Week 1 Studs and Duds - Part 2: Running Backs
By: Andrew Bursey, North of the Border CFF Blogger
Studs
Top 10
D'Angelo Brewer, Tulsa (W 45-10 vs. San Jose State)
Stat line: 22 carries, 164 yards, 3 TD; 1 reception, 14 yards
Nick Chubb, Georgia (W 33-24 vs. North Carolina)
Stat line: 32 car., 222 yds, 2 TD
Chris High, Navy (W 52-16 vs. Fordham)
Stat line: 10 car., 176 yds, 2 TD
Teriyon Gipson, New Mexico (W 48-21 vs. South Dakota)
Stat line: 8 car., 181 yds, 2 TD
Justin Jackson, Northwestern (L 22-21 vs. Western Michigan)
Stat line: 23 car., 124 yds, 3 TD; 2 rec., 47 yds
Aaron Jones, UTEP (W 38-22 vs. New Mexico State)
Stat line: 31 car., 249 yds, 2 TD; 3 rec., 43 yds
Devante Mays, Utah State (W 45-6 vs. Weber State)
Stat line: 18 car., 208 yds, 3 TD
Jeremy McNichols, Boise State (W 45-10 vs. UL-Lafayette)
Stat line: 9 car., 48 yds, 2 TD; 3 rec., 98 yds, 1 TD
Curtis Samuel, Ohio State (W 77-10 vs. Bowling Green)
Stat line: 13 car., 84 yds, 1 TD; 9 rec., 177 yds, 2 TD
Anthony Scott, East Carolina (W 52-7 vs. Western Carolina)
Stat line: 11 car., 120 yds, 1 TD; 9 rec., 90 yds, 2 TD
Best of the Rest
Xavier Jones, SMU (W 34-21 vs. North Texas)
Stat line: 11 car., 115 yds, 1 TD
Wayne Gallman, Clemson (W 19-13 vs. Auburn)
Stat line: 30 car., 123, 1 TD
Jela Duncan, Duke (W 49-6 vs. NC Central)
Stat line: 15 car., 115 yds, 2 TD
Mark Walton, Miami(FL) (W 70-3 vs. Florida A&M)
Stat line: 15 car., 116 yds, 1 TD
Joseph Yearby, Miami(FL) (W 70-3 vs. Florida A&M)
Stat line: 7 car., 105 yds, 2 TD
Matthew Dayes, NC State (W 48-14 vs. William & Mary)
Stat line: 23 car., 138 yds, 2 TD
D'Onta Foreman, Texas (W 50-47 (2OT) vs. Notre Dame)
Stat line: 24 car., 131 yds, 1 TD
Akrum Wadley, Iowa (W 45-21 vs. Miami(OH))
Stat line: 12 car., 121 yds, 2 TD; 3 rec., 21 yds
LeShun Daniels Jr., Iowa (w 45-21 vs. Miami(OH))
Stat line: 10 car., 83 yds, 2 TD
Chris Evans, Michigan (W 63-3 vs. Hawaii)
Stat line: 8 car., 112, 2 TD
Rodney Smith, Minnesota (W 30-23 vs. Oregon State)
Stat line: 25 car., 125 yds, 2 TD
Devine Ozigbo, Nebraska (W 40-13 vs. Fresno State)
Stat line: 17 car., 103 yds, 2 TD
Markell Jones, Purdue (W 45-24 vs. Eastern Kentucky)
Stat line: 24 car., 145 yds, 1 TD; 4 rec., 24 yds
Gregory Howell Jr., FAU (W 38-30 vs. Southern Illinois)
Stat line: 16 car., 128 yds, 2 TD
Ray Lawry, Old Dominion (W 54-21 vs. Hampton)
Stat line: 14 car., 110 yds, 1 TD; 2 rec., 62 yds, 1 TD
Ito Smith, Southern Miss. (W 44-35 vs. Kentucky)
Stat line: 36 car., 173 yds, 1 TD; 5 rec., 40 yds
Andy Davidson, Army (W 28-13 vs. Temple)
Stat line: 22 car., 121 yds, 2 TD
James Gilbert, Ball State (W 31-21 vs. Georgia State)
Stat line: 29 car., 160 yds, 2 TD
Devon Spalding, Central Michigan (W 49-3 vs. Presbyterian)
Stat line: 15 car., 135 yds, 1 TD; 3 rec., 11 yds
Shaq Vann, Eastern Michigan (W 61-14 vs. Mississippi Valley St.)
Stat line: 20 car., 156 yds, 2 TD
Ian Eriksen, Eastern Michigan (W 61-14 vs. Mississippi Valley St.)
Stat line: 12 car., 97 yds, 2 TD
Papi White, Ohio (L 56-54 (3OT) vs. Texas State)
Stat line: 8 car., 29 yds, 1 TD; 6 rec., 128 yds, 1 TD
James Butler, Nevada (W 30-27 (OT) vs. Cal Poly)
Stat line: 21 car., 123 yds, 2 TD
Brian Hill, Wyoming (W 40-34 (3OT) vs. Northern Illinois)
Stat line: 33 car., 125 yds, 2 TD
Nick Wilson, Arizona (L 18-16 vs. BYU)
Stat line: 17 car., 138 yds, 2 TD; 2 rec., 11 yds
Phillip Lindsay, Colorado (W 44-7 vs. Colorado State)
Stat line: 20 car., 95 yds, 2 TD; 3 rec., 23 yds
Royce Freeman, Oregon (W 53-28 vs. Cal-Davis)
Stat line: 11 car., 87, 2 TD
Christian McCaffrey, Stanford (W 26-13 vs. Kansas State)
Stat line: 22 car., 126 yds, 2 TD; 7 rec., 40 yds
Gerard Wicks, Washington State (L 45-42 vs. Eastern Washington)
Stat line: 10 car., 52 yds, 1 TD; 5 rec., 45 yds, 1 TD
Marcus Cox, Appalachian State (L 20-13 vs. Tennessee)
Stat line: 24 car., 115 yds; 4 rec., 34 yds, 1 TD
Wesley Fields, Georgia Southern (W 54-0 vs. Savannah State)
Stat line: 13 car., 87 yds, 1 TD; 2 rec., 35 yds, 1 TD
Aaron Duckworth, Idaho (W 20-17 vs. Montana State)
Stat line: 15 car., 112 yds, 2 TD
Jordan Chunn, Troy (W 57-17 vs. Austin Peay)
Stat line: 13 car., 161 yds, 1 TD
Duds
Mike Boone, Cincinnati (W 28-7 vs. UT-Martin)
Stat line: 12 car., 35 yds, 1 TD
Elijah Hood, North Carolina (L 33-24 vs. Georgia)
Stat line: 10 car., 72 yds; 6 rec., 28 yds
Taquan Mizzell, Virginia (L 37-20 vs. Richmond)
Stat line: 7 car., 7 yds; 4 rec., 24 yds
Travon McMillian, Virginia Tech (W 36-13 vs. Liberty)
Stat line: 13 car., 39 yds
Shock Linwood, Baylor (W 55-7 vs. Northwestern State)
Stat line: 9 car., 97 yds
Mike Warren, Iowa State (L 25-20 vs. Northern Iowa)
Stat line: 12 car., 30 yds
Semaje Perine, Oklahoma (L 33-23 vs. Houston)
Stat line: 6 car., 31 yds; 3 rec., 28 yds
Justin Stockton, Texas Tech (W 69-17 vs. Stephen F. Austin)
Stat line: 6 car., 25 yds; 4 rec., 66 yds
Tarean Folston, Notre Dame (L 50-47 (2OT) vs. Texas)
Stat line: 18 car., 88 yds; 1 rec., 17 yds
Joel Bouagnon, Northern Illinois (L 40-34 vs. Wyoming)
Stat line: 10 car., 16 yds; 6 rec., 43 yds
Ronald Jones II/Justin Davis, USC (L 52-6 vs. Alabama)
Stat line: Combined 14 car., 48 yds; 3 rec., 7 yds
Myles Gaskin, Washington (W 48-13 vs. Rutgers)
Stat line: 15 car., 57 yds; 1 rec., 11 yds
Warren Wand, Arkansas State (L 31-10 vs. Toledo)
Stat line: 12 car., 77 yds
Elijah McGuire, UL-Lafayette (L 45-10 vs. Boise State)
Stat line: 14 car., 46 yds; 6 rec., 40 yds
Saturday, 10 September 2016
Week 2 - Start Em', Bench Em'
Week 2 - Start Em', Bench Em'
By: Andrew Bursey, North of the Border CFF Blogger
One week into the college football season, and already, the cream has begun to rise to the top. Star players who put out stellar performances in Week 1 will be expected to keep up their production in Week 2. Others, stars from last season who faltered in Week 1, will be expected to shake off the rust and starting producing for their fantasy owners. Let's look at the best-bets to put up big numbers in Week 2, and those who have the potential to fall flat.
Start Em'
Quarterbacks
Lamar Jackson (Louisville) vs. Syracuse
Jackson eviscerated Charlotte last weekend, passing and running over the 49ers to the tune of 405 total yards and 8 touchdowns. Yes, that was all in one game. The Orange will be a tougher challenge, but Bobby Petrino's team seems to have recaptured their offensive prowess from years past. Syracuse clobbered Colgate last weekend, but Jackson is a far cry from a mediocre FCS quarterback. Expect big numbers again this week.
Deshaun Watson (Clemson) vs. Troy
This might seem like an obvious choice, but Watson didn't quite deliver as much as his owners would have liked last weekend in a grind-it-out affair against Auburn. This weekend's tilt with Troy should be just what the doctor ordered for Watson and his fantasy owners, as a Sun Belt opponent should be no match for the Heisman Trophy second-runner up. Any less than 300 total yards and 3 total scores against the Trojans would be a second-straight disappointment for Watson owners.
Brad Kaaya (Miami) vs. Florida Atlantic
Kaaya was very good in limited action last week against overmatched Florida A&M, throwing for 4 TD on 12/18 passing in 3 quarters of action. Florida Atlantic will provide a stiffer test to the 'Canes, but Kaaya is one of the best quarterbacks in the ACC. With Mark Walton and Joseph Yearby keeping the pressure on the Owls' defense on the ground, Kaaya should have all kinds of time to throw the ball. 275-300 yards and 2 scores looks very realistic this week.
Jalen Hurts (Alabama) vs. Western Kentucky
Hurts made his collegiate debut in a good ol' fashioned tail-whipping of USC, passing for 2 scores and running for 2 more in the 52-6 romp. Hurts definitely looks to have distanced himself from Blake Barnett and Cooper Bateman at the top of 'Bama's depth chart, and has an excellent chance to put up more fantastic numbers against Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers feature one of the nation's more prolific offenses, but they haven't, and probably won't face anyone remotely resembling the Crimson Tide this season. Alabama features one of the best offensive lines in all of college football, and they should allow Hurts all kinds of time to run and throw, piling up the points and yardage.
Jake Browning (Washington) vs. Idaho
Browning had his way with a hapless Rutgers squad last weekend, throwing for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Scarlet Knights, which bodes well for this week's contest against perennial bottom-feeder Idaho. The Vandals did manage to hold Montana State to 17 points last weekend, but the Bobcats are also not nearly as talented as the Huskies, who should put up points by the boatload. While the Huskies will look to get talented RB Myles Gaskin back on track, expect Browning to make more than enough plays to make himself a valuable fantasy commodity this week.
Running Backs
Jon Hilliman (Boston College) vs. UMass
Hilliman had a solid game last week in rain-soaked Dublin, running for 102 yards and a score on 17 carries in a heart-breaking loss to Georgia Tech. BC doesn't have much of a passing game, so expect the Eagles to keep the ball on the ground and lean heavily on Hilliman against UMass. The Minutemen hung with Florida for the majority of their loss last week, and should keep it close against the Eagles, forcing BC to feed Hilliman the rock repeatedly. Fully expect the sophomore to at least equal, if not exceed his solid output from last week.
Myles Gaskin (Washington) vs. Idaho
Gaskin was inexplicably held to 57 yards rushing in the Huskies' blowout win over Rutgers last weekend. A performance like that by one of the nation's better backs has to be frustrating, so expect Gaskin to take out his frustrations on Idaho this weekend. Washington looks to have discovered a dynamic playmaker in WR John Ross, so if Ross and QB Jake Browning can combine to take some pressure off Gaskin, the super-sophomore should have a whale of a game versus the Vandals.
D'Onta Foreman (Texas) vs. UTEP
Foreman was a major factor in Texas's somewhat surprising victory last weekend over Notre Dame, running over the Irish to the tune of 131 yards and a touchdown in the 50-47 win. With backfield-mate Chris Warren dinged up with an ankle injury, look for Foreman to receive the bulk of the carries against a UTEP team that really struggled to stop the run in 2015. If Foreman can drop 130+ yards and a score against a team as good as Notre Dame, imagine what he can do against UTEP, if he gets the touches.
Kerryon Johnson (Auburn) vs. Arkansas State
Johnson was one of the very few bright spots for the Tigers in last week's ugly season-opening loss to Clemson, running 94 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. The 23 carries definitely indicates that Johnson is Auburn's bell-cow, and with an awful mess of a quarterback situation, someone on Auburn needs to make a play. Expect that someone to be Johnson against an Arkansas State squad that gave up 556 yards of offense last week's 31-10 loss to Toledo.
Teriyon Gipson (New Mexico) vs. New Mexico State
In last year's edition of the Rio Grande Rivalry, Gipson lit up his interstate rivals for 142 yards and a score on 19 carries as the Lobos took down the Aggies 38-29. Not too shabby, seeing that Gipson, for the most part, played second-fiddle to Jhurell Pressley last season. Fast forward to 2016 and Gipson now seems like "the guy" in the New Mexico backfield, shredding South Dakota for 181 yards and 2 TDs on only eight carries in Week 1. New Mexico State is still atrocious; New Mexico still runs the ball a lot. What does that mean? It means Gipson owners should be very, very happy after Saturday's game concludes.
Wide Receivers
James Washington (Oklahoma State) vs. Central Michigan
Washington didn't see much burn against SE Louisiana in Week 1, catching 5 balls for just 34 yards versus the Lions. In all fairness, the Cowboys didn't need him to do much against the overmatched FCS squad. Expect that to change this weekend against a much more competitive Chippewas team, who should at least challenge Mike Gundy's crew. In order to avoid falling to a MAC squad, expect QB Mason Rudolph to get his stud wideout involved early and often, and putting up between 80-90 yards and at least one score.
Steven Sims, Jr. (Kansas) vs. Ohio
Either I'm clearly a sucker for punishment, recommending starting a Kansas player, or I'm onto something in recommending Sims this week. Sims had a huge game last week versus Rhode Island, pulling in 5 catches for 124 yards and 2 TDs. Ohio is clearly more talented than the FCS Rams, but struggled mightily trying to stop Texas State QB Tyler Jones last week, allowing 418 passing yards in the 3OT loss. That stat bodes well for any owners who've been bold enough to take a chance on Sims, who seems to have established an immediate rapport with QB Montell Cozart.
ArDarius Stewart (Alabama) vs. Western Kentucky
Alabama has a gaggle of talented wide receivers in Stewart, Calvin Ridley, Robert Foster and Gehrig Dieter; but it was Stewart who established an quick connection with freshman QB Jalen Hurts last week, turning 4 catches into 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. In a game that has the potential to be both a blowout or a shootout, expect Stewart to make an impact again, in either scenario.
John Burt (Texas) vs. UTEP
Burt established himself as freshman QB Shane Buechele's favorite target last week, catching 6 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown against Notre Dame. Texas should equal or exceed the 50 points put up against the Irish, which means several touches for their offensive weapons. Burt has world-class speed, so if Buechele can connect with him against the Miners, expect to see some big numbers come Saturday.
J'Mon Moore (Mizzou) vs. Eastern Michigan
This pick might be a bit of reach, but Moore looked solid last week in the Tigers' season-opening loss to West Virginia, recording 8 catches for 104 yards against the Mountaineers. QB Drew Lock looked much better than he did last season, throwing for 280 yards and a touchdown, without throwing an interception. If Moore can put up those numbers against a Power 5 defense, even better numbers could be in store against a team that is consistently one of the weakest in the MAC. Similar yardage should be expected, but also expect Moore to find paydirt on Saturday.
Tight Ends
Gerald Everett (South Alabama) vs. Georgia Southern
Everett is one of the most productive tight ends in the college game, and will be a high factor in the Jaguars hope to hang with Georgia Southern this week. The Eagles score a ton, which means South Alabama will have to be able to score themselves in order to keep pace. The Jags' best chance to do that is for QB Dallas Davis to give Everett a steady diet of targets, which is definitely what fantasy owners want.
Mike Gesicki (Penn State) vs. Pitt
Gesicki is a massive target at 6'6 and 252lbs, and has thus far provided a pretty decent safety net for inexperienced starting QB Trace McSorley, catching 3 balls for 49 yards and a score versus Kent State on Saturday. Pitt is much tougher on defense than the hapless Golden Flashes, and McSorley will rely heavily on Gesicki to make catches in order to move the ball down the field. Expect 40-50 receiving yards in the game for Gesicki, and another score.
Bench Em'
Quarterbacks
Justin Holman (UCF) vs. Michigan
Don't. Just don't. Holman had decent game last weekend against FCS South Carolina State, but the Wolverines are a completely different animal. Expect Holman to be harassed, sacked, and intercepted more than once in this one. Holman has decent games ahead, but unless you have the worst quarterback stable in the history of college fantasy football, there's absolutely no reason to have Holman anywhere than the bench this weekend.
Dane Evans (Tulsa) vs. Ohio State
Evans has flourished under head coach Philip Montgomery's uptempo system, and will put up fabulous numbers during the 2016 season. However, that won't happen against the Buckeyes on Saturday. Ohio State completely shut down another high-powered offense last week, flattening Bowling Green 77-10, and holding QB James Knapke to less than 50% passing, 110 yards, 0 TD and 2 picks. Evans is likely to suffer a similar fate this weekend, so keep him on your bench.
Dallas Davis (South Alabama) vs. Georgia Southern
It's hard not to get excited over Davis' potential after a 24/34, 285 yard, 2 TD passing performance against Mississippi State. However, he may simply not get enough opportunity against Georgia Southern. The Eagles' vaunted spread option offense excels at milking the game clock with run after run. Davis might have success, but it will be difficult if he simply doesn't get opportunities to touch the ball.
Running Backs
Aaron Jones (UTEP) vs. Texas
Jones exploded his way back onto the college scene last weekend, running for 249 yards and 2 TDs against New Mexico State. Problem is, Texas is good - really good, as evidenced by their gut-check win last weekend against Notre Dame. UTEP should be down early in this one, forcing QB Zack Greenlee to throw the ball, which severely diminishes Jones' value.
Chris High (Navy) vs. UConn/Andy Davidson (Army) vs. Rice
Both High and Davidson had huge games last week, both running for over 120 yards and 2 scores. The only problem is, I, and many others, just don't trust option running backs. There are simply too many cooks in the kitchen when you look at teams that run the option; quarterbacks, tailbacks, fullbacks, and wide receivers all get a piece of the action, so it's impossible to tell week-to-week who will get the lion's share of carries. If High and Davidson can put together a string of successful performances, then pull the trigger, absolutely. However, you might want to wait another week or so before starting them.
Travon McMillian (Virginia Tech) vs. Tennessee
The problem with starting McMillian this week isn't that McMillian isn't a good running back, or that Tennessee is a particularly good defensive squad. Neither is true; McMillian was a workhorse last year under Frank Beamer, rushing for over 1000 yards, while Tennessee allowed Appalachian State tailback Marcus Cox to break the 100-yard barrier last weekend. The issue lies with the fact that Beamer isn't around anymore, and new head coach Justin Fuente loves to share the rock between his backs, as seen in his time with Memphis, continually using the committee approach. If McMillian can't establish himself, stay away.
Wide Receivers
Keevan Lucas (Tulsa) vs. Ohio State
When healthy, like this season, Lucas is an absolute stud, and the rule is always to start your studs. That being said, look at how thoroughly Ohio State shut down Bowling Green last weekend. No Falcons wideout had more than 45 receiving yards, even with head coach Mike Jinks' commitment to keeping an uptempo style. Lucas is arguably better than any receiver Bowling Green has, but should still be held out of the endzone by the Buckeyes.
Kenny Golladay (Northern Illinois) vs. South Florida
Golladay absolutely lit up Wyoming last weekend in a losing effort, but don't expect the same production against an ever-improving South Florida defense. The Bulls should apply much more pressure on Huskies QB Drew Hare than the Cowboys were able to muster, so don't bet the farm on Golladay (as good as he is) this week.
Allen Lazard (Iowa State) vs. Iowa
Lazard had a big season-opener last week against Northern Iowa, and has the potential to have a solid game against an Iowa squad who allowed Miami (OH) QB Billy Bahl to throw for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, expect Iowa to be more motivated this week in their state rivalry game, after giving up good numbers to a middling MAC squad. Fully expect Lazard to be blanketed by Iowa's secondary as the Cyclones' only proven pass-catcher.
Kenny Golladay (Northern Illinois) vs. South Florida
Golladay absolutely lit up Wyoming last weekend in a losing effort, but don't expect the same production against an ever-improving South Florida defense. The Bulls should apply much more pressure on Huskies QB Drew Hare than the Cowboys were able to muster, so don't bet the farm on Golladay (as good as he is) this week.
Allen Lazard (Iowa State) vs. Iowa
Lazard had a big season-opener last week against Northern Iowa, and has the potential to have a solid game against an Iowa squad who allowed Miami (OH) QB Billy Bahl to throw for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, expect Iowa to be more motivated this week in their state rivalry game, after giving up good numbers to a middling MAC squad. Fully expect Lazard to be blanketed by Iowa's secondary as the Cyclones' only proven pass-catcher.
Thursday, 8 September 2016
Week 1 Studs and Duds - Part 1: Quarterbacks
Week 1 Studs and Duds - Part 1: Quarterbacks
By: Andrew Bursey, North of the Border CFF Blogger
Week 1 of the 2016 College Fantasy Football season was one the crazier, wackier opening weekends in recent memory. Several major upsets, massive blowouts (I'm looking at you, Baylor), and downright crazy finishes set the wheels in motion for an absolutely fantastic college season. We saw fantasy stars shine, and others fall flat on their faces. Let's take a look who had the biggest impact, and those who left owners scratching their heads.
Studs
Top 10
J.T. Barrett, Ohio State (W 77-10 vs. Bowling Green)
Stat line: 21/31, 349 passing yards, 6 TD, 1 INT; 6 car., 30 yards, 1 TD
Kenny Hill, TCU (W 59-41 vs. South Dakota State)
Stat line: 33/49, 439 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT; 7 car., 45 yds, 3 TD
Lamar Jackson, Louisville (W 70-14 vs. Charlotte)
Stat line: 17/23, 286 yds, 6 TD; 11 car., 119 yds, 2 TD
Tyler Jones, Texas State (W 56-54 (3OT) vs. Ohio)
Stat line: 40/55, 418 yds, 4 TD, 2 INT; 19 car., 11 yds, 1 TD; 1 rec., 22 yds, 1 TD
DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame (L 50-47 (2OT) vs. Texas)
Stat line: 15/24, 215 yds, 5 TD; 13 car., 77 yds, 1 TD
Pat Mahomes II, Texas Tech (W 69-17 vs. Stephen F. Austin)
Stat line: 30/43, 483 yds, 4 TD; 10 car., 57 yds, 2 TD
Philip Nelson, East Carolina (W 52-6 vs. Western Carolina)
Stat line: 28/32, 398 yds, 5 TD; 3 car., 7 yds, 1 TD
Mike White, Western Kentucky (W 46-14 vs. Rice)
Stat line: 25/31, 517 yds, 3 TD
Greg Windham, Ohio (L 56-54 (3OT) vs. Texas State)
Stat line: 28/46, 393 yds, 4 TD; 8 car., 37 yds
Thomas Woodson, Akron (W 47-24 vs. VMI)
Stat line: 23/32, 407 yds, 6 TD, 1 INT; 5 car., 13 yds
Best of the Rest
While the Top 10 put up the week's most ridiculous performances, there were several other starting pivots who put up outstanding stat lines in Week 1, and should merit at least some fantasy consideration going forward. Let's take a look at who else impressed in the season's opening weekend:
Josh Allen, Wyoming (W 40-34 (3OT) vs. Northern Illinois)
Stat line: 19/29, 245 yds, 2 TD; 10 car., 70 yds, 1 TD
Drew Barker, Kentucky (L 44-35 vs. Southern Miss.)
Stat line: 15/24, 323 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT
Shane Buechele, Texas (W 50-47 (2OT) vs. Notre Dame)
Stat line: 16/26, 280, 2 TD, 1 INT; 5 car., 33, 1 TD
Dallas Davis, South Alabama (W 21-20 vs. Mississippi State)
Stat line: 24/34, 285 yds, 2 TD; 9 car., 23 yds (vs. an SEC squad, no less.)
Eric Dungey, Syracuse (W 33-7 vs. Colgate)
Stat line: 34/40, 355 yds, 2 TD; 10 car., 25 yds
Luke Falk, Washington State (L 45-42 vs. Eastern Washington)
Stat line: 41/51, 418 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT
Drew Hare, Northern Illinois (L 40-34 (3OT) vs. Wyoming)
Stat line: 24/39, 329 yds, 3 TD
Jalen Hurts, Alabama (W 52-6 vs. USC)
Stat line: 6/11, 118 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 9 car., 32 yds, 2 TD (1st collegiate game)
Dakota Prukop, Oregon (W 53-28 vs. UC Davis)
Stat line: 21/30, 271 yds, 3 TD; 11 car., 36 yds, 1 TD
Brett Rypien, Boise State (W 45-10 vs. UL-Lafayette)
Stat line: 22/33, 347 yds, 2 TD
Brent Stockstill, Middle Tennessee (W 55-0 vs. Alabama A&M)
Stat line: 30/36, 329 yds, 5 TD, 1 INT; 2 car., 24 yds
Favian Upshaw, Georgia Southern (W 54-0 vs. Savannah State)
Stat line: 7/10, 115 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 7 car., 53 yds, 2 TD
Logan Woodside, Toledo (W 31-10 vs. Arkansas State)
Stat line: 23/31, 371 yds, 3 TD
Duds
James Knapke, Bowling Green (L 77-10 vs. Ohio State)
Stat line: 12/33, 110 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT
Matt Linehan, Idaho (W 20-17 vs. Montana State)
Stat line: 8/22, 128 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT; 7 car., 41 yds
Riley Neal, Ball State (W 31-21 vs. Georgia State)
Stat line: 15/29, 130 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT; 4 car., 48 yds
Kyle Shurmur, Vanderbilt (L 13-10 vs. South Carolina)
Stat line: 8/22, 73 yds, 0 TD; 2 car., -8 yds
Anu Solomon, Arizona (L 18-16 vs. BYU)
Stat line: 20/30, 213 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT; 7 car., -20 yds
Mitch Trubisky, UNC (L 33-24 vs. Georgia)
Stat line: 24/40, 156 yds, 0 TD; 3 car., 7 yds
Phillip Walker, Temple (L 28-13 vs. Army)
Stat line: 12/26, 168 yds, 0 TD, 3 INT; 4 car., -19 yds
Deshaun Watson, Clemson (W 19-13 vs. Auburn)
Stat line: 19/34, 248, 1 TD, 1 INT; 11 car., 21 yds
Sean White, Auburn (L 19-13 vs. Clemson)
Stat line: 10/21, 140 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT; 4 car., -2 yds
By: Andrew Bursey, North of the Border CFF Blogger
Week 1 of the 2016 College Fantasy Football season was one the crazier, wackier opening weekends in recent memory. Several major upsets, massive blowouts (I'm looking at you, Baylor), and downright crazy finishes set the wheels in motion for an absolutely fantastic college season. We saw fantasy stars shine, and others fall flat on their faces. Let's take a look who had the biggest impact, and those who left owners scratching their heads.
Studs
Top 10
J.T. Barrett, Ohio State (W 77-10 vs. Bowling Green)
Stat line: 21/31, 349 passing yards, 6 TD, 1 INT; 6 car., 30 yards, 1 TD
Kenny Hill, TCU (W 59-41 vs. South Dakota State)
Stat line: 33/49, 439 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT; 7 car., 45 yds, 3 TD
Lamar Jackson, Louisville (W 70-14 vs. Charlotte)
Stat line: 17/23, 286 yds, 6 TD; 11 car., 119 yds, 2 TD
Tyler Jones, Texas State (W 56-54 (3OT) vs. Ohio)
Stat line: 40/55, 418 yds, 4 TD, 2 INT; 19 car., 11 yds, 1 TD; 1 rec., 22 yds, 1 TD
DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame (L 50-47 (2OT) vs. Texas)
Stat line: 15/24, 215 yds, 5 TD; 13 car., 77 yds, 1 TD
Pat Mahomes II, Texas Tech (W 69-17 vs. Stephen F. Austin)
Stat line: 30/43, 483 yds, 4 TD; 10 car., 57 yds, 2 TD
Philip Nelson, East Carolina (W 52-6 vs. Western Carolina)
Stat line: 28/32, 398 yds, 5 TD; 3 car., 7 yds, 1 TD
Mike White, Western Kentucky (W 46-14 vs. Rice)
Stat line: 25/31, 517 yds, 3 TD
Greg Windham, Ohio (L 56-54 (3OT) vs. Texas State)
Stat line: 28/46, 393 yds, 4 TD; 8 car., 37 yds
Thomas Woodson, Akron (W 47-24 vs. VMI)
Stat line: 23/32, 407 yds, 6 TD, 1 INT; 5 car., 13 yds
Best of the Rest
While the Top 10 put up the week's most ridiculous performances, there were several other starting pivots who put up outstanding stat lines in Week 1, and should merit at least some fantasy consideration going forward. Let's take a look at who else impressed in the season's opening weekend:
Josh Allen, Wyoming (W 40-34 (3OT) vs. Northern Illinois)
Stat line: 19/29, 245 yds, 2 TD; 10 car., 70 yds, 1 TD
Drew Barker, Kentucky (L 44-35 vs. Southern Miss.)
Stat line: 15/24, 323 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT
Shane Buechele, Texas (W 50-47 (2OT) vs. Notre Dame)
Stat line: 16/26, 280, 2 TD, 1 INT; 5 car., 33, 1 TD
Dallas Davis, South Alabama (W 21-20 vs. Mississippi State)
Stat line: 24/34, 285 yds, 2 TD; 9 car., 23 yds (vs. an SEC squad, no less.)
Eric Dungey, Syracuse (W 33-7 vs. Colgate)
Stat line: 34/40, 355 yds, 2 TD; 10 car., 25 yds
Luke Falk, Washington State (L 45-42 vs. Eastern Washington)
Stat line: 41/51, 418 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT
Drew Hare, Northern Illinois (L 40-34 (3OT) vs. Wyoming)
Stat line: 24/39, 329 yds, 3 TD
Jalen Hurts, Alabama (W 52-6 vs. USC)
Stat line: 6/11, 118 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 9 car., 32 yds, 2 TD (1st collegiate game)
Dakota Prukop, Oregon (W 53-28 vs. UC Davis)
Stat line: 21/30, 271 yds, 3 TD; 11 car., 36 yds, 1 TD
Brett Rypien, Boise State (W 45-10 vs. UL-Lafayette)
Stat line: 22/33, 347 yds, 2 TD
Brent Stockstill, Middle Tennessee (W 55-0 vs. Alabama A&M)
Stat line: 30/36, 329 yds, 5 TD, 1 INT; 2 car., 24 yds
Favian Upshaw, Georgia Southern (W 54-0 vs. Savannah State)
Stat line: 7/10, 115 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 7 car., 53 yds, 2 TD
Logan Woodside, Toledo (W 31-10 vs. Arkansas State)
Stat line: 23/31, 371 yds, 3 TD
Duds
James Knapke, Bowling Green (L 77-10 vs. Ohio State)
Stat line: 12/33, 110 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT
Matt Linehan, Idaho (W 20-17 vs. Montana State)
Stat line: 8/22, 128 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT; 7 car., 41 yds
Riley Neal, Ball State (W 31-21 vs. Georgia State)
Stat line: 15/29, 130 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT; 4 car., 48 yds
Kyle Shurmur, Vanderbilt (L 13-10 vs. South Carolina)
Stat line: 8/22, 73 yds, 0 TD; 2 car., -8 yds
Anu Solomon, Arizona (L 18-16 vs. BYU)
Stat line: 20/30, 213 yds, 0 TD, 2 INT; 7 car., -20 yds
Mitch Trubisky, UNC (L 33-24 vs. Georgia)
Stat line: 24/40, 156 yds, 0 TD; 3 car., 7 yds
Phillip Walker, Temple (L 28-13 vs. Army)
Stat line: 12/26, 168 yds, 0 TD, 3 INT; 4 car., -19 yds
Deshaun Watson, Clemson (W 19-13 vs. Auburn)
Stat line: 19/34, 248, 1 TD, 1 INT; 11 car., 21 yds
Sean White, Auburn (L 19-13 vs. Clemson)
Stat line: 10/21, 140 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT; 4 car., -2 yds
Friday, 2 September 2016
Week 1 - Start Em', Bench Em'
It's that time of year again - the time of year every college fantasy football owner - from hardcore, seasoned veterans to casual players alike - craves, the beginning of CFF season. And what would a college fantasy season be without a mixed bag of tasty and downright awful Week 1 matchups for your fantasy roster? Let's take a look some of the must-starts for the week, and guys you should leave stapled to your bench.
(Note: Unfortunately, for Week 1 ONLY, "Sit Em', Bench Em' will only preview players playing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.)
Neal was a solid, yet unspectacular performer once he took over as Ball State's starting QB last season, throwing for 2,276 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also rushing for 399 yards and 2 scores, including a huge, 393 yard, 4 passing TD game against NIU. Georgia State was much improved defensively last season, allowing 28.3 points per game (compared to 2014's 43.3), but still allowed 181 yards a game on the ground. With the potent 1-2 RB combo of Darian Green (730 yards, 5 TD in 2015) and James Gilbert (608 yards, 8 TD) keeping the Panthers honest on the ground, Neal should be freed up to do his thing. Expect a fairly high-scoring game, with Neal throwing for around 250 yards and a least 2 scores.
Kenny Potter (San Jose State) vs. Tulsa
Tulsa really didn't show any interest on stopping other teams defensively last season, allowing a whopping 39.8 points per game along with 536.6 yards of offense. The defense isn't expected to be much better in 2016, which bodes well for Potter, who took over as the Spartan's signal-caller part way through the 2015 season. Potter improved as the season progressed, finishing with 1,984 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air, while rushing for 415 yards and 7 scores on the ground. With the Golden Hurricanes' tendency to hemorrhage points, and Potter having weapons like TE Billy Freeman and RB Thomas Tucker at his disposal, expect big numbers for the San Jose State QB this weekend.
RB
Ito Smith (Southern Miss.) vs. Kentucky
Southern Miss. was known more for their Air Raid-style offense last season with QB Nick Mullens leading the way, but Smith found more than enough touches to become one of the most underrated backs in the nation, finishing the season with 1,128 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also catching 49 balls for 515 yards and 3 more scores. While Kentucky has continually improved during Mark Stoops' tenure as head coach, they gave up 27.4 points per game last season, including 27 to FCS squad Eastern Kentucky. Kentucky also gave up 198 yards a game on the ground last year, a stat that bodes well for Smith's owners.
Joel Bouagnon (Northern Illinois) vs. Wyoming
Bouagnon was an absolute workhorse for the Huskies last season, taking 283 carries for 1,285 yards and 18 touchdowns. As good as Bouagnon was on the ground, Wyoming by contrast was absolutely horrendous at stopping the run, allowing over 225 yards per game, Expect NIU's coaching staff to give Bouagnon a steady diet of carries against a team that struggles to stop the run.
Jeffrey Wilson (North Texas) vs. SMU
IF there was a bright spot for North Texas last year (and that's a mighty big IF, see how awful North Texas was last season), it was Wilson, who was far and away the Mean Green's best player, recording 830 yards and a TD on 155 carries, a healthy 5.4 yard per carry average. With a new offensive-minded head coach, former Arizona and Indiana offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, expect the Mean Green's offensive game to be much better in 2016. Wilson should be a huge part of the rebuild, which should start with a strong game on Saturday against an SMU squad that allowed an ungodly 261.2 yards per game on the ground a season ago.
WR
Corey Davis (Western Michigan) vs. Northwestern
Northwestern was one of the nation's surprise teams last year, finishing 2015 with a 10-3 record. Pat Fitzgerald's squad hung their hats squarely on their defense, allowing only 18.6 points per game. The Wildcats were slightly less effective against the pass, allowing 192.8 yards per game (as opposed to just slightly more than 126 on the ground). However, only 5 starters return on defense, so look for QB Zach Terrell to sling the ball in Davis' direction often. Davis is an absolute stud, and with the Wildcats potentially shutting down the Western Michigan's run game, look for Davis to get as many touches as Terrell can throw his way.
Courtland Sutton (SMU) vs. North Texas
As atrocious as SMU was on the defensive side of the ball in 2015, they weren't nearly as terrible on offensive, averaging a healthy 27.8 points per game under new head coach Chad Morris. One of the Mustang's breakout performers on offense was then-freshman wideout Courtland Sutton, who recorded 49 catching for 862 yards and 9 touchdowns, a whopping 17.6 yard-per-catch average. Though North Texas may have a new head coach, don't expect their sieve-like defense (which allowed 41 points per game last year, by the way) to improve too much, which all but guarantees a huge game from Sutton. Anything less than 100 receiving yards and score would be a massive disappointment.
Jordan Westerkamp (Nebraska) vs. Fresno State
Westerkamp was far and away QB Tommy Armstrong, Jr.'s favorite receiver last season, recording 918 yards and 7 touchdowns on the year. A tasty matchup with a defensively-challenged Fresno State squad that gave up 38 points a game in 2015 looms in Week 1, and with Brandon Reilly suspended for the game, and De'Mornay Pierson-El working his way back from injury, look for Westerkamp to get a steady diet of passes fed his way by Armstrong, resulting in a huge game for the senior wideout.
TE
Billy Freeman (San Jose State) vs. Tulsa
For the same reason Kenny Potter was recommended as a start against the Golden Hurricanes this week, Freeman is a must-start as well. Last season, Freeman was one of the best tight ends in the nation, recording 586 yards and 6 touchdowns through the air. With WR Tyler Winston declared academically ineligible for 2016, Freeman is the sole proven pass-catcher for the Spartans, and should see plenty of targets against a Tulsa squad who allowed nearly 300 yards per game through the air last season.
Jake Butt (Michigan) vs. Hawaii
After getting lit up for 51 points in their season-opener last week versus Cal in Australia, expect Hawaii to receive a similar shellacking this week at the hands of the Wolverines. New starting QB John O'Korn hasn't played a game since 2014 after transferring from Houston, and while inconsistent in the past, did throw for 34 touchdowns in 19 games for the Cougars. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has had success with transfer QBs while at Michigan (Jake Rudock throwing for 3,017 yards and 20 TDs last season after transferring from Iowa), and Butt has been one of the passing game's biggest weapons, pulling in 51 catches for 654 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. With a new QB being broken in, expect O'Korn to look for the reliable Butt against a shaky Hawaii defense.
Bench Em'
QB
James Knapke (Bowling Green) vs. Ohio State
Knapke might be the next in a long line of productive QBs at Bowling Green, but a brutal Week 1 matchup with Ohio State definitely won't help add to his stats. Even though the Buckeyes lost several key pieces on defense after last season, they're still a team that only allowed 15.1 points per game, and only 184.5 yards from opposing quarterbacks. New head coach Mike Jinks has pledged to keep the high-powered air attack put in place by previous coach Dino Babers, but the Buckeyes are simply too good against the pass to risk starting Knapke this week.
Skyler Howard (West Virginia) vs. Missouri
Missouri may have been terrible offensively last season, but the same definitely can't be said about their defense, which was one of the nation's top units last season, allowing only 16.2 points per game to their opposition last season. They were quite stingy against the pass, allowing only 169 yards a game through the air. Howard had a few big games last season, including 532 yards and 5 touchdowns in the Mountaineers' bowl game victory against Arizona State. However, he was also careless with the ball at times, throwing for 14 interceptions in 2015. Save yourself the aggravation, and keep Howard stapled to the bench this week.
Tyler Jones (Texas State) vs. Ohio
Jones regressed statistically last season, dropping from 22 touchdowns in 2014 to just 14 last season, and increased his interception total from 7 to 10. This doesn't bode well for his Week 1 matchup against an Ohio Bobcats squad that allowed less than 210 passing yards/game last season. Ohio successfully shut down fairly productive teams like Northern Illinois and Marshall; against a lesser team like the Bobcats they should be equally tough, resulting in paltry numbers from Jones.
RB
Elijah McGuire (Louisiana-Lafayette) vs. Boise State
Is Elijah McGuire a stud running back? Absolutely; he's topped 1,000 yards and 10 scores in each of the past 2 seasons, and is poised to do the same again this season. However, a Week 1 matchup against a phenomenal Boise State run defense should do absolutely nothing for the confidence of McGuire's owners; the Broncos allowed 108 yards per game on the ground last season, shutting down studs like NIU's Joel Bouagnon (16 yards), Wyoming's Brian Hill (76 yards) and Hawaii's Paul Harris (13 yards). Without a proven passing game, the Broncos will be able to key in on McGuire. McGuire will have a fantastic season; this game will not be one of his better ones, however.
Corey Clement (Wisconsin) vs. LSU
Would you start a running back who missed most of last season against an LSU defense who only allowed 122.9 yards per game on the ground next season? I sure wouldn't, and this is the unenviable position Wisconsin finds themselves in for Week 1, as Corey Clement tries to find running room against a stout Tigers' run defense. Clement is a heck of a back when healthy, but even if he is at 100%, he's going to have a devil of a time trying to find running room against the Tigers.
Jamaal Williams (BYU) vs. Arizona
Williams hasn't played a down since the 2014 season, and after missing part of the 2014 due to injury, and all of 2015 after withdrawing from BYU, Williams will have to re-earn his touches in Provo. Algernon Brown served as a more-than-capable back last season, rushing for 709 yards and 11 scores. With Brown and Taysom Hill poaching carries from Williams, he's probably best being left on the bench this week.
WR
Ronnie Moore (Bowling Green) vs. Ohio State
Much like his teammate James Knapke, Moore is definitely a player to avoid this weekend against a tough, tough Ohio State pass defense. With the defection of standout receivers Roger Lewis and Gehrig Dieter to the NFL and Alabama, respectively, Moore is the lone proven pass-catcher on the Falcons' roster. Expect the Buckeyes secondary to key in Moore while Knapke is put under constant pressure - neither of which bodes well for Moore's fantasy value this week.
Fred Ross (Mississippi State) vs. South Alabama
South Alabama isn't exactly a frightening opponent for an strong SEC team like Mississippi State, but their quarterback situation should scare off at least a few of Ross' fantasy owners this weekend. Ross was a huge volume receiver last year, pulling in 88 catches for 1,007 yards for the Bulldogs. However, with stud QB Dak Prescott off to the NFL, the Bulldogs will rely Nick Fitzgerald and/or Damian Williams, who will likely need a few games to get comfortable. Combine that with the fact that Ross is recovering from offseason groin surgery, and that's a recipe that merits keeping Ross on the bench, at least for this week.
Shelton Gibson (West Virginia) vs. Missouri
Missouri absolutely shut down opposing passing games last season, allowing fewer than 170 yards per game through the air last season. Big plays will be hard to come by for the Mountaineers, and that's what Gibson brought to the table last season, averaging a ridiculous 24 yards per catch. Missouri's passing D is absolutely too good to allow such gaudy numbers, and should effectively shut down Gibson in this one. Keep him on your bench this week.
TE
Gerald Everett (South Alabama) vs. Mississippi State
Normally, Everett is a must-start at the TE position. However, the Jags are tangling with a formidable SEC team on this one, one that allowed less than 220 passing yards per game last season. Couple that with the fact that South Alabama is breaking in a new quarterback, and that situation all adds up to a dud of a game for Everett. Even with limited fantasy options at tight ends, it's better to take a flyer on an option with a better matchup this week.
Jordan Leggett (Clemson) vs. Auburn
Why on Earth would you keep one of the most productive tight ends in the country on the bench? Well, as good as Jordan Leggett is (525 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns last season), the Clemson receiving corps becomes much more crowded this season with the return of Mike Williams from a serious neck injury sustained last season. In addition to Williams, the Tigers also have wideouts Artavis Scott (901 yards, 6 TDs in 2015), Deon Cain (582 yards, 5 TDs) and Hunter Renfrow (492 yards, 5 TDs) on the roster, all who will receive targets. Leggett will still get touches, but in Week 1 against an Auburn team that allowed only 222.6 passing yards per game in 2015, he's best left on the bench, until fantasy owners figure out who will receive the lion's share of targets in Clemson's offense.
Start Em'
QB
Taysom Hill (BYU) vs. Arizona
This pick obviously comes with some risk, given Hill's inability to stay healthy over the last few seasons. However, he is healthy now, and when healthy, Hill is one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the nation. In his one game of 2015, he passed for a touchdown, and ran for 2 more scores on 9 carries against Nebraska. Arizona's defense allowed an average of 35.8 points per game last season (including over 40 points five times), and unless they have made significant improvements on that side of the ball, Hill should have a field day against the Wildcats on Sunday.
Riley Neal (Ball State) vs. Georgia State
Riley Neal (Ball State) vs. Georgia State
Neal was a solid, yet unspectacular performer once he took over as Ball State's starting QB last season, throwing for 2,276 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also rushing for 399 yards and 2 scores, including a huge, 393 yard, 4 passing TD game against NIU. Georgia State was much improved defensively last season, allowing 28.3 points per game (compared to 2014's 43.3), but still allowed 181 yards a game on the ground. With the potent 1-2 RB combo of Darian Green (730 yards, 5 TD in 2015) and James Gilbert (608 yards, 8 TD) keeping the Panthers honest on the ground, Neal should be freed up to do his thing. Expect a fairly high-scoring game, with Neal throwing for around 250 yards and a least 2 scores.
Kenny Potter (San Jose State) vs. Tulsa
Tulsa really didn't show any interest on stopping other teams defensively last season, allowing a whopping 39.8 points per game along with 536.6 yards of offense. The defense isn't expected to be much better in 2016, which bodes well for Potter, who took over as the Spartan's signal-caller part way through the 2015 season. Potter improved as the season progressed, finishing with 1,984 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air, while rushing for 415 yards and 7 scores on the ground. With the Golden Hurricanes' tendency to hemorrhage points, and Potter having weapons like TE Billy Freeman and RB Thomas Tucker at his disposal, expect big numbers for the San Jose State QB this weekend.
RB
Ito Smith (Southern Miss.) vs. Kentucky
Southern Miss. was known more for their Air Raid-style offense last season with QB Nick Mullens leading the way, but Smith found more than enough touches to become one of the most underrated backs in the nation, finishing the season with 1,128 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also catching 49 balls for 515 yards and 3 more scores. While Kentucky has continually improved during Mark Stoops' tenure as head coach, they gave up 27.4 points per game last season, including 27 to FCS squad Eastern Kentucky. Kentucky also gave up 198 yards a game on the ground last year, a stat that bodes well for Smith's owners.
Joel Bouagnon (Northern Illinois) vs. Wyoming
Bouagnon was an absolute workhorse for the Huskies last season, taking 283 carries for 1,285 yards and 18 touchdowns. As good as Bouagnon was on the ground, Wyoming by contrast was absolutely horrendous at stopping the run, allowing over 225 yards per game, Expect NIU's coaching staff to give Bouagnon a steady diet of carries against a team that struggles to stop the run.
Jeffrey Wilson (North Texas) vs. SMU
IF there was a bright spot for North Texas last year (and that's a mighty big IF, see how awful North Texas was last season), it was Wilson, who was far and away the Mean Green's best player, recording 830 yards and a TD on 155 carries, a healthy 5.4 yard per carry average. With a new offensive-minded head coach, former Arizona and Indiana offensive coordinator Seth Littrell, expect the Mean Green's offensive game to be much better in 2016. Wilson should be a huge part of the rebuild, which should start with a strong game on Saturday against an SMU squad that allowed an ungodly 261.2 yards per game on the ground a season ago.
WR
Corey Davis (Western Michigan) vs. Northwestern
Northwestern was one of the nation's surprise teams last year, finishing 2015 with a 10-3 record. Pat Fitzgerald's squad hung their hats squarely on their defense, allowing only 18.6 points per game. The Wildcats were slightly less effective against the pass, allowing 192.8 yards per game (as opposed to just slightly more than 126 on the ground). However, only 5 starters return on defense, so look for QB Zach Terrell to sling the ball in Davis' direction often. Davis is an absolute stud, and with the Wildcats potentially shutting down the Western Michigan's run game, look for Davis to get as many touches as Terrell can throw his way.
Courtland Sutton (SMU) vs. North Texas
As atrocious as SMU was on the defensive side of the ball in 2015, they weren't nearly as terrible on offensive, averaging a healthy 27.8 points per game under new head coach Chad Morris. One of the Mustang's breakout performers on offense was then-freshman wideout Courtland Sutton, who recorded 49 catching for 862 yards and 9 touchdowns, a whopping 17.6 yard-per-catch average. Though North Texas may have a new head coach, don't expect their sieve-like defense (which allowed 41 points per game last year, by the way) to improve too much, which all but guarantees a huge game from Sutton. Anything less than 100 receiving yards and score would be a massive disappointment.
Jordan Westerkamp (Nebraska) vs. Fresno State
Westerkamp was far and away QB Tommy Armstrong, Jr.'s favorite receiver last season, recording 918 yards and 7 touchdowns on the year. A tasty matchup with a defensively-challenged Fresno State squad that gave up 38 points a game in 2015 looms in Week 1, and with Brandon Reilly suspended for the game, and De'Mornay Pierson-El working his way back from injury, look for Westerkamp to get a steady diet of passes fed his way by Armstrong, resulting in a huge game for the senior wideout.
TE
Billy Freeman (San Jose State) vs. Tulsa
For the same reason Kenny Potter was recommended as a start against the Golden Hurricanes this week, Freeman is a must-start as well. Last season, Freeman was one of the best tight ends in the nation, recording 586 yards and 6 touchdowns through the air. With WR Tyler Winston declared academically ineligible for 2016, Freeman is the sole proven pass-catcher for the Spartans, and should see plenty of targets against a Tulsa squad who allowed nearly 300 yards per game through the air last season.
Jake Butt (Michigan) vs. Hawaii
After getting lit up for 51 points in their season-opener last week versus Cal in Australia, expect Hawaii to receive a similar shellacking this week at the hands of the Wolverines. New starting QB John O'Korn hasn't played a game since 2014 after transferring from Houston, and while inconsistent in the past, did throw for 34 touchdowns in 19 games for the Cougars. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has had success with transfer QBs while at Michigan (Jake Rudock throwing for 3,017 yards and 20 TDs last season after transferring from Iowa), and Butt has been one of the passing game's biggest weapons, pulling in 51 catches for 654 yards and 3 touchdowns last season. With a new QB being broken in, expect O'Korn to look for the reliable Butt against a shaky Hawaii defense.
Bench Em'
QB
James Knapke (Bowling Green) vs. Ohio State
Knapke might be the next in a long line of productive QBs at Bowling Green, but a brutal Week 1 matchup with Ohio State definitely won't help add to his stats. Even though the Buckeyes lost several key pieces on defense after last season, they're still a team that only allowed 15.1 points per game, and only 184.5 yards from opposing quarterbacks. New head coach Mike Jinks has pledged to keep the high-powered air attack put in place by previous coach Dino Babers, but the Buckeyes are simply too good against the pass to risk starting Knapke this week.
Skyler Howard (West Virginia) vs. Missouri
Missouri may have been terrible offensively last season, but the same definitely can't be said about their defense, which was one of the nation's top units last season, allowing only 16.2 points per game to their opposition last season. They were quite stingy against the pass, allowing only 169 yards a game through the air. Howard had a few big games last season, including 532 yards and 5 touchdowns in the Mountaineers' bowl game victory against Arizona State. However, he was also careless with the ball at times, throwing for 14 interceptions in 2015. Save yourself the aggravation, and keep Howard stapled to the bench this week.
Tyler Jones (Texas State) vs. Ohio
Jones regressed statistically last season, dropping from 22 touchdowns in 2014 to just 14 last season, and increased his interception total from 7 to 10. This doesn't bode well for his Week 1 matchup against an Ohio Bobcats squad that allowed less than 210 passing yards/game last season. Ohio successfully shut down fairly productive teams like Northern Illinois and Marshall; against a lesser team like the Bobcats they should be equally tough, resulting in paltry numbers from Jones.
RB
Elijah McGuire (Louisiana-Lafayette) vs. Boise State
Is Elijah McGuire a stud running back? Absolutely; he's topped 1,000 yards and 10 scores in each of the past 2 seasons, and is poised to do the same again this season. However, a Week 1 matchup against a phenomenal Boise State run defense should do absolutely nothing for the confidence of McGuire's owners; the Broncos allowed 108 yards per game on the ground last season, shutting down studs like NIU's Joel Bouagnon (16 yards), Wyoming's Brian Hill (76 yards) and Hawaii's Paul Harris (13 yards). Without a proven passing game, the Broncos will be able to key in on McGuire. McGuire will have a fantastic season; this game will not be one of his better ones, however.
Corey Clement (Wisconsin) vs. LSU
Would you start a running back who missed most of last season against an LSU defense who only allowed 122.9 yards per game on the ground next season? I sure wouldn't, and this is the unenviable position Wisconsin finds themselves in for Week 1, as Corey Clement tries to find running room against a stout Tigers' run defense. Clement is a heck of a back when healthy, but even if he is at 100%, he's going to have a devil of a time trying to find running room against the Tigers.
Jamaal Williams (BYU) vs. Arizona
Williams hasn't played a down since the 2014 season, and after missing part of the 2014 due to injury, and all of 2015 after withdrawing from BYU, Williams will have to re-earn his touches in Provo. Algernon Brown served as a more-than-capable back last season, rushing for 709 yards and 11 scores. With Brown and Taysom Hill poaching carries from Williams, he's probably best being left on the bench this week.
WR
Ronnie Moore (Bowling Green) vs. Ohio State
Much like his teammate James Knapke, Moore is definitely a player to avoid this weekend against a tough, tough Ohio State pass defense. With the defection of standout receivers Roger Lewis and Gehrig Dieter to the NFL and Alabama, respectively, Moore is the lone proven pass-catcher on the Falcons' roster. Expect the Buckeyes secondary to key in Moore while Knapke is put under constant pressure - neither of which bodes well for Moore's fantasy value this week.
Fred Ross (Mississippi State) vs. South Alabama
South Alabama isn't exactly a frightening opponent for an strong SEC team like Mississippi State, but their quarterback situation should scare off at least a few of Ross' fantasy owners this weekend. Ross was a huge volume receiver last year, pulling in 88 catches for 1,007 yards for the Bulldogs. However, with stud QB Dak Prescott off to the NFL, the Bulldogs will rely Nick Fitzgerald and/or Damian Williams, who will likely need a few games to get comfortable. Combine that with the fact that Ross is recovering from offseason groin surgery, and that's a recipe that merits keeping Ross on the bench, at least for this week.
Shelton Gibson (West Virginia) vs. Missouri
Missouri absolutely shut down opposing passing games last season, allowing fewer than 170 yards per game through the air last season. Big plays will be hard to come by for the Mountaineers, and that's what Gibson brought to the table last season, averaging a ridiculous 24 yards per catch. Missouri's passing D is absolutely too good to allow such gaudy numbers, and should effectively shut down Gibson in this one. Keep him on your bench this week.
TE
Gerald Everett (South Alabama) vs. Mississippi State
Normally, Everett is a must-start at the TE position. However, the Jags are tangling with a formidable SEC team on this one, one that allowed less than 220 passing yards per game last season. Couple that with the fact that South Alabama is breaking in a new quarterback, and that situation all adds up to a dud of a game for Everett. Even with limited fantasy options at tight ends, it's better to take a flyer on an option with a better matchup this week.
Jordan Leggett (Clemson) vs. Auburn
Why on Earth would you keep one of the most productive tight ends in the country on the bench? Well, as good as Jordan Leggett is (525 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns last season), the Clemson receiving corps becomes much more crowded this season with the return of Mike Williams from a serious neck injury sustained last season. In addition to Williams, the Tigers also have wideouts Artavis Scott (901 yards, 6 TDs in 2015), Deon Cain (582 yards, 5 TDs) and Hunter Renfrow (492 yards, 5 TDs) on the roster, all who will receive targets. Leggett will still get touches, but in Week 1 against an Auburn team that allowed only 222.6 passing yards per game in 2015, he's best left on the bench, until fantasy owners figure out who will receive the lion's share of targets in Clemson's offense.
Introduction
Hey folks!
Welcome to my blog. I've decided to put together this blog for anyone looking to get to the top of their fantasy football league.
I'm a proud Canadian, and rabid NCAA football fan. I may be Canadian, but don't let those roots fool you; as a former writer for Athlon Sports and CollegeFootballGeek,com, I'd gladly put my knowledge of NCAA football and college fantasy football up against anyone in the world.
Here you'll find (hopefully, anyways) all the information you need to to turn your college fantasy team into a championship contender. Look out for weekly Sit/Start lists, injury updates, Sleepers lists, and Studs and Duds.
As well, feel free to fire me off an e-mail at awjbursey@gmail.com if you're looking for Sit/Start advice; I'll gladly do the best I can to assist you.
Please also feel free to share this blog with you fantasy-playing friends; www.northofthebordercff.blogspot.com.
Best of luck in the 2016 college fantasy football season, and bring home the gold!
Welcome to my blog. I've decided to put together this blog for anyone looking to get to the top of their fantasy football league.
I'm a proud Canadian, and rabid NCAA football fan. I may be Canadian, but don't let those roots fool you; as a former writer for Athlon Sports and CollegeFootballGeek,com, I'd gladly put my knowledge of NCAA football and college fantasy football up against anyone in the world.
Here you'll find (hopefully, anyways) all the information you need to to turn your college fantasy team into a championship contender. Look out for weekly Sit/Start lists, injury updates, Sleepers lists, and Studs and Duds.
As well, feel free to fire me off an e-mail at awjbursey@gmail.com if you're looking for Sit/Start advice; I'll gladly do the best I can to assist you.
Please also feel free to share this blog with you fantasy-playing friends; www.northofthebordercff.blogspot.com.
Best of luck in the 2016 college fantasy football season, and bring home the gold!
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