Week 2 of the college football season may not have featured the marquee matchups of Week 1, but it still delivered significant results that reshaped the College Football Playoff (CFP) and bowl projections. Oregon, Oklahoma, and South Florida emerged as the standout performers, with their victories boosting their standings in the CFP pecking order.

Key Performances

• Oregon: The Ducks made a statement with a dominant 69-3 win over Oklahoma State. This lopsided victory not only showcased Oregon's offensive firepower but also solidified their position as a serious CFP contender.

• Oklahoma: The Sooners impressed with a 24-13 victory over Michigan. With a strong defense and the addition of John Mateer, Oklahoma has positioned itself as a potential CFP player.

• South Florida: The Bulls continued their strong start to the season with an 18-16 upset over Florida. This win, coupled with their Week 1 victory over Boise State, has South Florida in the conversation for a CFP bid.

CFP and Bowl Projections

With the 12-team CFP format in place, the top five conference champions and the next seven highest-ranked teams will make the field. The four highest-ranked teams will receive first-round byes, while the remaining eight will compete in first-round games at campus sites.

First-Round Projections:

• Kyle Bonagura: No. 12 South Florida at No. 5 Georgia
• Mark Schlabach: No. 12 South Florida at No. 5 Oregon

Quarterfinals:

• Bonagura: No. 7 Texas vs. No. 2 Oregon
• Schlabach: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 4 Miami

Semifinals and National Championship:

• Bonagura: No. 2 Oregon vs. No. 1 Ohio State
• Schlabach: No. 2 LSU vs. No. 1 Ohio State

Bowl Season Highlights

The bowl season kicks off on December 13 with the Cricket Celebration Bowl and features 35 games, culminating in the CFP National Championship on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Notable Bowl Matchups:

• Cricket Celebration Bowl: Alabama State vs. South Carolina State
• LA Bowl: Arizona vs. UNLV
• Rose Bowl: No. 8 Florida State vs. No. 1 Ohio State

Conclusion

Week 2 has set the stage for an exciting college football season, with Oregon, Oklahoma, and South Florida making early statements. As the season progresses, the CFP and bowl projections will continue to evolve, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.