Week 2 in the Big Ten saw Nebraska jump out to a 28-0 halftime lead over Colorado en route to a dominant 28-10 win, Illinois knock off No. 19 Kansas, and Michigan State score the final 10 points of the game against Maryland to remain unbeaten in the only B1G conference game of the weekend.

What does the league have in store for Week 3? Let’s take a look at the biggest headlines …

A rare visit from Alabama

Alabama visits Wisconsin Saturday (11 am CT, FOX) in a very notable clash, as it’s not every Saturday that an SEC team heads into B1G country. Logo aside, the No. 4 Crimson Tide pose the biggest test of the season for the Badgers in Year 2 under Luke Fickell.

Wisconsin is 2-0 but hasn’t exactly looked great thus far in wins over Western Michigan and FCS foe South Dakota.

Can the offense create enough explosive plays to challenge the Tide defense? QB Tyler Van Dyke has showed glimpses, but can he be more consistent?

Meanwhile, Alabama will face its first real test after opening with Western Kentucky and USF. Heisman Trophy candidate QB Jalen Milroe can beat you with his arm and legs, and his surrounding weapons will be a real test for the Badgers. Oddly enough, in a weird remake of their 2023 game, the Tide struggled against USF for about 50 minutes before a 28-point barrage in the fourth quarter. Milroe fueled that surge, and his biggest play, a long TD run, was wiped out by a holding call.

Say what you want about Milroe’s arm — and there are questions — but he is a force in the running game.

Wisconsin should expect a more focused Tide squad this week.

How does Michigan bounce back?

The defending national champions were outclassed by Texas and must now pick up the pieces against Arkansas State (11 am, BTN). The Longhorns moved the ball at ease through the air and on the ground, and the Wolverines continued to struggle on offense. QB Davis Warren threw 2 interceptions, furthering opinions that coach Sherrone Moore made a mistake by not hitting the transfer portal for a QB. The Wolverines are also lacking in explosive plays on the ground. The Wolverines scored 1 touchdown and failed to reach 300 total yards.

The defense couldn’t get to Quinn Ewers or slow down Texas’ revamped rushing game — which was without its top 2 projected running backs.

All of which led to a blowout loss and a drop to No. 17 in the polls.

Arkansas State won’t threaten any of that, but this is more about how Michigan responds.

The Texas loss isn’t a season killer, but how do the Wolverines respond moving forward?

In-state rivalry I

Oregon travels to Corvallis to take on Oregon State (2:30, FOX) in a former Pac-12 clash. Typically a late-season matchup, this edition of the Civil War comes at an interesting time for both teams. The Beavers are coming off their first shutout since September 2021 following a 21-0 win over San Diego State, while the Ducks needed an Atticus Sappington 25-yard field goal as time expired to claim a 37-34 victory over Boise State. Like Michigan, Oregon is having offensive line issues. Star QB Dillon Gabriel was sacked 4 times in the first half, and multiple combinations were used across the line.

Dan Lanning admitted Oregon has issues to fix. Does he have the personnel to fix them?

The Beavers could pose a real test for a Ducks squad still searching for their identity.

In-state rivalry II

Washington hosts Washington State (2:30, Peacock) in the Apple Cup, another rivalry that we used to see at the end of the year. The Huskies have defeated FCS foe Weber State and Eastern Michigan, but the Cougars will pose a much different test. Washington’s offense never expected to be as powerful as last season, and we saw another slow start Saturday before Will Rogers (261 passing yards and 4 touchdowns) and Co. started to click. But Jedd Fisch’s squad has to start faster against Wazzu, who saw QB John Mateer rush for 197 yards and a touchdown in a 37-16 win over Texas Tech this past week. The Cougars finished with 301 rushing yards, but Mateer was just 9-of-19 passing for 115 yards. A more balanced offense will be needed against the Huskies, who will face their first real test of the year.

Purdue renews rivalry with Notre Dame

Purdue and Notre Dame had one of the great regional rivalries until conference realignment tore it apart after the 2014 season. Saturday’s game will be just the 2nd matchup since that game and first Shillelagh Trophy showdown since 2021.

The Fighting Irish enter wounded after suffering a shocking upset to Northern Illinois, which won 16-14 on a field goal in the final seconds. The loss was a crushing blow to the Irish’s College Football Playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the Boilermakers began the season with a 49-0 win against Indiana State.

QB Hudson Card was nearly perfect in that game, going 24-of-25 passing for 273 yards and 4 touchdowns. It was one of the best Week 1 efforts of any QB in the country. While it wasn’t stiff competition, he displayed his skill set and playmaking ability. The former transfer from Texas has a chance to break out under new OC Graham Harrell if he is able to better protect the football, which he struggled to do last season.

Will Purdue’s extra week to prepare be the difference against the Irish, which already is clinging to its Playoff life?