As Week 2 of the college football season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating another round of thrilling games and potential upsets. The first full opening weekend of the 2024 season delivered a mix of classic matchups, surprising upsets, and some less thrilling encounters. This Saturday, fans can look forward to more intriguing FBS-on-FBS matchups, with a few Group of 5 contenders hoping to make their mark on the Top 25 rankings. Let's take a closer look at the top 10 games of Week 2.

Honorable Mention:
- UTSA at Texas State
- No. 17 Kansas State at Tulane
- Cal at Auburn
- Baylor at No. 11 Utah
- Texas Tech at Washington State

One of the exciting matchups in Week 2 is the Big 12-Big Ten showdown between Illinois and Kansas. Both teams are looking to assess their strength before conference play begins later this month. While Illinois faced a 34-23 defeat against the Jayhawks last season, this game is expected to be more competitive, with just a 5-point spread. The Illini announced their first sellout in eight years for this game and are aiming for their first win over a ranked nonconference team since 2011. A victory over Kansas could make a significant difference for Illinois' postseason aspirations.

Another intriguing matchup is the clash between Syracuse and East Carolina. After starting the season with two consecutive wins, the Bees find themselves ranked for the first time in a decade. Head coach Brent Key aims to continue their winning streak on the road against Syracuse in the Carrier Dome. With Florida State's struggles and questions surrounding Clemson's offense, the ACC appears wide open this season. Syracuse, on the other hand, has one of the easiest schedules among all Power Conference teams, and a win against them would be a significant achievement for Georgia Tech.

The Clemson Tigers are eager to bounce back after a tough loss to No. 1 Georgia in Week 1. They now face a challenging matchup against Appalachian State at home in Death Valley. While Clemson struggled to run the ball in their previous game, running back Phil Mafah will have more opportunities against an App. State defense that conceded 183 rushing yards in their opener. A victory for Clemson would help them recover from their disappointing start, while App. State looks to secure a marquee win in their pursuit of a College Football Playoff spot.

South Carolina and Kentucky renew their rivalry in what promises to be an intense matchup. Both head coaches, Mark Stoops and Shane Beamer, have exchanged veiled shots at each other, adding fuel to the fire. South Carolina has won their last two meetings, but their narrow victory over Old Dominion last weekend raises questions about their readiness to face a fringe Top 25 team like Kentucky. The Wildcats, with hopes of hosting College GameDay in Week 3, aim to solidify their status as a competitive team in the SEC.

Arkansas and Oklahoma State also meet in a game that could have significant implications for both teams. The Razorbacks started their season with a dominant 70-0 win over Arkansas Pine-Bluff, showcasing the potential of their transfer quarterback Taylen Green. However, their true test comes against an Oklahoma State defense that possesses a strong pass rush. This matchup is crucial for Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman to silence the hot seat talk surrounding his position.

On the West Coast, the Oregon Ducks aim to bounce back from a close call against FCS Idaho as they face one of the Group of 5 favorites, Boise State. The Broncos, led by talented running back Ashton Jeanty, have emerged as potential contenders for the College Football Playoff auto-bid. However, they struggled defensively against Georgia Southern and will have to contend with a potent Oregon offense led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

The Cy-Hawk Game takes center stage in Iowa City as Iowa and Iowa State clash in a highly-anticipated matchup. The Hawkeyes impressed with their offensive performance in their opener, led by quarterback Cade McNamara's three touchdown passes. Iowa State boasts a dynamic offense of their own, led by quarterback Rocco Becht. The game is expected to be a defensive battle, with Phil Parker's formidable Iowa defense posing a challenge for the injury-stricken Cyclones.

In a primetime showdown, the Tennessee Volunteers showcase their talented quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, against North Carolina State. Iamaleava set a school-record for first-half passing yards in his regular-season debut, and he will look to continue his stellar performance against a Wolfpack team that struggled to stop FCS Western Carolina in Week 1. A win for Tennessee would bolster the ACC's reputation after a shaky start to the season.

Finally, the rekindled rivalry between Nebraska and Colorado adds another layer of excitement to Week 2. The Cornhuskers have shown improvement with their upgraded quarterback and improved playmakers. On the other hand, Colorado still has a lot to prove despite possessing fantastic talent in Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. This classic matchup promises an intense battle between two historic football programs.

As fans gear up for another exhilarating week of college football action, these top 10 games of Week 2 offer thrilling matchups, potential upsets, and an opportunity for teams to make a statement on the national stage.