Week 2 of the college football season saw Chicago temperatures dip to denim jacket weather and I decided it was the perfect day for chili and cornbread. There was enough good football on the Big Ten schedule for me to enjoy it throughout the day along with the games.
It was the kind of Midwestern day you dream of. The sun was shining, there was a slight breeze, and I was wearing a sweatshirt and shorts as I walked to the store for supplies. The little grocery store in my neighborhood was busy, with many shoppers on a mission similar to mine: game day prep. The murmur of chatter about the Chicago Bears was as indicative of the season changing as the weather and my choice of clothing.
After gathering all the ingredients, I got started on the food while watching ESPN’s College GameDay. Since I’m not exactly a recipe follower — I’m more into vibes-based cooking, I cook by instinct — and a lover of way-too-spicy foods, I got a little carried away with the chili pepper and jalapeños. The chili turned out to be the kind of spicy that makes your nose run. It was enjoyable, but not how I wanted to spend my day. I quickly searched Google for ways to cut the heat without watering it down and added a little sugar.
Like my chili, a few games I caught Saturday turned out to be a little spicy.
No. 3 Texas 31, No. 10 Michigan 12
The Longhorns went to Ann Arbor and dominated the defending national champion in the highly anticipated early-season matchup. It was the second meeting of the programs, the first came in the 2005 Rose Bowl during the Vince Young era at Texas. Michigan, which entered the game without a loss since its defeat to TCU in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, couldn’t make much happen in the air or on the ground. Texas proved they’re a national title contender and coach Sherrone Moore’s Wolverines were left with questions on how to be successful in the post-Jim Harbaugh era.
Michigan quarterback Davis Warren was 22-of-33 for 204 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions as the Wolverines’ offense was stifled for most of the game.
Up next: Michigan hosts Arkansas State on Saturday.
Illinois 23, No. 19 Kansas 17
For the first time since 2011, the Illini got a home win against a ranked team and one of the biggest victories of the Bret Bielema era. After trailing 13-10 at halftime in the low-scoring affair, Kansas retook the lead on their first drive of the second half but Illinois got the win thanks to two field goals from kicker David Olano who was 3-for-3 on the night. Olano made kicks from 23, 43 and 50 yards. Defensive back Xavier Scott made an impact for Illinois recording a first-quarter interception, a second-quarter pick six and a fourth-quarter forced fumble. Quarterback Luke Altmyer went 16-for-25 with 192 yards.
Up next: Illinois hosts Central Michigan on Saturday.
No. 7 Oregon 37, Boise State 34
For the second week in a row, coach Dan Lanning and his team struggled. No. 7 Oregon was favored to handily beat the Broncos but it took a last-second field goal for the Ducks to feel the relief of a win.
Dillon Gabriel threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns but the Ducks often looked on the verge of being upset. With only two drives of more than five plays and just 110 yards on the ground, Oregon’s offense is a question mark going into next week.
Up next: Oregon at Oregon State on Saturday.
