FBS Independents: Week 2 Recap and Beefy Cup Standings
The FBS Independent teams have had a strong start to the 2024 season, with impressive performances both in regular season play and the Beefy Cup tournament. Let’s take a look at the top teams through the first two weeks of action and see how they stack up in both competitions.
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0, 3-0 Beefy Cup, First Place)
Notre Dame has been nothing short of dominant through the first two weeks of the season, showing why they are one of the top teams in the nation. Behind the mathematical mastermind that is Coach Reign, the Fighting Irish secured a statement win over Auburn, 42-7, and followed it up with a hard-fought victory over Central Michigan, 38-31. Senior Quarterback Riley Leonard has been exceptional, posting a phenomenal QB rating of 244. His stat line through two games reads 29 completions on 40 attempts, 540 passing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.
The Irish’s defense, led by standout Safety Xavier Watts, has been a nightmare for opposing offenses. Watts has been everywhere, tallying 18 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and even a defensive touchdown.
Notre Dame’s momentum carried over into the Beefy Cup, where they breezed through Pool #13, dismantling USF, New Mexico, and Northern Illinois. They outscored their opponents by a combined 104-21, winning their pool and advancing easily to the next round. With both their offense and defense firing on all cylinders, the Irish are poised for a deep cup run.
2. UConn Huskies (0-0, 3-0 Beefy Cup, First Place)
Despite not yet playing a regular season game, UConn checks in at #2 thanks to their stellar performance in the Beefy Cup. The Huskies went 3-0 in Pool #10, securing wins on the road against Eastern Michigan and Miami, as well as a home victory over Rice.
While their regular season is yet to begin, UConn’s balance and execution in the Beefy Cup suggest they will be a force once they hit the field for season play. Head Coach Driccio has his team playing disciplined, physical football, and if their tournament success is any indicator, the Huskies are primed for a breakout season.
3. UMass Minutemen (0-1, 1-2 Beefy Cup *Eliminated)
UMass has faced tough competition to start the year, resulting in some early-season struggles. In the Beefy Cup, they were placed in Pool #11, which included powerhouses like Georgia, Arizona State, and California. The Minutemen managed to pull off a dominating 44-21 victory over Arizona State, forcing 5 turnovers in the process. However, turnovers proved to be their downfall in the other two games, where they coughed up the ball 11 times and were eliminated from the tournament.
In regular season play, UMass dropped their Week 2 matchup to East Carolina, 21-33, a game in which they struggled to establish the run, finishing with only 4 rushing yards. The Minutemen also turned the ball over 4 times in that loss, an area they will need to improve upon moving forward. One bright spot has been senior Wide Receiver Sterling Galban, who electrified fans with an 83-yard punt return touchdown against ECU, alongside 5 receptions for 53 yards.
Though the season is still young, the Minutemen have a veteran coach in Coach CNasty as well as veteran leadership and experience on the field, and if they can address their turnover issues, they may still have a chance to turn things around.
Beefy Cup Tournament Standings
The Beefy Cup tournament has provided exciting action thus far, with Notre Dame and UConn leading the charge for FBS Independent teams. Notre Dame’s offensive firepower and stifling defense have set the standard, while UConn’s strong performance indicates they are a team to watch once they begin regular season play. UMass may have been eliminated from the Beefy Cup, but they have shown flashes of potential and can still make noise during the regular season.
With veteran coaching and talented rosters, all three teams remain in the conversation as potential College Football Playoff contenders. Keep an eye on these squads as they look to climb the rankings and continue their push for postseason glory.
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