Erik Kuselias has been one of the leading Fantasy Football experts in the nation for over a decade. Most notably, while at ESPN (2003-2010) Kuselias was asked to create, host and lead ESPN’s first season long Fantasy football show “Fantasy Football Now.’ In its first season, the show was nominated and won ESPN’s First Fantasy Emmy, claiming honors for Outstanding New Show. With Kuselias, the show moved from an ESPN.com venture over to television garnering huge ratings on ESPN2, and “Fantasy Football Now” became one of the leading shows anywhere on fantasy football.

In 2011, Kuselias signed on with The Golf Channel to host “Morning Drive,” a daily talk show that covers golf as well as other sports. The show debuted on January 3, and can be seen from 7-9 AM ET.

This past year I was pleased to have Erik write my Fantasy Football Guide in this year's Pro Football Preview. Today I am going to give you Erik's Fantasy Rankings for Week 1.

Erik Kuselias NFL Fantasy Rankings: Week 1

Surprise College Fantasy Players of the Week

Two years ago I started a weekly blog that included my surprise fantasy picks for each week of the college football season. Each week I picked the players that were flying under the radar and I am pleased that I finished my first year at a very successful 83-29-7 (74%). Last year I had another successful year with a winning week every week and an overal 103-45-17 (70%) record.

This year I will again be giving you the surprise fantasy picks each and every week in my Thursday daily blog and here are my picks for Week 2. Keep in mind you will not find players like Andrew Luck, Denard Robinson, LaMichael James or Justin Blackmon in my picks. These are strictly surprise picks of players who are flying under the radar. Last week was a disappointing 3-6-1 start to the season but hope to rebound in a big way this week.

QUARTERBACKS:

My QB’s of the Week: Ryan Aplin, Arkansas St, Zach Collaros, Cincinnati and Bryn Renner, North Carolina

Ryan Aplin, Arkansas St-Aplin is one of the more underrated QB’s in the country and last year threw for 2,939 yds (61.5%) with a 21-11 ratio. His is throwing to my #1 set of WR’s in the Sun Belt and will be going against a defense that allowed 645 yards last week in Memphis. My computer projects 348 yards passing for Arkansas St and they should be able to win comfortably as Aplin puts up his best numbers of the young season.

Zach Collaros, Cincinnati-Last year expectations were high for Collaros and Cincinnati but they had a very disappointing 4-8 season although Collaros did throw for 2,902 yds (58.7%) with a 26-14 ratio and added 202 rush yds with 4 td’s. Last week the Bearcat offense looked like it was back to its 2007-2009 form with 72 points against Austin Peay. This week they take on a Tennessee defense that is depth-shy and my computer is calling for the Bearcats to have nearly 400 yards of offense and 30 points which gives them a shot at the upset and Collaros will be no doubt be leading the way.

Bryn Renner, North Carolina-In his first career start last week Renner passed for 277 yds and set an ACC record for completion percentage completing 22 of 23 passes. This week he takes on an underachieving Rutgers defense and my computer calls for 293 pass yds this week would be a new career-high and this time against an FBS defense (last week played James Madison). 

RUNNING BACKS:

My RB’s of the week are: Bobby Rainey, WKU, David Wilson, Virginia Tech and Bernard Pierce, Temple

Bobby Rainey, WKU-Rainey is coming off a 105 yd (3.8) effort last week vs an SEC defense and last year ran for 1,649 (4.8). This week he is going up against a Navy defense that allowed 220 rush yds to Delaware last week and it would not surprise me if Rainey would top the 100-yd mark yet again.

David Wilson, Virginia Tech-After VT had a very talented and deep RB corps last year Wilson will not have to share as many carries and last week ran for 162 yds (10.1) and 3 td’s. This week he goes against an East Carolina defense that allowed 220 rush yds (5.5) to South Carolina. Look for Wilson to have another great outing.

Bernard Pierce, Temple-Pierce had a disappointing 2010 season but returned to form last week with 147 rush yds (7.4) and ran for 3 TD’s. Last week the Akron defense allowed 517 yards to an Ohio St offense that was playing without their top QB, RB and WR from last year. My computer calls for nearly 200 rush yards for the Owls which means Pierce should have a solid shot at topping the 100-yd mark.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

My WR’s of the week are: Marcus Davis, Virginia Tech and Marquess Wilson, Washington St

Marcus Davis, Virginia Tech-In my preseason magazine I wrote that Davis should have a breakout year and all he did was explode for 140 yards (46.7!) and 2 td’s in the opener. This week he goes up against an East Carolina pass defense that was one of the weakest defenses in the country finishing #101 in my pass defense rankings last year. Last week East Carolina allowed 56 points and I think Davis could rack up another 100-yd effort this week.

Marquess Wilson, Washington St-Wilson continued where he left off from his frosh campaign where he had 1,006 yds receiving (18.3) and 6 td’s with 91 yds (22.8) and a td last week. This week he goes against a UNLV defense that finished #114 in my pass defense rankings last year and was burned for 258 yds last week vs run-oriented Wisconsin. My computer calls for 300 yards passing for the Cougars and if that happens look for Wilson to top the century mark.

DEFENSES:

My Top Defenses of the Week: UCLA and USF

UCLA vs San Jose St-Last week the Bruins gave up 38 points and 469 yards to the high-powered Houston offense but this week jump way down in competition as they face a San Jose St team that mustered only 3 points and 237 yards against Stanford last week. My computer calls for just 10 points and 228 yards allowed, which would mark significant improvement for a Bruin team that desperately needs a win.

USF vs Ball St-Yes, USF got the win vs Notre Dame last week but their defense did allow 508 yards. Give them credit for forcing 5 TO’s though and this week they face a Ball St team that is fresh off an upset win over Indiana while rushing for 210 yds (4.6). My computer calls for just 10 points and 253 yards for Ball St.

UPSET OF THE WEEK: 5-1 run! Lost LW by a single point BYU 14-13 over Ole Miss

Georgia over South Carolina

SC beat UGA at Williams-Brice Stadium for the 1st time S/’00 LY, 17-6. RB Lattimore rushed for 182 yds (4.9) and 2 TD for SC and UGA WR Green missed the gm (susp). Spurrier said of UGA DC Grantham who came from the NFL, “that little inside zone play, the NFL doesn’t run that play. That’s a new little scheme for Grantham I guess.” SC did have a 228-73 yd edge at half but UGA, down by 1 TD, also fmbl’d at the SC1. UGA HC Richt’s seat is as hot as ever after LW’s 35-21 loss to Boise where the UGA defense was carved up by QB Moore. SC fell behind EC early LW 17-0 as QB Shaw got the start but he was relieved by LY’s starter Garcia who ran for 2 TD’s and threw for another in the 56-37 win. Taking away an odd 41-37 score in ‘09, these two teams’ other 12 recent matchups have been by an avg score of UGA 16-11. Georgia is my pick to win the SEC and Richt is 7-3 in this series (4-2 vs Spurrier) and desperately needs a win.

A special thanks to our friends at CollegeFootballGeek.com for providing us with their Sneaky Plays for Week 2

CollegeFootballGeek.com’s Sneaky Plays – Week 2
By Kevin Mount, CollegeFootballGeek.com

A very interesting Week One is in the books and it is now time to look ahead to the second week of the college football season and the “sneaky” plays it has in store for fantasy owners. Here is a look at some guys who might fill in nicely for owners in need of a potential diamond in the rough.

Quarterbacks

Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin vs. Oregon State: Wilson showed why Badger fans are so excited to have him under center last week as he lit up UNLV for roughly 320 total yards and three scores. With the potent rushing attack that Wisconsin possesses, it is very likely that Wilson will have plenty of open passing lanes all season long. He could have a huge game against an Oregon State pass defense that gave up almost 300 yards passing and four scores to Sacramento State. Look for Wilson to be very efficient once again this week and post starting fantasy numbers.
 
Kriss Proctor QB Navy vs. Western Kentucky: Proctor looks like he is the next great option quarterback to lead the Navy offense. He accounted for 176 yards on the ground and three scores last week against Delaware and looked very comfortable running the offense. This week he has another good match up against Western Kentucky and could have his second straight stellar stat line. He could easily hit the century mark on the ground again and add a score or two.
 
Brett Smith QB Wyoming vs. Texas State: This true freshman looked tremendous in his first start as he accounted for over 330 total yards and four scores against Weber State last week. He has a shot to have another solid fantasy game this week against a Texas State team that gave up almost 350 yards and four touchdowns to Texas Tech in Week one. Smith could make for an interesting start when the match up is right.
 
Zach Maynard QB Cal vs. Colorado: The transfer from Buffalo had a solid debut for Cal as he tallied over 300 total yards and two scores against Fresno State last week. He has two big play receivers in Marvin Jones and Keenan Allen and showed that he can pick up some yardage on the ground when needed. This week’s game versus Colorado should be a good opportunity to post quality fantasy numbers and another 300 total yard game is within reason.

Running Backs

Kevin Parks RB Virginia vs. Indiana: This freshman showed what he could do right off the bat by rushing for 114 yards and adding three scores against William & Mary. He is technically number two on the depth chart to Perry Jones, but should see a good amount of carries each week for Virginia. He has a tasty match up this week against an Indiana rush defense that gave up over 200 yards to Ball State last week. He could be heavily involved again in Week two and may find the end zone a couple of more times. Fantasy owners might have a nice find in Parks and can use him against weaker defenses.
 
Branden Oliver RB Buffalo vs. Stony Brook: Oliver was a workhorse for Buffalo against Pittsburgh as he toted the rock a whopping 35 times. While he didn’t post great numbers, the fact that he got 35 carries is more than enough to intrigue fantasy owners. He could post big numbers this week against Stony Brook if he is given a steady dose of carries once again. Assuming he is the main ball carrier again, expect to see another 100-yard effort with one or two scores mixed in.
 
Chris Rainey RB Florida vs. UAB: Fantasy owners have been waiting for Rainey to explode for seemingly forever, and this just may be the year. He looked great in Week one against FAU as both a runner and receiver, accounting for 146 total yards and three scores. Rainey appears very comfortable in the Florida offense and could post gaudy numbers if he can stay healthy. Fantasy owners should be salivating at the thought of what he might do this week against UAB. Start him this week and enjoy the show.

Lyle McCombs RB Connecticut vs. Vanderbilt: This freshman took the ball and ran in his first start against Fordham, churning out 141 yards and four scores on the ground. He may have to share some carries with DJ Shoemate when he returns from a sprained ankle, but that may not be a concern with how good McCombs looked in Week One. He should see plenty of carries this week against a suspect Vanderbilt defense and could easily top the 100-yard plateau once again. Ride the hot hand in McCombs until he cools off.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends

Jarius Wright WR Arkansas vs. New Mexico: Wright has shown flashes of his ability in his time at Arkansas, but has never been the main target. While the ball will always be spread around at Arkansas, he seems to be a favorite of Tyler Wilson and could post nice numbers this season. There should be many opportunities for big plays against an overmatched New Mexico pass defense this week. Look for Wright to have another solid effort this Saturday.
 
Marvin Jones/Keenan Allen WR Cal vs. Colorado: Both Jones and Allen had impressive games last week against Fresno State. Jones went for 118 yards and two scores, while Allen totaled 112 yards through the air. These two could provide many big plays for fantasy owners this year and in Week two against Colorado. Look for both wide outs to continue to establish a rapport with QB Zach Maynard and post solid fantasy numbers against a suspect Colorado secondary.
 
Josh Boyce WR TCU vs. Air Force: This sophomore was targeted early and often in Week one against Baylor. He hauled in 9 receptions for 96 yards and a score and was clearly the favorite target of Casey Pachall. Boyce should be the focal point of the TCU passing attack and will have to deliver against a stingy Air Force pass defense. Look for another productive game from Boyce this week in a hard fought game with Air Force.
 
Marcus Davis WR Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina: This junior has great physical skills and might be starting to put it all together. He has been working well with QB Logan Thomas and appears to be ready to take his game to the next level. He exploded for 140 yards and two scores last week against Appalachian State and could build upon that this week against East Carolina. The East Carolina pass defense is not good and could be shredded by Davis and the other Hokies receivers. Look for Davis to catch at least one deep ball this week against ECU.

Jake Stoneburner TE Ohio State vs. Toledo: This talented junior had a monster game in Week one hauling in three touchdowns and leading the team with four receptions. With Ohio State breaking in a new starting quarterback, Stoneburner will likely be leaned on often and used as a safety valve in the passing game. Look for this Buckeye to be a consistent performer and post excellent fantasy numbers for the TE position. He is an excellent play in Week two against Toledo.

Sneaky Play Defenses

Illinois vs. South Dakota State
Michigan State vs. FAU
Pittsburgh vs. Maine
West Virginia vs. Norfolk State
Clemson vs. Wofford
Minnesota vs. New Mexico State
Northwestern vs. Eastern Illinois
Syracuse vs. Rhode Island
Ole Miss vs. Southern Illinois
Wyoming vs. Texas State
Arkansas vs. New Mexico
UCLA vs. San Jose State

There you have it everyone, enjoy this week’s action and always remember to have fun playing college fantasy football. Good luck this week!


More…

For more college fantasy football information, visit CollegeFootballGeek.com:

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• Injury Reports
• Player Stock Reports
• Player Rankings
• Sneaky Plays of the Week
• Waiver Wire Reports

CollegeFootballGeek.com is your home for 2011 college fantasy football content!  Draft kit, injury reports, player news, player projections, player rankings, mock drafts, community forums, and much more!

A special thanks to our friends at CollegeFootballGeek.com for providing us with their Week 2 Player Rankings