BOK’s Top 10: Week 2
Florida State made perhaps the biggest statement of week 1, in an impressive display beating Alabama. Photo: The Sporting News
Ohio State, 1-0
The defending champions looked just that in defeating our Longhorns once again, 14-7. They’ve got another top defense and a lot of time to develop talented passer Julian Sayin. Look out for the Buckeyes again in 2025.
Next: vs. Grambling
LSU, 1-0
The team making one of the biggest statements on Saturday was the Tigers, famously of Death Valley. Ah yes, those Tigers of the purple and yellow variety from down in the Bayou. If they do have an elite defense as it looked in their 17-10 win over Clemson, they are a favorite in the SEC.
Next: vs. Louisiana Tech
Miami, 1-0
The ‘Canes were impressive in a 27-24 win over Notre Dame, winning on both lines of scrimmage. They can lean on veteran QB Carson Beck and that pass rush to be a real contender for the ACC title.
Next: vs. Bethune
Penn State, 1-0
Penn State opened with Nevada, and looked fine in an opening 46-11 blowout win. Their first real test will be hosting Oregon in week 5.
Next: vs. FIU
Texas, 0-1
The Horns battled but ultimately came up short in a defensive slugfest. Long way to go in what will still be a promising season.
Next: vs. San Jose State
Georgia, 1-0
The ‘Dogs opened their 2025 campaign with an easy 45-7 win over Marshall. They travel to a feisty Tennessee team in Week 3 in an early SEC test and rivalry game.
Next: vs. Austin Peay
Oregon, 1-0
The Ducks rolled Montana State (actually a respectable FCS program) in a 59-13 win. The aforementioned trip to Happy Valley will be the first real barometer for Dan Lanning’s squad this season.
Next: vs. Oklahoma State
Florida State, 1-0
What a turnaround it may prove to be for Mike Norvell’s group, looking confident and impressive in a 31-17 win over Alabama. Many will talk about the Tide’s failures but I saw a domination on both lines of scrimmage and it’s a recipe for a great team - the ACC has more contenders than we thought a week ago.
Next: vs. East Texas A&M
Iowa State, 2-0
Giving the Cyclones some love for having knocked off Kansas State and trouncing what had been the 5th ranked FCS school in South Dakota, 55-7. I think Matt Campbell has a big year brewing with this team, and they’ll get another chance to showcase that in this week’s CyHawk rivalry game.
Next: vs. Iowa
Notre Dame, 0-1
The Irish battled back in a gutsy effort from young QB CJ Carr, but getting beat on both lines of scrimmage was cause for concern in the defeat at Miami. Doesn’t get too much easier but they do get to play at home for their next contest with Texas A&M, after a week off.
Next: BYE
Clemson, 0-1
I’ve got some major questions for a Clemson team that was supposed to bring a lot of experience and talent into this season, that looked pretty inept at times in the loss to LSU. Head coach Dabo Swinney will have his work cut out for him in a conference with a now rising Florida State and Miami.
Next: vs. Troy
