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Week 2 provided some much-needed entertainment across the B1G. Yes, we saw some interesting things in the first week of the season, but this Saturday was filled with Power Five matchups, a conference game and some intriguing Group of Five opponents.
What more could you want?
After Saturday’s action, two weeks of the 2019 season are in the books. We can already start to form some very illogical and irrational narratives for the rest of the year. Who’s fired up?
Here are a few things I’m overreacting to after the second week of the season.
Hello Rutgers, my old friend
Oh, Rutgers. I thought for sure this year was going to be at least a little different. Maybe you keep it close against Iowa and show that you’re not the worst team in the B1G this year? It looks like the Scarlet Knights are headed for that deep, dark cellar once again.
This whole Scott Frost thing isn’t really working out
Frosty the Coachman isn’t quite the magician everyone painted him out to be, huh? Well color me shocked. It’s almost like winning the AAC and winning the B1G are two totally different things. How many people are looking at names to take over as the next leader in Lincoln? I know I’ve got my phonebook out.
Pencil Maryland into the B1G Championship Game
Does Maryland have the greatest offense in the history of college football? It’s been 150 years, but I think you can make the case pretty easily. I mean, the Terrapins are averaging 71 points per game through the first two games, which includes a 63-20 upset over No. 21 Syracuse. I don’t know what the “shell” is in the water in College Park, but the Terps are drinking it all the way to Indy.
Paul Chryst – silent but deadly
Is this the most flattering comparison I can make? Absolutely not. But honestly, how else would you describe Wisconsin and Paul Chryst? He doesn’t say much, which is part of his charm. And yet again, the Badgers came out of nowhere and is turning heads across the country. Can you think of anything else that does the exact same way? Though only in a room, as opposed to the entire college football world.
Twinkle, twinkle Sindelar
Did you guys see how shiny Purdue’s quarterback was against Vanderbilt? Over 500 yards, five touchdowns, all after being reamed by Jeff Brohm on the sideline. Sindelar is probably the best quarterback in the B1G. No wait, the universe!
Hey Harbaugh, make a switch and set Dylan McCa-Free
Why not? Shea Patterson hasn’t played very well through two games. Bench him, send a message. Give the people what they want and let Dylan McCaffrey run the show. It’ll probably save your season. You’re welcome.
Is anyone else starting to think Minnesota’s WRs have special powers?
OK, how are they doing this? First it was Rashod Bateman making a ridiculous one-handed grab against South Dakota State. Now, Chris Autman-Bell is hauling in game-tying touchdowns with a defender draped over him while falling out of bounds? I attempted to demonstrate how it unfolded using my rug and fell over. I think P.J. Fleck secretly took this team to Hogwarts during the offseason or something.
The Illini are making some Illi-noise
Yeah, that’s right, the Illini are putting the “noise” in Illino….wait, never mind. What a thrilling win for Lovie Smith and company, beating the best college football team in the state of Connecticut to end an ugly non-conference road game losing streak. Who’s stopping this Lovie Ball freight train? Who?!
Urban who?
There was apparently some guy who used to coach football at Ohio State before Ryan Day took over. That guy is no longer relevant. I mean, kudos to Urban Meyer for winning a national championship, claiming three B1G titles and going 7-0 against Michigan. That’s all well and good but Day’s Buckeyes pitched a shutout in just his second game as a permanent head coach. Urban’s teams didn’t do that until his second season. Not impressed.
Looking for a missing person, goes by the name ‘Epenesa’
I’ve taken over an investigation in search for some really big, talented defensive end named A.J. Epenesa. Word is, he hasn’t shown up for either of Iowa’s first two games. This supposed “first-round draft pick” has just one sack in two games. Maybe Kirk Ferentz should think about sidelining Epenesa for a few games, assuming he locates him.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB