of last year’s encounter in Austin, in which the Crimson Tide narrowly escaped 20-19 thanks to some late heroics by Bryce Young. He is off to the NFL, of course, but the early returns on new Crimson Tide starting QB Jalen Milroe are quite positive. Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers, who was knocked out of last year’s tilt with Alabama with a shoulder injury, will be just as eager to show what he can do.
Why it could disappoint: Ewers and the Longhorns’ offense were a bit slow out of the gate last week against Rice. A similar start in Tuscaloosa could prove catastrophic, although the Texas defense should be better equipped to contain Milroe’s two-way ability than that of Middle Tennessee. If it isn’t a one-score game at halftime, there might not be any late drama — Eddie Timanus
Texas vs. Alabama all-time record
The two programs have faced off 10 times. The matchup will be the second all-time in Tuscaloosa, and Alabama lost the last game 10-0 in 1902. The Longhorns hold a 7-2-1 series lead, but Alabama has won the past two matchups: the BCS Championship Game in 2009 and the matchup in Austin a season ago. The Longhorns have not beaten the Crimson Tide since 1982. — Nick Kelly, The Tuscaloosa News
Miami holds halftime lead against No. 23 Texas A&M
Special teams doomed the Hurricanes in the first half as two miscues led to easy points for No. 23 Texas A&M, but they still lead the Aggies 21-17 at halftime.
Dylan Joyce had his punt blocked by Jahdae Walker after Miami’s first possession and A&M cashed in three plays later as Conner Weigman scored on a keeper from 1-yard out.
After A&M took a 10-0 lead, Miami answered after a 3-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Van Dyke to Colbie Young
The special teams came into play again when an A&M punt was muffed by Jacolby George at the Miami 7-yard line. Two plays later, Amari Daniels' 9-yard score put the Aggies up 17-7.
Van Dyke (13-of-17, 232 yards, 3 TDs) then went deep to bring the Hurricanes within three, delivering a beautiful throw to freshman Isaiah Horton for 52 yards. After A&M missed a field goal with 57 seconds left, Miami took the lead after Van Dyke drove Miami 75 yards with no timeouts in 44 seconds and hit George on an 11-yard scoring strike. — Scooby Axson
How to watch Alabama vs. Texas
The game will be on ESPN and can be streamed on Fubo. (Click here for a free trial).
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Notre Dame, Clemson start to pull away in second halves
North Carolina State had a chance to tie it against No. 11 Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish defense came up big in the fourth quarter to likely seal a victory.
Notre Dame picked off Brennan Armstrong on back-to-back possessions deep in Wolfpack territory, with both resulting in touchdowns to give the Fighting Irish a 38-17 lead with 10 minutes left.
Meanwhile, after miscues leading into a four-point game at halftime, Clemson has found its stride in the third quarter, scoring four touchdowns out of the half to put up a dominating 52-17 lead in the fourth quarter. — Jordan Mendoza
Tulane takes two-score lead over Ole Miss
Tulane backup quarterback Kai Horton is backing away from an SEC defense, throwing a 41-yard strike to Jha'Quan Jackson to give the Green Wave a 17-7 lead over No. 20 Ole Miss at Yulman Stadium.
Horton hasn’t passed the ball much through the first half, but he has made it count when he does. He’s 4-for-8 with 116 yards and the one touchdown pass. — Jordan Mendoza
Michigan football score today: Wolverines in control against UNLV
Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy completed his first 13 pass attempts, and Blake Corum ran for 46 yards and two touchdowns as the Wolverines rolled to halftime with a 21-0 lead against UNLV.
McCarthy finished the half 17-of-18 for 188 yards with one touchdown to Roman Wilson. McCarthy had completions to seven receivers and added 38 rushing yards.
Each of UNLV’s four first-half possessions ended in a punt, as the Rebels could only muster up 40 yards of total offense. UNLV quarterback Doug Brumfield threw for 58 yards and was sacked five times. — Scooby Axson
Notre Dame football score today: NC State keeping it close
NC State is hanging on at home against No. 11 Notre Dame, down 24-17 and starting the fourth quarter with the ball.
After making it a one-score game, the Wolfpack forced a fumble to get great field position on Notre Dame’s side of the field. However, Brayden Narveson missed a 34-yard field goal that would have cut the deficit. The Wolfpack were able to force a punt to get the ball back to start the final 15 minutes. — Jordan Mendoza
Ole Miss football score today: Tulane leads in major home game for Green Wave
Tulane is without starting quarterback Michael Pratt but the Green Wave are holding up in a big home matchup against Ole Miss, up 10-7 in the second quarter.
Ole Miss only needed three plays to score a touchdown on its opening drive, but Tulane was able to respond thanks to a 57-yard pass from backup Kai Horton to Lawrence Keys III. The Green Wave were able to punch it in a few plays later, and their defense has forced the Rebels to punt on three straight drives. Valentino Ambrosio nailed a 44-yard field goal to start the second quarter to take the lead. — Jordan Mendoza
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh on chain gang for son's youth football game
Jim Harbaugh can't be on the Michigan sidelines this week against UNLV because of his self-imposed three-game suspension. But nothing can keep Harbaugh away from football for too long.
Harbaugh picked up a new gig and is spending his second Saturday off working the chains for a youth football game at his son Jack's game, dressed in his usual Michigan striped polo and hat, per a photo posted by ESPN reporter Sean Ritchlin.
“There’s a chance my son Jack’s team is going to be playing at the same time. If he’s playing, I’ll go watch that game,” Harbaugh said the Monday before Michigan’s season opener against East Carolina. “I don’t know if I’ll watch on TV if I won’t be able to watch it. I can’t predict what it’s going to be at the time. It’s uncharted waters for me." — Gabriela Carroll
Clemson football score today: Turnovers keeping Charleston Southern close
Less than one week after its disastrous loss to Duke, Clemson is in a battle with FCS Charleston Southern, with the Tigers leading 24-17 at the half.
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has looked better in the home opener with 184 passing yards, but he made a costly mistake by throwing a pick six in the first quarter. The Tigers also fumbled early in the game and that was returned to the 1-yard line, and the Buccaneers punched it in one play later.
The Tigers' mistakes have given Charleston Southern hope from what has been a mostly ineffective offensive performance from the Buccaneers. Clemson is outgaining Charleston Southern 265-43. — Jordan Mendoza
Colorado no longer coming. The Buffs are here.
BOULDER, Colorado – Head coach Deion Sanders and his Colorado football team made a statement to the nation in their first game last week at TCU. One week later, they made another one with less drama and flair, easily beating Nebraska 36-14 Saturday in front of the sold-out crowd of 53,241 at Folsom Field, the largest crowd here since 2008.
After finishing 1-11 last season, the Buffaloes improved to 2-0 by overcoming a slow start, capitalizing on early Nebraska turnovers and then holding on to show they’re more than a one-week sensation.
The Buffs also weren’t nearly as sharp as they were in in last week’s 45-42 win in Fort Worth. They punted four times in their first four possessions Saturday after punting only three times all game the week before.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders even suffered four sacks in the first half but threw touchdown passes in the second and third quarters to help put Colorado up 20-7. The second one went to South Florida graduate transfer Xavier Weaver, who produced his second straight game of at least 100 yards.
The Buffs now look to go 3-0 with a night game next Saturday at home against Colorado State. −Brent Schrotenboer
No. 23 Texas A&M at Miami (Fla.) predictions, picks, how to watch
Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Why watch: Are the Aggies finally ready to live up to their seemingly annual billing? The same question could be asked of the Hurricanes. Both teams handled overmatched opponents as good teams should in Week 1, setting up what could be an interesting clash in the Sunshine State. A&M defeated the Hurricanes in a lackluster 17-9 contest last season, but both teams appear to have more competence on the offensive side this time. Aggies QB Conner Weigman torched New Mexico for five TD passes without a pick under new coordinator Bobby Petrino. Hurricanes QB Tyler Van Dyke wasn’t quite as prolific against the other Miami from Ohio last week, but RBs Henry Parrish and Mark Fletcher lent plenty of ground support.
Why it could disappoint: The Hurricanes’ much more accomplished secondary featuring DB Kamren Kinchens and the Aggies’ stout ground defense led by LB Edgerrin Cooper could neutralize the respective strengths of the opposing offenses. If that is the case, we might have another low-scoring struggle like the 2022 encounter. But that development would also significantly reduce the game’s blowout potential, so there should still be intrigue in the closing minutes. — Eddie Timanus
USA TODAY Sports staff picks:
- Dan Wolken: Texas A&M
- Eddie Timanus: Texas A&M
- Erick Smith: Texas A&M
- Jace Evans: Miami
- Paul Myerberg: Texas A&M
- Scooby Axson: Miami
Iowa at Iowa State how to watch and what to know
Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, Fox
Why watch: This one won’t light up the scoreboard as a number of other games on the schedule will, but it should be competitive with the Cy-Hawk Trophy on the line. The Cyclones claimed it a year ago in a 10-7 slog, ending a six-game skid in the series. Unfortunately, not much else went right the rest of the way in a 4-8 campaign, while Iowa managed to go 8-5 despite its well-documented scoring woes. The Hawkeyes should be a bit more productive with Michigan transfer Cade McNamara now quarterbacking the attack, though nagging injuries could again hamper his mobility. The Cyclones will counter with freshman QB Rocco Becht, who had an efficient pick-free debut against Northern Iowa.
Why it could disappoint: Cue the "take the under: jokes in 3… 2…. Oh, who are we kidding? They’re already out there, especially given that gambling issues stemming from a state-wide investigation have depleted both rosters. But personnel matters aside, both these teams are constructed to win a grind-it-out affair that may not provide many flashy plays. — Eddie Timanus
Utah football score today: Utes survive Baylor
Jaylon Glover scored on an 11-yard run with 17 seconds left and Nate Johnson came off the bench in relief of an ineffective Bryson Barnes, leading No. 12 Utah to a comeback 20-13 win against Baylor.
Johnson ran up the middle untouched from seven yards out to tie the score at 13 with two minutes remaining, capping an 8-minute, 15-play, 88-yard drive.
Barnes got the start, subbing for an injured Cameron Rising and went 6-of-19 for 71 yards with an interception and was sacked twice. In the fourth quarter, Johnson completed six of his seven passes for 82 yards.
Baylor got the ball back with 1:54 left but Sawyer Robertson, starting in place of an injured Blake Shapen, forced a pass over the middle which was intercepted by Cole Bishop, who returned it to the Baylor 29, which led to the winning score. The Bears got down to the 22-yard line on their final drive, but Robertson's pass fell incomplete in the end zone as time expired. — Scooby Axson
Colorado score today: Shedeur Sanders does dad’s dance to celebrate TD
Like father, like son.
After rushing for a 6-yard touchdown to put Colorado up 36-7 over Nebraska, quarterback Shedeur Sanders took a page out of his dad’s playbook for his celebration. Shedeur Sanders hit Deion Sanders’ signature ‘Prime Time’ shuffle in the end zone.
He’s thrown for 393 yards, two touchdowns by air, one touchdown on the ground and no interceptions on the day. − Cydney Henderson
Georgia, top-ranked teams score blowout wins
No. 1 Georgia started off slow with no first-quarter points, but it responded with a dominant second quarter en route to an easy 45-3 win over Ball State.
The Bulldogs victory marked just one of several top-ranked teams putting up huge victories over smaller schools. No. 4 Ohio State’s offense looked better against FCS Youngstown State in a 45-7 win, and No. 7 Penn State dominated Delaware with a 63-7 thumping of the Fightin' Blue Hens.
Colorado score today: Buffaloes score after another Nebraska turnover
Nebraska hung on for as long as it could, but several miscues later and Colorado is starting to pull away from its rival.
After Jeff Sims’ touchdown run cut the deficit to six, Colorado scored 16 unanswered points to put the game nearly out of reach with a 29-7 lead with under 11 minutes left in the game. Trailing 23-7, Nebraska was in need of a score and in Colorado territory, but a botched handoff resulted in a fumble, the fourth turnover of the game for the Cornhuskers.
Colorado then marched down the field and capped the drive with a trick-play touchdown for Tar'Varish Dawson. The two-point conversion wasn’t good, but the 22-point lead nearly wraps up another win for Coach Prime. — Jordan Mendoza
Notre Dame scores on first play after weather delay
It appears Notre Dame was ready to play.
After a lengthy weather delay at NC State, Notre Dame returned to the field with the ball at the Wolfpack 20-yard line. Running back Audric Estime then took the first play back 80 yards to the house for the first touchdown of the game to give the Fighting Irish a 10-0 lead. — Jordan Mendoza
Jeff Sims' big run gets Nebraska on the board
It was a nightmare first half for Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims, but things may be turning around thanks to a big run.
On Nebraska’s opening drive of the third quarter, Sims took a quarterback draw 57 yards down the sideline, untouched and into the endzone to give the Cornhuskers their first points of the day and second touchdown of the season. The touchdown cut the Colorado lead to 13-7. — Jordan Mendoza
Virginia’s Mike Hollins scores TD 10 months after shooting
There might not be a more important touchdown scored during Week 2 than the one by Virginia senior running back Mike Hollins.
Hollins was one of two students hospitalized after a Nov. 13 campus shooting, when a former Virginia football player opened fire on a bus returning from a field trip. Three teammates – Devin Chandley, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry – were killed.
Hollins took a second-quarter handoff against James Madison for a 4-yard touchdown, his first trip to the end zone in nearly a year – Sept. 17, 2022 against Old Dominion.
Virginia leads JMU 28-17 in the third quarter. — Casey Moore
Alabama vs. Texas odds
The top college football betting apps favor No. 3 Alabama in its primetime matchup with 10th-ranked Texas. The Crimson Tide are 7.5-point favorites over the visiting Longhorns, according to the BetMGM college football odds. One of the best mobile sports betting apps, BetMGM is among those offering the top NCAA football betting promos in 2023. — Richard Morin
Why Deion Sanders slept in his office before Colorado vs. Nebraska
"I wanted to wake up and see the stadium," Deion Sanders said. "I wanted to wake up and feel it. I wanted to see it empty and then see the transformation. It's pretty much what we're doing." — Gabriela Carroll, USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State score today: Buckeyes up big at half
Quarterback Kyle McCord’s inconsistencies during Ohio State’s opener have been washed away, even if only for a week.
McCord completed 13-of-18 passes during the first half for 253 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Marvin Harrison Jr., as the Buckeyes go into halftime with a 28-7 lead against Youngstown State.
The Buckeyes have rolled up 339 total yards during the first half. Ohio State registered 380 total yards last week against Indiana. — Casey Moore
North Carolina State football scoreboard struck by lightning
Donors at North Carolina State can’t be happy with this one.
The program’s brand new scoreboard was struck by lightning and shorted out during the Wolfpack’s game against Notre Dame.
Fans were cleared at Carter-Finley Stadium with N.C. State trailing the Fighting Irish 3-0 early in the second quarter. — Casey Moore
Colorado shuts out Nebraska in first half
Colorado’s offense hasn’t been as explosive as it was last week, but its defense is creating all sorts of issues for Nebraska. The Buffaloes have a 13-0 lead at halftime.
Ten of the 13 Buffalo points were off turnovers, and they scored all of their points in the final 4:20 of the half. Shedeur Sanders is 14-of-21 with 134 yards and one touchdown, and head coach Deion Sanders said it's the defense keeping the Buffaloes up, forcing three turnovers in the first 30 minutes.
“We wasn’t clicking on all cylinders,” Sanders told Fox Sports at halftime. “The defense has been holding up strong and I'm proud of that.”
A fierce Big 12 rivalry that’s set to renew with Colorado re-joining the conference next year, Sanders has made it known the importance of this game, and he reminded fans before heading back into the locker room.
“This game is personal,” he said. “This game is 13-0, we should be up a lot more.” — Jordan Mendoza
Utah score today: Utes struggling in brutal Texas heat
No. 12 Utah, playing its second straight week without injured starting quarterback Cameron Rising, is struggling against unranked Baylor, and trails 10-3 at halftime.
The Bears lost last week against Texas State and are also playing without their top quarterback, Blake Shapen, who injured his knee in that game.
It was 95 degrees in Waco for the 11 a.m. kickoff with an expected high of 101 by the time the game ends.
Utah’s first half drives ended in three punts, an interception and a Cole Becker 31-yard field goal.
Baylor took a 10-3 lead on a short Sawyer Robertson touchdown run. Robertson threw for 126 yards in the first half, while Dominic Richardson paced the ground game with 67 yards. — Scooby Axson
Georgia gets insane interception as Bulldogs jump to big lead
Everything is going right for Georgia in the second quarter, as the Bulldogs have built up a 31-0 lead at the half and got an interception you had to see to believe.
Down 14-0, Ball State quarterback Kadin Semonza attempted a pass, but it deflected off a Cardinal player’s back foot, and went right into the hands of Chaz Chambliss for the pick. The Bulldogs put up all 31 first-half points in the second quarter. — Jordan Mendoza
Colorado score today: Buffaloes get in end zone after interception
Another Nebraska turnover, more Colorado points.
Colorado is making it a nightmare for Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims. After a fumble gave the Buffaloes a 3-0 lead, Sims threw an interception, putting Colorado in another great field position. The Buffaloes wasted no time, as Shedeur Sanders found Tar'Varish Dawson on the very next play for a 30-yard touchdown. — Jordan Mendoza
Colorado score today: Buffaloes convert turnover into points for 3-0 lead
Colorado is on the board, thanks to another Nebraska fumble.
The Cornhuskers gave Colorado promising field position after Jeff Sims couldn’t hang onto the ball, the third fumble of the first half and second Nebraska has lost. Colorado got the ball at the 19-yard line and went three-and-out, but the field position helped as Jace Feely nailed a 31-yard field goal to give Colorado a 3-0 lead with a little more than four minutes before halftime. — Jordan Mendoza
Colorado score today: Missed field goal ends Nebraska’s promising drive
The bad luck continues for the Cornhuskers.
After a scoreless 20 minutes, Nebraska went from its 9-yard line to Colorado territory. But things took a turn on a third down, as a man in motion got in the way of the snap and Nebraska was able to fall on it to keep the ball on fourth down. The quick turn of events continued with Tristan Alvano’s 45-yard field goal attempt hitting the right upright, keeping Nebraska and Colorado scoreless with under seven minutes left in the first half. — Jordan Mendoza
Terrell Owens, Michael Irvin, Chauncey Billups among stars who show up for Deion's home debut
Some high-profile former athletes made their way to Boulder, Colorado, to watch Deion Sanders coach in his home debut against Nebraska.
A packed house was at Folsom Field for the 10 a.m. local kickoff. Spotted at the game were Pro Football Hall of Famers Terrell Owens, Michael Irvin and Warren Sapp.
Chauncey Billups, the Portland Trail Blazers head coach and a Colorado alum, was in attendance along with former Buffaloes quarterback Kordell Stewart. — Scooby Axson
Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest in weather delays
The biggest disruptor on Saturday afternoon? Weather.
Three games in the early window Saturday are in a weather delay, all still in the first half:
- Vanderbilt 0, Wake Forest 0
- Notre Dame 3, NC State 0
- Purdue 7, Virginia Tech 0
— Jordan Mendoza
Colorado score today: Offense slow in Boulder
After last week’s shootout, Colorado is in a defensive battle with Nebraska in Coach Prime’s debut at Folsom Field.
Nebraska got into Colorado territory to start the game, but the drive was killed by a fumble. Colorado responded by getting into Nebraska territory, but penalties hurt the Buffaloes and they punted from the Nebraska 35-yard line. Both teams went 3-and-out on their next drives, and Nebraska will begin the second quarter with a punt.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, is 6-for-9 with 40 yards and three carries for 18 yards in the opening frame. — Jordan Mendoza
Ohio State score today: Buckeyes break tie with another Marvin Harrison Jr. TD
Marvin Harrison Jr. had just two catches for 18 yards against Indiana in Ohio State’s 23-3 win last week.
In the first quarter against Youngstown State, the junior wideout has four receptions for 122 yards and his first two touchdowns of the 2023 campaign.
After Harrison’s first TD put Ohio State ahead 7-0, Youngstown State put together a 75-yard scoring drive -- highlighted by a 36-yard pass play on third-and-3 – that tied things up 7-7 at Ohio Stadium.
Ohio State followed with a three-and-out, but on its next possession Kyle McCord found Harrison in the end zone for a 39-yard TD.
The Buckeyes lead 14-7 after one quarter. — Casey Moore
Georgia gets on the board with punt return touchdown
After a slow start on offense, it's the Georgia special teams getting the Bulldogs on the board.
Mekhi Mews took a Ball State punt and returned it 69 yards to the house, the first punt return for a touchdown for the Bulldogs in 14 years. — Jordan Mendoza
Georgia score today: Bulldogs off to sluggish start
One quarter down and Ball State is giving the defending champions all it can, preventing Georgia from getting on the scoreboard in a 0-0 tie.
After a solid kick return to open the game, the Bulldogs offense got it to the Ball State 10-yard line, but Peyton Woodring hooked a 28-yard field goal left. The Cardinals got into Georgia territory on their opening drive, but were forced to punt. Their defense stood tall on the next drive and the Bulldogs had to punt, ending the first quarter. — Jordan Mendoza
Virginia honors three football players killed in shooting
Virginia honored three football players who were killed in November with a moment of silence before their home opener against James Madison at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville.
Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry have their numbers painted in the end zone. Virginia will also wear helmet decals of the players' numbers (1, 15 and 41) and sport legacy patches. James Madison will also wear helmet decals in honor of the players
“It’s difficult for me. Some days are harder than others, right, and same for those players and the staff,” Virginia head coach Tony Elliott said this week, via the Daily Progress. “I can’t imagine what it’s like for their families dealing with it. We have an opportunity as a community, as a football program, fan base to pay respect to the three young men, their families, and then also the other 125 guys that have chosen to stay the course, do what’s difficult, and show up every single day.” — Scooby Axson
Ohio State score today: Marvin Harrison Jr. catches 71-yard TD for 7-0 lead
The No. 4 Buckeyes struggled to get anything going on offense during their opener against Big Ten rival Indiana last week. But Ohio State quickly found a successful formula against Youngstown State.
Throw the deep ball to star wideout Marvin Harrison Jr.
On the third play from scrimmage, quarterback Kyle McCord connected with Harrison along the left sideline for a 71-yard touchdown pass and an early 7-0 lead for the Buckeyes in their home opener at “The Shoe” this season. — Casey Moore
Deion Sanders takes the field for home opener in Colorado
BOULDER, Colorado – Just minutes before kickoff between Colorado and Nebraska, the sold-out crowd at Folsom Field witnessed arguably the most anticipated entrance in school history.
First came Ralphie, Colorado’s live bison mascot, who dashed from her gate onto the field as the crowd roared.
Then came Deion Sanders about a minute later, slowed by his troubled left leg but waving his arms to the crowd as he made his home debut as the Buffaloes new coach.
The Colorado fans roared. It’s been one week since their Buffs upset TCU in Texas 45-42. And now they face Nebraska, their old rival in a game that issued more than 800 media credentials, the most ever at CU and highest since 2001. It was also the most expensive ticket in CU football history, according to TickPick, an online ticket marketplace that listed prices at $385 and up Friday night.
The big reason for it is Sanders, whose win last week and flamboyant overhaul of the team have been the talk of the sports world recently after the Buffs finished last year 1-11 under a different coaching staff. — Brent Schrotenboer
College football picks Week 2
The names of elite schools in college football don't get much bigger than Alabama and Texas. The pair represents the upper-crust of programs have shaped a significant history of the sports. So when the Crimson Tide and Longhorns clash Saturday in Tuscaloosa, it's not surprising that most of the country will be on that game. Alabama needs a victory to help silence some of the doubters about the direction of the program. Texas needs a big win to establish credibility after almost 15 years out of the national title picture.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of Saturday’s the ranked games.
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders gets timely motivation from Tom Brady ahead of Nebraska game
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders received a text message from a trusted mentor of his shortly after leading his team to a stunning 45-42 win Saturday at TCU.
The mentor was Tom Brady, the legendary former NFL quarterback.
His message was simple: “Don’t be satisfied.”
Read Brent Schrotenboer’s full story here.
Why is Deion Sanders on TV so much?
TV companies lined up to show Deion Sanders’ games for their intrigue and entertainment value with Sanders as a new head coach at the highest level of college football.
Then advertisers lined up to buy ads during these games, betting it will get them a big audience for their brands at a cost of around $130,000 for 30 seconds if they bought the air time recently for his next game Saturday against Nebraska.
Before and after kickoff, the broadcasters themselves then focus on Sanders throughout the game, knowing he's the big reason viewers are tuning in.
Read Brent Schrotenboer’s full story here.
No. 11 Notre Dame at North Carolina State predictions, picks, how to watch
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ABC
Why watch: Though the Fighting Irish had to go a long way for one of their two relatively easy wins, this true road game could serve as their first real test of the campaign. The Wolfpack handled a road opener against an improved Connecticut program and now looks to make an even bigger splash. The setting will be familiar for new Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman, who went 2-2 against the Wolfpack at Wake Forest but with neither win coming in Raleigh. N.C. State QB Brennan Armstrong has no history with the Fighting Irish, as he missed Virginia’s 28-3 loss to Notre Dame due to an injury in 2021.
Why it could disappoint: It probably won’t be a shootout. The Wolfpack defense, anchored by LB Payton Wilson, is stronger than any the new-look Irish offense has seen to date. But Notre Dame isn’t likely to surrender many big gainers either, so the intensity level should still be high in the fourth quarter. — Eddie Timanus
USA TODAY Sports staff picks:
- Dan Wolken: Notre Dame
- Eddie Timanus: Notre Dame
- Erick Smith: Notre Dame
- Jace Evans: Notre Dame
- Paul Myerberg: Notre Dame
- Scooby Axson: Notre Dame
Nebraska at No. 25 Colorado predictions, picks, how to watch
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, Fox
Why watch: Colorado games have suddenly become appointment viewing after the Buffaloes made the biggest splash of opening weekend. They’ll now look to follow their takedown of TCU in their first home game of the Deion Sanders era against old Big Eight rival Nebraska. The Cornhuskers are also under new management with Matt Rhule back in the college game. But his debut outing at Minnesota produced another late collapse to which NU fans have grown all too accustomed. The promising development for the Cornhuskers was the overall performance of the defense, but Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders and his array of fast targets will bring a bit more fire power. Nebraska QB Jeff Sims is well aware he must take better care of the ball.
Why it could disappoint: Colorado’s overall team speed would make the Buffaloes a much stronger comeback candidate should they somehow fall behind. An early Cornhuskers’ deficit would seem more difficult to overcome given Nebraska’s unproven ability to put up fast points.
USA TODAY Sports staff picks:
- Dan Wolken: Nebraska
- Eddie Timanus: Colorado
- Erick Smith: Colorado
- Jace Evans: Colorado
- Paul Myerberg: Nebraska
- Scooby Axson: Colorado
Texas vs. Alabama predictions
Here’s who our staff is predicting will win this No. 3 vs. No. 10 matchup:
- Dan Wolken: Alabama
- Eddie Timanus: Alabama
- Erick Smith: Alabama
- Jace Evans: Alabama
- Paul Myerberg: Alabama
- Scooby Axson: Texas
College football Week 2 bold predictions
Disappointments and better-than-expected performances are anticipated each weekend in the wild world of college football. It's especially true early in the season as teams haven't gotten into the swing of the schedules and are more prone to mistakes.
There is the potential for surprises Saturday with a slate of games that could produce unlikely results that we've come to look forward to each weekend.
Our college football staff makes bold predictions for Week 2.
Big college football games this weekend
Week 2 of the college football season is upon us. The menu this week features the second top-10 clash of the young season (No. 3 Alabama vs. No. 10 Texas), a perhaps under-the-radar Top 25 showdown with huge entertainment potential, and a number of other power-conference encounters that could have long-term implications.
So, here are the six blockbuster games to watch, with the standard advice that you should keep an eye on the scoreboard and a hand on the remote in case unexpected developments and/or frantic finishes unfold as they inevitably do. — Eddie Timanus
College football Week 2 odds
No. 11 Notre Dame is also favored by more than a touchdown (-7.5) over NC State.
In the late-night slate, two California schools will face each other for the last time as Pac-12 members. Stanford is a 29.5-point underdog against No. 6 USC. Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams boasts some of the best betting odds to win the 2023 Heisman Trophy and repeat as winner.
Whether you’re still learning how to bet on sports or a seasoned sharp, USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. Our college football betting guide can help you get started. — Richard Morin
Utah, Baylor without their starting QBs
Utah quarterback Cameron Rising is expected to be out for the second straight week as the Utes travel to play Baylor, according to an ESPN report.
Rising is still rehabbing an ACL tear suffered in the Rose Bowl loss to Penn State.
Bryson Barnes will start with Nate Johnson backing him up as they did in their season-opening win against Florida.
Utah plays Weber State next week before ending the month and opening up conference play against UCLA and Oregon State.
Baylor is also playing without its starting quarterback as Blake Shapen is out for at least two weeks after injuring his MCL in last week’s loss to Texas State. Mississippi State transfer Sawyer Robertson will get the nod for Baylor on Saturday. — Scooby Axson
College football conferences 2023
Confused by all the conference changes coming in major college sports within the next year? It's been difficult to follow all the moving pieces during past weeks and months.
We knew last summer that more lucrative TV deals would soon lure UCLA and Southern California to the Big Ten for the 2024 season. Likewise, Texas and Oklahoma announced plans to move to the SEC. But little did we know how many other programs also would soon be moving.
What's transpired in the Pac-12, Big 12 and Big Ten in the recent weeks has grabbed most of the college realignment headlines, but big changes are coming to both the Power Five and the Group of Five by this time next year. This season, the Big 12 will welcome three teams from the American Athletic Conference: Central Florida, Cincinnati and Houston.
In the past four decades, teams moved, conferences grew and a few collapsed. That doesn't sound much different than today's situation – other than the rapid pace at which these changes are unfolding. Here’s everything you need to know. — Jim Sergent
Where is 'College GameDay' in Week 2?
ESPN’s “College GameDay” crew is in Tuscaloosa for a battle between football superpowers No. 3 Alabama and No. 10 Texas on Saturday. The second of a home-and-home series between future conference foes, the "GameDay" crew of Rece Davis, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee and others will be on campus for the Crimson Tide and Longhorns’ Week 2 game. — Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORK
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