Illinois Coaching Search Update: Babers, Bowling Green Upset Maryland

It's no secret that Illinois is already beginning to look for a new head coach following the abrupt firing of Tim Beckman one week before the beginning of the 2015 season. Let's take a look and see how those candidates' teams fared after the second week of the season.

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Bill Cubit, Illinois (2-0)

Week 2 Result: Win, 44-0 versus Western Illinois

Interim Illini head coach Bill Cubit is certainly a candidate to keep his current job, especially if his team pulls off a win at North Carolina this weekend. The Illinois defense currently ranks in the top five nationally in nearly every statistical category, and the offense is eleventh overall in scoring. Keep this up and he may have the strongest case for the permanent head coaching gig of anybody on this list.

P.J. Fleck, Western Michigan (0-2)

Week 2 Result: Loss, 43-17 at Georgia Southern

Yikes. After giving fifth-ranked Michigan State a dog fight at home last weekend, the Broncos fell in a lackluster performance at Georgia Southern in Week Two. QB Zach Terrell threw three first-half interceptions and Western was behind 23-3 before they even hit the half. They'll try for their first win of the year against Murray State this coming weekend.

Justin Fuente, Memphis (2-0)

Week 2 Result: Win, 55-23 at Kansas

The Tigers put up 651 yards of offense in a road victory against the Jayhawks. While Kansas is probably the worst power-five team in the country, anytime you put up that many yards and that many points it's worth noting. Fuente's group is now 2-0 on the young season and will look forward to an even bigger test next week at the hands of Bowling Green.

Dino Babers, Bowling Green (1-1)

Week 2 Result: Win, 48-27 at Maryland

Speaking of the Falcons, Babers' Bowling Green squad pulled off one of the bigger upsets of the weekend, handily beating Big Ten foe Maryland in College Park by three touchdowns. While the Terps probably aren't one of the better teams in the conference, it was an impressive victory nonetheless. Keep an eye on Bowling Green this week when take on Fuente and Memphis.

Mark Hudspeth, UL-Lafayette (1-1)

Week 2 Result: Win, 44-17 versus Northwestern State

Take the "State" off the end of the team they beat and this win is a lot more noteworthy for UL-Lafayette. Still, after a disappointing opening week loss to Kentucky, Hudspeth's Ragin' Cajuns rattled off 547 yards of total offense in a convincing home victory. They'll take on Akron in Week Three before a big test looms at Louisiana Tech in Week Four.

Bo Pelini, Youngstown State (1-1)

Week 2 Result: Win, 21-14 versus Robert Morris

Pelini's Penguins fought off a pesky Robert Morris team in overtime to move to 1-1 on the season. Despite never leading until they scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime, Youngstown topped 330 yards of total offense and held Robert Morris to just 16 passing yards. They'll take on Saint Francis at home in Week Three.

Brock Spack, Illinois State (1-1)

Week 2 Result: Win, 67-14 versus Morgan State

Another team that put up impressive offensive numbers in Week Two, the Illinois State Redbirds routed Morgan State at home to move back to .500. Their offense put up 513 yards of total offense and their defense forced three fumbles in a very convincing victory. Spack's team will travel to take on in-state foe Eastern Illinois next weekend.

Rod Carey, Northern Illinois (2-0)

Week 2 Result: Win, 57-26 versus Murray State

The Huskies continue to impress as they put up 650 yards of offense against the Racers at home this past weekend. Carey's squad also managed to force four turnovers in the dominant win. They'll travel to Columbus to play the best team in the nation, Ohio State, in Week Three.

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If you're keeping track, that's a nearly flawless 6-1 record for the candidates during Week Two. Think we've left anybody off the list? Drop by in the comments below and tell us what you think!