Full Breakdown
Big Ten Week 2 Upsets: Ohio State’s Fourth-Quarter Collapse and Oregon’s Historic Loss
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 12, 2026, No. 1 Ohio State surrendered a 20-point fourth-quarter lead to No. 4 Texas, losing 24-23 in Austin. The same night, No. 2 Oregon fell to unranked Oklahoma State 39-31 in Stillwater, ending a 23.5-point expectation. Both games were the most dramatic Week 2 setbacks for the conference’s top programs.
Background & Context
The Big Ten entered the weekend having lost six of eight Power-Four matchups, while the SEC captured five of seven and held six of the top-10 AP spots. Ohio State arrived as the nation’s top-ranked team; Oregon carried preseason championship hopes. Texas was a 1.5-point favorite, and Oklahoma State entered with a 21-game losing streak against FBS opponents.
Data & Statistics
- Ohio State led 23-3 early in the fourth quarter; Texas scored 21 unanswered points. Ohio State’s second-half passing fell to 5-16, while Texas quarterback Arch Manning finished 23-37 for 195 yards and three fourth-quarter touchdowns.
- Oregon was outgained 554-281 total yards; Oklahoma State’s quarterback Drew Mestemaker completed 26-43 for 317 yards, two passing touchdowns, and rushed for 109 yards and a score. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore went 14-29 for 191 yards and two touchdowns, with four penalties.
- Both losses dropped Ohio State from No. 1 to No. 6 in the AP and Coaches polls and pushed Oregon from No. 2 to No. 21.
Official Statements & Responses
Ohio State’s coach said the team must reassess its overall approach. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian called the comeback “a special moment” and praised Manning’s grit.
Criticism & Opposition
Analyst Carson Hinzman warned that “everything we want to do is still in front of us,” emphasizing the narrow margin for error remaining for the Buckeyes.
Why It Matters / Impact
The losses reshaped the early-season power balance. Ohio State’s slide to No. 6 forces the Buckeyes to win nine of their next ten games, including road trips to Indiana, USC, and a showdown with Oregon, to stay in CFP contention. Oregon’s fall to No. 21 jeopardizes its at-large bid; the Ducks must avoid another defeat while navigating a schedule that includes USC, Ohio State, Michigan, and Washington.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Ohio State’s late-game strategy. Some reports say the staff considered allowing Texas to score to preserve time for a comeback, while others state the decision was to “play defense” and attempt a goal-line stop. No definitive account has been released.
What’s Next
- Ohio State: at Indiana (Oct. 17), at USC (Oct. 31), vs Oregon (Nov. 7).
- Oregon: vs Portland State (Sept. 18), at USC (Oct. 26), at Ohio State (Nov. 7), vs Michigan (Nov. 14).
Both programs face a critical stretch where every game will determine whether they can recover from Week 2’s setbacks and remain in the national-title conversation.