For the second week in a row, the UCLA Bruins were easily the biggest losers of the Big Ten Conference after their deflating loss to the UNLV Rebels that dropped UCLA to 0-2.
UCLA is now the only Big Ten team that’s 0-2 and things don’t figure to get better for the Bruins once they enter into conference play. The Michigan Wolverines were the only other Big Ten team that lost in Week 2, with Michigan joining the Bruins on the biggest losers list.
Loser No. 1: UCLA Bruins
UCLA once again came out of the gates flatter than a two day old soda, falling behind 23-0 before mounting a comeback, which was largely aided by UNLV. The Bruins weren’t able to defeat UNLV, giving Bruins fans little hope for what’s to come later on this season.
Winner No. 1: Oregon Ducks
Oregon snuck under the radar this preseason. While everyone focused on Ohio State, Penn State and Texas, the Ducks look to be at the very same level. Former Bruins quarterback Dante Moore is off to a terrific start as the Ducks starter, having tossed six touchdowns and 479 yards over Oregon’s first two games.
Loser No. 2: Michigan Wolverines
A road loss against a ranked opponent is far from an embarrassing performance but it goes to show that Michigan has an uphill battle in a stacked conference with a true freshman at quarterback. It’s too early to overreact to Bryce Underwood but he hasn’t come out of the gates firing, with one passing touchdown and a completion percentage of 54.5% through two games.
Winner No. 2: Purdue Boilermakers
We’re two weeks into the 2025 season and Purdue has already surpassed their win total from a season ago. Their wins have come against Ball State and Southern Illinois, not exactly the most impressive opponents but the Boilermakers have outscored their opponents 65-17 so far this season.
Loser No. 3: Michigan State Spartans
A win is a win, and the Spartans will take a 2-0 start but the Spartans needed double overtime to defeat Boston College 42-40. Michigan State had to fight tooth and nail to pick up the home win, which shows that the Spartans might not be up to par with the better programs in the Big Ten.
Winner No. 3: Ohio State Buckeyes
Yes, Ohio State’s win came against Grambling State but the Buckeyes are included on the list because of how good quarterback Julian Sayin looked. Sayin went 18-19 passing for 306 yards and four touchdowns. Sayin did throw an interception but if Ohio State can attack down the field with more success than they did with Will Howard last year, then the Buckeyes will be very hard to beat.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Three winners and losers in the Big Ten Conference from Week 2
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
