CFB Week 2 Review/Week 3 Preview: Heating Up

Week 2 of the college football season is usually when the action really heats up, There are more competitive games and more ranked matchups. Last week saw two ranked teams lose to unranked opponents, including #18 Arkansas to Toledo (couldn't handle that MAC speed!), and #6 Auburn almost lose to FCS opponent Jacksonville State (the Gamecocks, if you were curious). It saw two backup quarterbacks lead their teams to improbable victories (Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer vs. Virginia and BYU's Tanner Mangum vs. #20 Boise State). It saw the first top-ten battle of the season (Michigan State over Oregon), and it was a good one. It should only get better from here (which is good, since I missed most of the first two weeks' games due to work). This week, there are four ranked matchups and many more good games. Let's get started.
Week 1 Review
Week 2 Observations
1. Two Playoff Teams From Big Ten?
After a shaky Week 1 for the Big Ten, followed by a few SEC coaches complaining about Ohio State's schedule (those coaches' teams would go on to lose their Week 2 contests), the conference got a big boost from Michigan State's 31-28 victory over Oregon Saturday night, along with some argument for whether the Big Ten could get two teams in this year's playoff. If Ohio State runs the table and Michigan State's only loss is to the Buckeyes, both teams could conceivably get in. It's too early to know for sure, of course, but there is a strong possibility.
2. Rough Week for the SEC
After complaining about Ohio State's strength of schedule, Brett Bielema's Razorbacks lost to Toledo. Same thing with Dan Mullen and Mississippi State, who lost to LSU, as well as Steve Spurrier and South Carolina, who lost to Kentucky. Auburn, the second-best team in the SEC heading into the week, had to go into overtime against FCS opponent Jacksonville State (they won 27-20). The SEC looked a little shaky last week behind Alabama.
3. Sleepers in the Pac-12
Out west, there are some possible playoff contenders. #13 UCLA, led by freshman quarterback Josh Rosen, easily disposed of UNLV last week 37-3. Cody Kessler and #8 USC demolished Idaho 59-9. Nick Wilson rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns as #22 Arizona beat Nevada 40-22. Davonte Booker and #24 Utah beat rival Utah State 24-14.
Upset of the Week
Toledo 16, #18 Arkansas 12
This was an easy choice, as Toledo, out of the MAC, beat #18 Arkansas, out of the SEC, in the first game of the Rockets' season. Toledo quarterback Phillip Ely, who used to play in the SEC (he was a backup at Alabama), threw for 237 yards and a touchdown, and the Rocket defense held the Razorbacks to a touchdown and a field goal.
Playoff Picks After Week 2
1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes didn't cover the spread Saturday, but still easily shutout a decent Hawaii team 38-0. They don't have many daunting tasks ahead, as their next ranked opponent is Michigan State in November, but anything can happen. Next Game: Northern Illinois, Sat., 3:30 PM
2. Alabama
Like Ohio State, the Crimson Tide didn't cover the spread Saturday, but still dominated Middle Tennessee 37-10. They are clearly the best team in the SEC right now, but they have to go through the gauntlet that is the SEC West, starting this week. Next Game: #15 Ole Miss, Sat., 9:15 PM 
3. Michigan State
The Spartans vaulted into the top four with a big win over Oregon Saturday night, and should be able to stay there until the Ohio State game unless they really drop the ball, which is unlikely with a veteran quarterback, veteran coach, and good defense. Next Game: Air Force, Sat., 12:00 PM
4. TCU
TCU stays in my top four not because of what they did last Saturday (they destroyed Stephen F. Austin 70-7), but because they are the most talented of the teams vying for the last spot right now. Next Game: SMU, Sat., 8:00 PM
Play of the Week

This beautiful fake field goal that went for a touchdown from backup quarterback DeShone Kizer, who would go on to take over for the injured Malik Zaire and score the game-winning touchdown, to tight end Durham Smythe, who is now out for the season after getting surgery this week, helped Notre Dame beat Virginia 34-27.

Week 2 Preview
Game of the Week
#15 Ole Miss @ #2 Alabama, Sat., 9:15 PM, ESPN
There are a few good ranked matchups this week, including #14 Georgia Tech at #8 Notre Dame, #18 Auburn at #13 LSU, and #19 BYU at #10 UCLA, but this clash of SEC powers gets this week's spot. These two teams have dominated their first two opponents, with Ole Miss scoring 73 and 76 points, respectively, in their first two games.
Upset Special
Record: 1-0
Stanford over #6 USC (@ USC, Sat., 8:00 PM)
Stanford came into the season ranked but got upset by Northwestern the first week of the season.They came back to destroy Central Florida 31-7 last week. USC has talent and destroyed their first two opponents, but those opponents were Arkansas State and Idaho. This game is in Pasadena, but Stanford is always a tough team.