Texas rallies to defeat Ohio State while Big Ten endures nonconference setbacks
Texas erased a 20-point deficit to beat top-ranked Ohio State, bolstering the SEC’s standing, as the Big Ten posted a 2-5 record in Week 2 nonconference games.
Texas mounted a comeback from a 20-point halftime deficit to edge No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on Saturday, a result that strengthens the SEC’s claim as the nation’s leading conference. Quarterback Arch Manning led three scoring drives of 91, 72 and 73 yards in the second half, finishing with 196 passing yards, 22 rushing yards, one touchdown and one interception. The victory is expected to influence the upcoming US LBM Coaches Poll and could impact College Football Playoff considerations.
The Big Ten’s nonconference performance was uneven, with the league falling to a 2-5 record against Power Four opponents. Michigan’s 17-10 win over No. 10 Oklahoma and Iowa’s 16-13 victory over Iowa State were the only conference wins. Other losses included Rutgers to Boston College, Illinois to Duke, Purdue to Wake Forest in double overtime, Washington’s narrow win over Utah State, and a 39-31 defeat of No. 6 Oregon by Oklahoma State.
In other notable games, Mississippi State defeated Minnesota 38-13, highlighted by sophomore Kamario Taylor’s 227 passing yards and three touchdowns. Tennessee turned a 10-7 early deficit into a 45-24 win over Georgia Tech, aided by 147 rushing yards from DeSean Bishop and a defensive touchdown. Boise State beat Memphis 38-20, relying on a strong ground game that amassed 375 rushing yards.
Analysts noted that the loss for Oregon raises questions about the team’s ability to compete for a national championship, while Ohio State’s second-half slowdown after leading 20-3 contributed to its defeat. The week’s outcomes provide early data points for the CFP selection committee as it evaluates conference strength and individual team performance.