Week 2 of college football always feels a bit less petty than Week 1.
It’s not Week 2’s fault. When fans have all offseason to prepare for the first game of the year, there’s always going to be a bit more smack talk — and a lot more comeuppance.
Never fear, Week 2 this season wasn’t totally devoid of pettiness. And a lot of that has to do with a few SEC teams learning they play some dang good football out West, too.
But we begin in Kentucky, where another white out game has been ruined by the visiting team.
A statement on Saturday’s uniform: pic.twitter.com/mg8XUpAW1O
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) September 4, 2024
This was a very good try by Eastern Kentucky after Miami (FL) successfully pulled off this trick in Week 1 against Florida. However, unlike Florida, Western Kentucky’s white out went on as planned. Also unlike Florida, the Hilltoppers went on to smack their in-state opponent, 31-0.
Then they got to really rub it in.
good game lil bro pic.twitter.com/8rEin00hw3
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) September 8, 2024
Shut ’em out even in the red jerseys @WKUFootball | #NoLimitsOnUs pic.twitter.com/hVU3jnc5lj
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) September 8, 2024
EKU falls to 0-2 by a combined score of 87-7. Woof.
Remember a year ago when South Alabama shockingly upset Oklahoma State 33-7 in Stillwater? Marquise Robinson does. The defensive back had two solo tackles and an interception for the Jaguars. So after transferring to Arkansas for the 2024 season, he was all amped up for another trip to Stillwater.
“I feel like when we got back this time it’s gonna be a domination,” Robinson said leading up to the game.
You know who else remembers that game? Everyone in Stillwater. And they heard Robinson’s words, too. Maybe if Arkansas had played him, the Razorbacks wouldn’t have choked away a 14-point lead at halftime. Instead, the Cowboys won 39-31 in double overtime and quarterback Alan Bowman got to throw Robinson’s words right back in his face.
Marquise Robinson (who played at South Alabama and is now at Arkansas) before the OSU game: “it’s gonna be a domination”#OKState QB Alan Bowman after beating Arkansas : “It was on the bulletin board…. yeah they did not dominate and they lost” pic.twitter.com/zgbHF1gJ80
— Holden Krusemark (@HoldenKrusemark) September 8, 2024
The California Golden Bears arrived in Auburn as 10.5-point underdogs and left with one of the most satisfying wins of the season so far.
Not just because the ACC school (still weird!) forced five turnovers while out-gaining the Tigers, 332 yards to 286. Not just because Cal held Auburn to two scores in the 21-14 victory. But because the typical SEC elitests never even believed Cal could compete in this one.
Whoops!
It just means more. #GoBears | #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/rqa06aPFXJ
— Cal Football (@CalFootball) September 7, 2024
And, naturally, Lane Kiffin got in on the fun.
@finebaum What are you good at again?? https://t.co/nWxms4zK1n
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) September 10, 2024
WE ONLY RING ONE BELL
SUN DEVILS WIN #ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/W8hbKgdz2M
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 8, 2024
Speaking of former Pac-12 teams asserting their dominance over the SEC, Arizona State — picked to finish last in the Big 12 — couldn’t wait to troll Mississippi State after picking up a 30-23 victory in Tempe.
No cowbells necessary in the desert. Just victory bells. And also a nice reminder that before we knew them as the Sun Devils, Arizona State’s team in the 1920s were officially recognized as the Bulldogs — 40 years or so before MSU changed to that name.
We were the bulldogs first anyways pic.twitter.com/zvlGmKs0n2
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) September 8, 2024
Run for 262 Yards
Beat a SEC team
Stay undefeatedWhat a night for @camskattebo5 and @ASUFootball pic.twitter.com/EDvDpJiuQl
— Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) September 8, 2024