Masters Round 2 takeaways: Scottie stalls, Rahm battles cutline

Round 2 of the Masters Tournament is underway at Augusta National Golf Club. Most of the attention for Friday's round will be on those battling to make the weekend, as well as the big names jockeying for position atop the leaderboard.

Let's break down what's already transpired at Augusta on Day 2.

Stuck in the mud

Scottie Scheffler had a great opportunity to put a ton of pressure on the rest of the leaders with a low opening nine holes while Augusta is playing its easiest but failed to do so. The world No. 1 scrapped together a 1-over front nine to drop to 1-under for the tournament instead of potentially being tied for the lead at the turn. He's still a serious threat to claim his third green jacket, but he's going to have to find another gear to keep his incredible Masters streak going.

Rahm vs. the cut

Jon Rahm had a forgettable 6-over opening round, putting him behind the eight ball when it comes to making the weekend. He made the turn at 1-under for the day in Round 2, but will likely need to pick up at least one more shot to feel safe about his chances of securing a Saturday tee time. Rahm was one of the big favorites ahead of the week, and a missed cut would be a shock since it would be the Spaniard's first ever at the Masters.

Brooks is coming

Brooks Koepka was fourth in the field in strokes gained: approach Thursday, signing for a solid even-par round of 72. He carried his strong form into Friday, sinking three birdies in his opening five holes to help make the turn at 1-under. He's still four shots off the pace set by the leaders, but Koepka could easily pick up a couple of shots on Augusta's closing nine to find himself within striking distance on moving day.

Birdies are out there

Augusta showed its teeth at the end of Round 1 and should do so again Friday afternoon. However, a few players have taken advantage of tamer conditions in the morning, showing that there are birdies to be made if you hit good shots.

Sungjae Im posted an early round of 3-under, and both Wyndham Clark and Tyrrell Hatton hit 4-under par during their second trip around Augusta. We may not see another pair of 67s like Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns posted on Day 1, but anything in the 60s will feel like an exceptional round.

What to watch for

Players in the afternoon wave are beginning their rounds - most notably, Bryson DeChambeau. The long-hitting LIV member shot 4-over Thursday, then hit nearly 200 range balls trying to figure out whatever it was causing him issues in Round 1. He's in danger of missing the cut if he can't post an even-par score.

Many of the names atop the leaderboard played in the easier conditions Thursday, so it will be interesting to see how they handle a much firmer Augusta on Friday afternoon. McIlroy sits at 5-under, which could easily be the score he needs to hold the 36-hole lead.