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After two weeks of play, the conference that spent the offseason billing itself as the nation’s dominant force looked less imposing than advertised. Three preseason top-10 teams—Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon—are 2-0, but each left fans and analysts with unanswered questions that matter as tougher opponents arrive.
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Ohio State: big score, small comforts
On paper a 56-3 victory over Ball State is decisive. In practice, however, the win exposed uneven play that could be costly against stronger opposition.
The front four generated steady pressure, but Ball State’s quarterback, Keldric Luster, repeatedly escaped tackles and extended plays. Meanwhile, the secondary largely delivered on its early-season billing and looked like one of the team’s true strengths.
More alarming was the performance along the trench: the offensive line — already a lingering concern last year — offered inconsistent run blocking and opened questions about the Buckeyes’ ability to sustain a ground game. If the line can’t stabilize, the team will need the same quick production from the skill positions that carried it on Saturday.
Indiana: defending champs show cracks
Indiana’s title defense began with a slow, methodical start. The Hoosiers pulled away late, but the final score conceals periods of softness, especially up front.
There were bright spots: Josh Hoover, in his first start in crimson, managed the game well and delivered a clean outing. Receiver Nick Marsh—fresh off a transfer—made an early impact with a 15-yard touchdown that jump-started the offense.
Still, the run game under Turbo Richards looked less sharp than expected, and both lines of scrimmage didn’t dominate like last season. That decline in physicality could matter as Indiana tries to defend its crown against faster, stronger units moving forward.
Oregon: breathing room, but not relief
The Ducks escaped Boise State at Autzen, but their performance raised eyebrows. For a team touted as one of the conference’s most experienced contenders, several defensive lapses suggested it isn’t yet firing on all cylinders.
Offensively, though, the signal was unmistakable: Dante Moore flashed top-tier arm talent and connected with a balanced group of targets—five receivers recorded at least three catches—once the passing game warmed up in the second quarter.
Defensive questions remain, however, and they’ll be tested quickly with road dates and Power Five opponents looming. Saturday’s result bought Oregon a win, not answers.
- Record: All three preseason top-10 teams sit at 2-0 but showed vulnerabilities.
- Biggest early worry: Offensive line play for Ohio State and run-game struggles for Indiana.
- Bright spots: Secondary play for Ohio State and passing efficiency from Indiana and Oregon.
- Watchlist: Oregon’s defense before upcoming matchups with major nonconference opponents.
These openings matter now because nonconference tests and early league games will punish any team still ironing out fundamentals. A dominant résumé in bowl season and a national title ring don’t erase slow starts; depth, line play and defensive consistency are what separate contenders from pretenders over a long year.
Through two weeks the conference has wins to show, but also fragile areas that could define the next month. Coaches and front offices will be watching tape closely—the next turn of the schedule promises firmer signs of which teams are real threats and which are still posturing.
