Big Ten Football Week 2: Duds That Defined a Disappointing Weekend -

Week 2 of Big Ten football saw several teams and players fail to meet expectations, leaving fans frustrated and critics vocal. From questionable coaching decisions to underwhelming individual performances, these duds defined a weekend of disappointment. Let’s take a closer look at the coaches and players who dropped the ball in Week 2.

Mike Locksley (Maryland Head Coach)
Mike Locksley’s tenure at Maryland continues to be marred by inconsistency. Despite having what should have been an easy matchup against a struggling Michigan State team, Locksley’s Terrapins faltered, highlighting his inability to elevate the program to the next level. Locksley, often hyped as a coach poised for greatness, once again left fans questioning when, or if, he’ll ever deliver. His teams have consistently underperformed against beatable opponents, a trend that persists despite the supposed talent at his disposal. As Maryland remains stagnant, it’s clear that Locksley’s leadership is one of the duds of the Big Ten this season.

Michigan Quarterbacks Alex Orji and Davis Warren, and Coaches Kirk Campbell and Sherrone Moore
Michigan’s quarterback room, featuring Alex Orji and Davis Warren, is another major disappointment. Both quarterbacks have failed to inspire confidence, and their shaky performances have been compounded by the questionable leadership of quarterback coach Kirk Campbell and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore. Decisions that should have been finalized well before the season were left unresolved, with reports suggesting that the starting quarterback decision wasn’t made until a week before the first game. This indecision and lack of clarity reflect poorly on the coaching staff, who have been unable to maximize the potential of the talent in their roster. With a coaching staff that has yet to prove themselves, the Michigan quarterback situation is quickly becoming a liability.

Colston Loveland (Michigan Tight End
Colston Loveland, one of Michigan’s most reliable targets, delivered a shockingly poor performance in Week 2. His fumble in a critical moment effectively ended any hopes Michigan had of mounting a comeback. For a player expected to be a key contributor, especially as one of the team’s proven pass-catchers, Loveland’s unforced error was costly. Despite his athleticism and size, his performance in this game left much to be desired. His inability to deliver in clutch moments solidified his spot among Week 2’s duds.

Iowa State Triumphs with Last-Minute Field Goal to Win Cy-Hawk Trophy

Cade McNamara (Iowa Quarterback
Cade McNamara’s performance against Iowa State left fans scratching their heads. McNamara, who transferred from Michigan to take charge of the Hawkeyes’ offense, struggled throughout the game, failing to live up to the high expectations placed upon him. His shaky decision-making and lackluster execution were evident, and his post-game press conference even highlighted his own frustrations with his performance. While there’s plenty of blame to go around in Iowa’s offensive struggles, McNamara’s inability to lead the team effectively was one of the primary reasons for their underperformance.

Dan Lanning (Oregon Head Coach) and Leadership Failures
Dan Lanning and his Oregon Ducks may not play in the Big Ten, but their disappointing Week 2 performance against Boise State resonates with the same struggles seen in Big Ten teams. Despite boasting considerable talent, Oregon needed two special teams touchdowns to edge out a win. For a team that entered the season with national championship aspirations, relying on special teams to bail them out is concerning. Lanning’s leadership, or lack thereof, was evident in the way Oregon struggled to execute on both offense and defense. If Oregon is truly a national contender, games like this shouldn’t be such close calls, making Lanning another Week 2 dud.

Mike Wright (Quarterback, Northwestern)
Mike Wright’s performance for Northwestern was nothing short of disastrous. Wright recorded a negative QBR, an extremely rare and troubling statistic for any quarterback. His poor decisions and inability to lead the offense put his team in a difficult position, and they were fortunate to even reach overtime. Wright threw multiple near-interceptions, with three dropped picks saving him from further embarrassment. However, those mistakes reflected a broader issue with his execution and judgment under pressure, firmly placing him among the biggest duds of Week 2.

Campbell, Kiffin, and Franklin Could Be Hot Commodities in the Next Coaching Cycle

Conclusion
The duds of Week 2 exposed weaknesses in leadership, coaching, and execution across the Big Ten and beyond. Whether it was Mike Locksley’s continued failures at Maryland, Michigan’s disarray at the quarterback position, or Cade McNamara’s missteps at Iowa, these players and coaches must bounce back if they hope to salvage their seasons. Week 2 was a reality check for several Big Ten teams, and whether they learn from these mistakes remains to be seen.