What we learned from CFB Week 2, with lessons for Week 3

The second weekend of college football featured some expected blowouts. (Ohio State upending WMU 56-0 wasn't exactly a shocker.) But there were also a few upsets along the way that everyone can learn from before they place their bets on Week 3.

Here's what we learned from Week 2, and how it can help us prepare for Week 3.

How 'bout them Cal Bears?

Last week, Yardbarker suggested keeping an eye on the California Golden Bears as they traveled into SEC territory to face the Auburn Tigers. Cal stunned Auburn 21-14 thanks to a two-TD effort from Fernando Mendoza and an NFL-esque defensive effort that forced Payton Thorne into throwing four interceptions.

It could still be too early to tell if the coast-to-coast travel will creep up on them. (The Bears will log the third-most travel miles in college football this season.) But Mendoza and the Bears are already looking like a team to be reckoned with in the ACC.

Oddsmakers clearly agree. DraftKings lists Cal as an 18-point favorite to beat San Diego State at home in Week 3.

Michi-can they turn it around?

YB also warned about backing the Wolverines in Week going up against a tough Texas side. Quinn Ewers then put on a clinic and logged 246 passing yards and three touchdowns as the Longhorns cruised to a 31-12 victory.

Clearly, the post-Harbaugh era is having an impact on the reigning FBS champions. They have a chance to get back in the win column in Week 3 against Arkansas State — they are 22.5-point favorites to win that game — but it looks like this season is going to be a big uphill battle for Michigan.

Will the Tide keep rolling?

Meanwhile, Michigan's 2023 Rose Bowl opponent is off to a 2-0 season start with two large leads to show for it. That being said, the No, 4 Alabama Crimson Tide have yet to play a in-conference game or face a ranked team. Plus, they were clutching to a one-point lead against South Florida in Week 2 before going off in the fourth quarter.

Things get interesting in Week 3 as they travel to Big Ten country to face the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall. Sports Illustrated reminds us that these teams haven't played each other since 2015 and both looked shaky in Week 2 despite pulling off wins. Alabama is favored by 15.5 points at DK to win on Saturday, but this game really is a tough one to bet based on how Week 2 panned out.

What to watch for in Week 3

Apple Season

Washington and Washington State don't typically face each other until the end of the season, but we're getting a treat with the Apple Cup taking place in Week 3.

Saturday Tradition notes that both sides are facing their first big tests of the year and are in search of more continuity on offense. The Huskies lead the overall series 76–33–6 and have won the last two matchups, but they will face a confident Cougars squad that defeated Texas tech 37-16 in Week 2.

Must-watch game of the week

There aren't a lot of high-profile games in Week 3, although Bleacher Report has an eye on the Boston College vs. Missouri matchup after the Eagles upset Florida State 28-13 on the road last week.

"Boston College's path to winning involves extended drives led by quarterback Thomas Castellanos, but that may be difficult hard to achieve against the Missouri defense," they said.

The No. 6 Missouri Tigers are 16.5-point favorites to win this rumble in Week 3.