Big Ten Week 2 Predictions: Iowa State Eyes Upset Over Hawkeyes in Cy-Hawk Showdown

The second week of Big Ten football promises to deliver drama, with several conference teams facing stiff challenges from non-conference opponents. While USC looks poised to continue its dominant start, the biggest game for Iowa fans is the annual Cy-Hawk rivalry, where Iowa State looks to pull off a statement upset in Iowa City.

Here is a breakdown of how Week 2 of the Big Ten football season will unfold, with a special focus on the marquee matchup that has the entire state of Iowa buzzing.

Iowa State at Iowa: Can the Cyclones Shock the Hawkeyes?

Iowa's defense has not missed a beat from last season, and that unit will be the reason the Hawkeyes have another winning season. However, the rivalry game could go the other way this year.

Jaylen Raynor is expected to lead the Cyclones to a big upset over Iowa. Raynor will outplay the Hawkeyes' quarterbacks and deliver a statement win for Iowa State to start the year. The prediction: Iowa State wins 21-14.

Ohio State at Texas: The Biggest Game of the Season

The marquee non-conference matchup of the weekend features Ohio State traveling to Austin to face Texas. There is no talent gap between these two programs, and both teams are equal in just about every category.

Last season, Ohio State won a low-scoring battle. This season, Texas will win in a shootout, 38-31, with Arch Manning getting the last laugh.

USC Continues Its Dominant Run

USC looks like a freight train after its first two games, and Louisiana will not be able to stop the Trojans. Jayden Maiava is expected to throw for over 300 yards again, and the Trojans' defense will suffocate Louisiana just as they did Fresno State. USC will move to 3-0 after a 48-0 win.

Other Key Big Ten Matchups

Oklahoma at Michigan: Oklahoma's defense will wreak havoc on Bryce Underwood once again, which could be the nail in the coffin for the young quarterback. The Sooners get a great win for their resume, winning 28-10.

Oregon at Oklahoma State: Oregon has a lot to prove in this game, and the Ducks will show the team many people expected to see in Week 1. Dante Moore and the offense will have their way for four quarters, and Oregon wins 45-14.

Penn State at Temple: Penn State will keep rolling, with Rocco Becht expected to have a similar outing to his Week 1 performance. Penn State wins 38-14.

Duke at Illinois: The Duke Blue Devils will run wild against the Fighting Illini. Nate Sheppard will have a big day and be a big reason why the Blue Devils pull off a big upset. Duke wins 24-21.

Bowling Green at Nebraska: Last week, Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers showed they are very much gettable in an unimpressive win. Bowling Green will avenge Western Michigan's nightmare loss with an upset over Nebraska, winning 20-17.

Mississippi State at Minnesota: Kamairo Taylor's introduction to college football will continue into Week 2. Taylor will have a star performance and be too much for the Gophers' defense, leading the Bulldogs to a 31-17 win.

Maryland at Connecticut: Malik Washington will lead an explosive passing attack, throwing for 300 yards and leading the Terrapins to a 2-0 start with a 45-20 win over UConn.

Rutgers at Boston College: Rutgers set themselves up for a short season after Week 1's embarrassing loss. Boston College will get the victory, winning 24-14.

Howard at Indiana: Curt Cignetti and Josh Hoover will prove once again that they can become a winning duo. The Hoosiers will win 55-7.

Wake Forest at Purdue: Payton Browne will lead the Boilermakers to a 2-0 start following a close game. Purdue wins 24-17.

Utah State at Washington: Demond Williams will put up a Heisman-level performance, leading the Huskies to a 40-14 win.

Eastern Michigan at Michigan State: Eastern Michigan will push Michigan State to the brink of an upset, but talented young quarterback Alessio Milivojevic will be good enough late in the game to pull away. Michigan State wins 28-20.

Western Illinois at Wisconsin: Wisconsin will bounce back after the Notre Dame loss in a big way. Luke Fickell and the Badgers showed some good things in Week 1, and this game will be a perfect get-right game. The Badgers cruise to a 30-10 win.

San Diego State at UCLA: Under Bob Chesney, the Bruins have a newfound energy, and Nico Iamaleava is playing with more swagger and confidence. The Bruins get off to a 2-0 start following a massive 35-14 win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is favored in the Iowa State vs. Iowa game?

Iowa enters the game as the favorite thanks to its stout defense, but Iowa State quarterback Jaylen Raynor is expected to outplay the Hawkeyes' signal-callers and lead the Cyclones to a 21-14 upset victory.

What is the biggest Big Ten game in Week 2?

The biggest game is Ohio State at Texas, a matchup between two national title contenders. Texas is predicted to win a 38-31 shootout with Arch Manning leading the way.

Can USC continue its dominant start?

Yes, USC is expected to move to 3-0 with a 48-0 shutout victory over Louisiana. Jayden Maiava is projected to throw for over 300 yards again.