Week two of the 2017 college football season gets underway tonight with just one game on the Thursday docket for FBS football. Here are my games to watch for week 2 in FBS, FCS, and D2 college football:
FBS
Auburn at Clemson
The Tiger bowl takes to playing at Death Valley this week, as Clemson won 19-14 last season. Auburn was sloppy at times in what turned into a solid 41-7 win over Georgia Southern, and Jarrett Stidham had anything but a perfect Auburn debut, going just 14/28 for the game. Clemson pounded out a win over Kent State, 56-3, and several players got onto the field. This will be the first real test for both teams, and we get to find out who is for real, and who may be a pretender.
Oklahoma at Ohio State
Oklahoma was in cruise control last week in a 56-7 thrashing of UTEP. Baker Mayfield played just one half, and completed 19/20 passes while hitting ten different receivers. Ohio State also played just one real half of football last week, but it was the second half, when they outscored Indiana 36-7 after trailing 14-13 a the half. The road team has usually done well in this series, but not last season. The Buckeyes are going to have to play a more complete game this week in their home opener to come away with the win.
Georgia at Notre Dame
Notre Dame looked solid in a big win over Temple last week, and now will get their first serious test of the season at home. Georgia lost QB Jacob Eason, but Jake Fromm looked decent in his place, and the freshman will start in his absence. Notre Dame will have to shut down the run game and force Fromm to be the hero, and the Irish offense will have to prove that they can dictate tempo as well.
Stanford at USC
This has become an annual calendar game for both schools. Stanford looked to quiet skeptics of their offense two weeks ago in Australia, and did a fine job by rolling up 400 yards at the half against Rice in a 62-7 win. USC struggled mightily against Western Michigan at home last week, and it could be that they were looking ahead to this game. Stanford has a solid shot at a road win this week, and it could derail USC's chances at playing for a national title.
FCS
Richmond at Colgate
The Spiders got their date bumped against Sam Houston State by a week because of Hurricane Harvey, and it did not play in their favor, as they finally got trounced by the Bearkats. Colgate opened with a rock solid road win at Cal Poly, and look to be in a mode to establish themselves in the Patriot League race. The Spiders are still dangerous, and this game could get wild early.
Wofford at Mercer
Wofford, the favorite in the SoCon this season, got a major challenge against Furman last week in their season and conference opener, and now get the unenviable task of playing a second conference game in a row to start the season. The Bears got a big non con win last week, and are looking to establish themselves as a junior member of the SoCon. The Bears could push for an upset here.
North Dakota State at Eastern Washington
NDSU had their five year title streak broken last winter, but they looked stronger than ever against cupcake Mississippi Valley State last week in a big bounce back game. Eastern Washington, also a perennial title contender, looked to have a shot to upset Texas Tech last week, but came out flat. This should still be a contentious match between two traditional FCS powers.
Western Illinois at Northern Arizona
NAU is coming off a big loss to FBS ember Arizona, but Chase Cookus had a huge game at QB despite the loss, and could be primed for another big game at home this week. Western Illinois opened with a win, and will be trying to send a message on the road.
D2
#5 IUP vs. East Stroudsburg: ESU is looking for an upset after a big win over Fairmont State.
#12 Central Missouri at Fort Hays: Mules were strong in opener, get major road challenge.
#16 LIU Post at New Haven: Post gets big opening win, but New Haven can ruin their start.
#19 U Indy at Wayne State (MI): U Indy picked up big upset, now must face tough road test.
#20 West Chester at Slippery Rock: The Rock is tough at home, Rams have to play A game to win.
#21 Ashland vs. Ohio Dominican: ODU lost in opener, in must win situation with ranked Eagles.
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