| Daily Blog •Thursday Nov 5th |
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Last week was another excellent week for my players of the week. I will grade it 8-3-1 and that means the last 6 weeks the record is 32-11-4 which pretty great for making mostly surprise picks! This week I have added a new category for those players who have great weeks almost every week including those leading the NCAA in their respective categories that will be facing weak defenses, and I will call it the “No Brainers”. First a review of last week’s picks.
QUARTERBACKS:
My QB’s of the Week for Week 9 (4 selections): Ryan Lindley, San Diego St, Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, Christian Ponder, Florida St, and Seth Doege, Texas Tech.
Ryan Lindley, San Diego St - Lindley was 22 of 38 (58%) for 253 yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the 23-20 comeback win over New Mexico. Pretty good numbers for a QB playing without his top WR Vincent Brown. WIN
Ryan Mallet, Arkansas - Mallet hit 14 of 16 (88%) for 248 yds with 3 TD’s and 0 interceptions in the Hogs’ 63-27 win over Eastern Michigan. Mallet came in averaging just 52% on the year and his 82% completion rate was his career-high. He was pulled early in this one, but still had numbers deserving of a win. WIN
Christian Ponder, Florida State - Ponder hit 26 of 40 (65%) for 277 yards with 2 TD’s and 2 interceptions in the Seminoles’ 45-42 win over NC State. This one was an obvious one with Ponder coming in red-hot but since he was not named as a semifinalist for the O’Brien Award for QB’s this year, I thought I would throw his name out there. WIN
Seth Doege, Texas Tech - Doege was 14 of 28 (50%) for 159 yards with 1 TD and 0 interceptions in the Red Raiders’ 42-21 win over Kansas. Doege didn’t play horribly, but he was replaced by Taylor Potts in the second half as he was facing heat on nearly all of his throws. Loss.
Top Honorable Mention Performances:
Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP - Vittatoe was 24 of 45 (53%) for 419 yards with two TD’s and two interceptions in the Miners’ 38-33 loss to UAB. Vittatoe came into the game averaging 215 yards per game but easily had his best game of the season yardage-wise.
Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M - Johnson was 23 of 28 (82%) for 234 yds with 3 TD’s and 0 interceptions in the Aggies’ 35-10 win over Iowa St. While the 234 yards was a season low, the 82% was the best performance of the season as Johnson was averaging just 59% previously.
Juice Williams, Illinois - Williams hit 8 of 11 (73%) for 123 yards with 1 TD and 0 interceptions. Williams also ran for a season-high 97 yards (4.6) with 1 TD in the big 38-13 win over Michigan. Williams’ 196.65 QB rating was also his highest of the season.
Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic - Smith hit 23 of 45 (51%) for 304 yards with 2 TD’s and 2 interceptions in the 27-20 loss to Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, Smith was injured (sprained AC joint) on the final offensive play and will miss the rest of the season.
Sean Canfield, Oregon St - Canfield hit 25 of 34 (74%) for 305 yards with 0 TD’s and 0 interceptions in the Beavers’ 26-19 win over UCLA. The 305 yards passing was by far the most allowed by the Bruins’ defense all year. Canfield’s completion rate was also the best against the Bruins this season.
RUNNING BACKS
My Week 9 RB picks were: Charles Scott, LSU and Donald Buckram, UTEP
Charles Scott, LSU - Scott ran for 118 yards (6.2) with 2 TD’s in the 42-0 win over Tulane. Scott came in averaging only 49.6 yards per game and he had a season-high in yards, yards per carry, and touchdowns. WIN
Donald Buckram, UTEP - Buckram ran for 164 yards (5.9) and 2 TD’s in the 38-33 loss to UAB. Buckram is already closing in on the 1,000 yard mark with 947 yards (6.3) and 10 TD’s with four games still to play! WIN
Top Honorable Mention Performances:
DaJuane Collins/Morgan Williams, Toledo - This duo came in averaging 117 rush ypg. While they combined for 104 yards rushing (4.7,) it was Adonis Thomas who stole the show with 107 yards (8.2) in this game. Toledo did run for 216 yards, however the Rockets lost to winless Miami, Ohio 31-24.
Damion Fletcher & Tory Harrison, Southern Miss - This dynamic duo ran for a combined 174 yards (4.8) and two TD’s in the Eagles’ 50-43 loss against Houston. Thanks to Fletcher and Harrison, Southern Miss amassed 680 yards of offense. Now the question is can they play defense as the Eagles allowed 750.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
My Week 9 WR Picks were: Dexter McCluster, Mississippi, Max Komar, Idaho
and Damian Williams, USC
Dexter McCluster, Mississippi - McCluster ran for a season-high 186 yards (8.5) with a touchdown in the 33-20 loss to Auburn. McCluster also added 17 yards receiving for 203 total yards. McCluster came in averaging 89 ypg (41 rush, 48 rec) as he easily had his best game of the season. WIN
Max Komar, Idaho - Komar had 7 receptions for 133 yards and two 30+ yard TD’s in Idaho’s 35-34 win over Louisiana Tech. Komar averaged 19 yards per catch against a Louisiana Tech team that was allowing just 171 pass yards per game. WIN
Damian Williams, USC - Williams had 9 receptions for 82 yards and a TD in the Trojans’ 47-20 loss against Oregon. Williams’ nine receptions were a season-high but he failed to reach the century-mark in yards for the fourth time this year. Push.
Top Honorable Mention Performances:
Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati - Gilyard had six receptions for 62 yards and 0 TD’s in the Bearcats’ 28-7 win over Syracuse. It was another WR that had a career-day in Armon Binns who had 138 yards on five receptions with 2 touchdowns.
Vincent Brown, San Diego St - Brown did not play against New Mexico last week as he is suffering from a thumb injury that occurred during the first half of the Colorado St game. While originally optimistic at first about his chances of playing, head coach Brady Hoke did not announce till late in the week that Brown would not play.
DEFENSES:
My Week 9 Defense picks: Ohio St and Arkansas
Ohio State vs New Mexico St - The Buckeye defense was dominating as they allowed just 62 yards in total offense and TWO first downs! The Buckeyes also scored a touchdown when they recovered a New Mexico St fumble in the end zone. Ohio State now has three shutouts on the season, their first time since 1996 in accomplishing that feat. Ohio State’s defense defeated New Mexico St on the scoreboard 7-0! WIN
Arkansas vs Eastern Michigan - Arkansas allowed 348 yards and 27 points in their 63-27 win over Eastern Michigan. Arkansas’ defense played as I expected in the first half however as they allowed just 39 yards and Arkansas had a 391-39 yard edge at the half and led 42-0! All of Eastern Michigan’s yards and points were in garbage time vs the backups but they count and this one is a clear loss due to getting ahead too early. Loss.
Top Honorable Mention Defenses:
LSU vs Tulane - The Tiger defense pitched a shutout against Tulane in their 42-0 win. The Tigers gave up only 216 yards of offense which is actually more than they gave up against SEC foes Vanderbilt and Auburn this year.
Tennessee vs South Carolina - The Volunteer defense gave up just 65 yards rushing in their 31-13 win over the Gamecocks. While South Carolina QB Garcia had 300 yards passing, the Vols forced four critical turnovers.
Utah vs Wyoming - My computer’s projection was nearly spot-on for this game as the Utes held Wyoming to just 10 points and 202 yards of offense in their 22-10 win. Coming into the game my computer had Wyoming scoring 9 points and gaining just 210 yards. It was the lowest amount of yards given up by Utah this year.
Boise St vs San Jose St - Again my computer projection was very close for this game as the Broncos allowed just 7 points and 223 yards. Coming into the game, my computer had San Jose St scoring 9 and gaining just 192. Boise St has now allowed just one opponent to crack the 100 yard mark rushing this season.
UPSET OF THE WEEK
Colorado over Missouri – I watch 12 games at a time and focus on the 4 sets directly in front of me. I watch sets #5 and #6 and catch about 85% of their plays. I watch sets #7, #8 and #9 and catch about 75% of their plays. I only catch about 35-40% of the plays on the 4 TV’s all the way to the left. I watched this game on my main set of 4 TV’s at kickoff. By halftime it was up on set #12 as Colorado was getting destroyed and the first half was non-competitive. They did play better in the 2nd half but this one was decided by the half. Loss.
Now for this week’s selections...
QUARTERBACKS:
MY QB’s of the WEEK: Juice Williams, Illinois, Nick Foles, Arizona, Colt McCoy, Texas and Kevin Riley, Cal
Juice Williams, Illinois - Last year Juice Williams set a Memorial Stadium record of 503 total yds vs Minnesota. Williams played the entire game vs Michigan after platooning vs Purdue and the Illini totalled 420 yards in the 2nd half in a breakthrough win vs the Wolverines. The Illini finally seem to have found a worthy replacement at RB for Rashard Mendenhall (#1 DC in ‘08) in Mikel LeShoure who has had back-to-back games of 150 plus yards. With a bonafide run threat for the read zone option plays, Williams is at his most dangerous and he should be able to take advantage of a Gopher defense which is allowing a Big Ten worst 440 yards per game in conference play.
Nick Foles, Arizona - Nick Foles is only averaging 233 ypg (72%) with an 11-5 ratio, and this week takes on Washington St which is #114 in my pass D rankings allowing 291 ypg (68%) with a 16-8 ratio. Foles has averaged 325 pass ypg in his 4 starts and should have a huge game this week.
Colt McCoy, Texas - McCoy is only averaging 247 pass ypg (72%) with a 15-8 ratio and fell out of the Heisman conversation after some subpar early outings. Last week McCoy threw for only 171 yds vs Oklahoma St but he led Texas to a convincing 41-14 win. In non-conference play McCoy has averaged 313 ypg (71%) with an 8-3 ratio and should have a big game vs UCF’s #100 pass D this week to put his name back on the Heisman radar.
Kevin Riley, Cal - Riley is having a steady, but not spectacular season and comes in averaging 226 pass ypg (55.5%) with a nice 13-2 ratio. This week Cal takes on Oregon St which ranks #49 in my pass D rankings but is allowing 272 pass ypg (60%) with a 15-5 ratio having faced a tough slate of opposing QB’s. OSU has allowed three 300 yd passing games this year. Riley threw for 351 yds and 2 TD’s last week vs Arizona St for his first 300 yd game of the year, but my computer predicts he will throw for 303 yds this week.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Ryan Mallett, Arkansas - You’ve seen Mallett’s name before in my blog, but this week he takes on a South Carolina defense that ranks #15 in my pass defense rankings allowing just 141.3 pass ypg (53%) with an 8-5 ratio. Mallett is averaging 268.5 pass ypg (54%) with an 18-3 ratio and will need to have a strong game with RB Smith banged up (missed last game). South Carolina hasn’t taken on a QB of this caliber yet and in fact, their own QB Garcia is #2 in the SEC in pass ypg behind Mallett. Mallett will want to make a statement in this home game, and South Carolina has typically suffered a late season swoon.
Corey Leonard, Arkansas St - Here’s a name few have heard of outside of the Sun Belt and Leonard is only averaging 193 ypg (55%) with a 7-5 ratio. Leonard passed for a season-high 303 yds last week in ASU’s 21-13 loss to Louisville last week. This week ASU takes a step down in competition to take on Louisiana which is #77 in my pass D rankings allowing 236 ypg (60%) with a 15-11 ratio. Louisiana allowed 372 pass yds to FAU’s Rusty Smith 2 weeks ago and while I don’t expect Leonard to reach that mark, another 300 yd game would be a great day for him.
Jeff Van Camp, Florida Atlantic - With FAU’s 4 year starting QB Rusty Smith out for the year with a shoulder injury, Van Camp takes over this week and is making his first start on the road at UAB. This is really an off-the-wall pick to take a QB on the road in his first start, but I think Van Camp will have a good game as he has 3 years with the program and has played in 5 games this year in mop-up duty. Van Camp hit 5 of 9 for 73 yds last week after Smith was injured (played the last 5 minutes of the game). UAB is #111 in my pass D rankings allowing 324 ypg (64%) with a 19-6 ratio, and UAB’s defense has only 11 sacks in 8 games, so Van Camp should have plenty of time to operate.
Zac Frazer, Connecticut - Here’s another “backup” QB who will be starting this week after the starter was injured. The difference here is that Frazer actually started the first 2 games of the year before he suffered an injury, so he is experienced and actually beat out Endres for the starting job in August. Frazer (PS#7) has averaged 185 pass ypg (48%) with just a 3-7 ratio in 3 games this year, so predicting a good week for him is a surprise pick especially since he is facing #4 Cincinnati this week on the road. Cincinnati is #35 in my pass D rankings allowing 197 ypg (61%) with a 6-14 ratio, but my computer predicts that Connecticut will throw for 220 yds and if Frazer manages a positive ratio this week vs the #4 team in the country that is a Win.
NO BRAINERS:
Kyle Padron/Bo Levi Mitchell, SMU - Mitchell suffered a shoulder injury which forced Padron to make his first career start last week on the road at Tulsa. Padron came through with 354 pass yds which was the best debut by a QB in school history. SMU is 2 wins away from clinching the school’s first bowl since 1984 and this week takes on an 0-8 Rice team. Rice is dead last in my pass defense rankings allowing 260 pass ypg (66%) with a 20-3 ratio, so whomever gets the start will have a big day.
Levi Brown, Troy - Brown is averaging 358 pass ypg (68%) with an 11-0 ratio in SBC play and now takes on a Western Kentucky defense that is allowing 537 ypg and 49.3 ppg. A huge game by Brown is hardly a surprise.
Colin Kaepernick, Nevada - Kaepernick is the catalyst for the nation’s #1 rushing offense (319 ypg) and over the month of October, the 6’6” 215 lb junior has regained the form that saw him walk away with the 2008 WAC Offensive POY honors. After an uncharacteristic start to the season where he struggled to find any sort of a rhythm in the first three weeks, Kaepernick welcomed the month of October with open arms pacing the Wolf Pack to five consecutive wins (5-0) in which he rushed for 683 yds (9.0 ypc) & 8 TD’s while also averaging 185 ypg passing (62%) with an 11-1 ratio. What’s more, Nevada’s pistol offense accounted for an astonishing 2,013 yds (403 ypg, 7.9 ypc) & 21 TD’s during that stretch.
Kellen Moore, Boise State - To say Moore has been efficient this season would be an understatement as the poised sophomore QB leads the nation in pass efficiency (171.02). He is the focal point of Boise’s balanced offense (249 ypg passing, 186 ypg rushing) and is averaging 171 ypg passing (67%) with an eye-opening 24-2 ratio for the season. In the last five games, Moore is avg 244 ypg (68%) with a 16-1 ratio. He has also thrown multiple TD passes in seven consecutive games and is garnering attention for this year’s Heisman. Moore faces Louisiana Tech this week and Boise will continue to try and bump up their stats to stay in the BCS equation.
RUNNING BACKS:
MY RB’s of the WEEK: CJ Spiller, Clemson, Donald Buckram, UTEP, Frank Goodin, ULM, and John Clay, Wisconsin.
CJ Spiller, Clemson - Spiller is one of the ACC’s top offensive weapons averaging 185 ypg and he takes on a struggling FSU defense which is allowing 429 ypg (#109 NCAA) which is the worst number in retiring DC Mickey Andrews’ distinguished career. CJ is now being prominently mentioned on many Heisman lists and should have another huge game this week.
Donald Buckram - I used Buckram 2 weeks in a row and he has not disappointed as he rushed for 329 yds (6.1) & 4 rush TD’s (also had 30 yd run for a TD off a hook’n ladder). I’ll stick with him again this week against a Tulane defense that is allowing 205 rush ypg, including 260 ypg the last 2 weeks. Go ahead throw out the name Donald Buckram to a bunch of your friends and see how many know which team he plays for.
Frank Goodin, ULM - Here’s another guy that gets little recognition but has steady production so far this year with 707 rush yds (4.8) and 10 TD’s. This week ULM takes on North Texas which is allowing 195 rush ypg (4.9). North Texas lost their top tackler Nwigwe for the season prior to last week’s game and allowed 49 points and 425 yds (including 281 rush yds, 7.4 ypc) to the weakest Sun Belt team Western Kentucky. ULM rFr QB Wells has started the last with starting QB Revell out with injury, but no matter who starts at QB this week, ULM should be able to ride their workhorse RB vs a weak North Texas rush defense.
John Clay, Wisconsin - The Big Ten’s leading rusher Clay used the bye week to rest a gimpy ankle and the result was a 123 yd performance vs Purdue. This week Clay takes on an Indiana rush defense which is allowing 177 ypg (4.0) in Big Ten play. Last year the Badgers ran for 441 yds (7.2) vs an undermanned Hoosiers defense and this year UW once again has enormous edges along both lines as they are the first Big Ten team to lead the league in rush offense and defense since ‘96.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Daniel Thomas, Kansas St - Thomas has 902 yds (5.0) and 10 TD’s in 9 games this year and is averaging 100.2 ypg on an improving Kansas St squad. Last week he rushed for 88 yds and a TD vs Oklahoma’s tough D and also threw a 41 yd pass. This week K-St takes on their rival Kansas and needs one more win to be bowl eligible. Kansas has dropped 3 straight after starting the season 5-0 and is allowing 136 rush ypg (3.9), but allowed 219 rush (5.1) vs Iowa St a few weeks ago.
Dion Lewis, Pitt - Lewis is #4 in the NCAA in rush ypg averaging 128.6 and 5.6 ypc. Lewis has five 100+ yd rush games this year. Syracuse’s defense has been strong against the run this year allowing just 88.9 rush ypg (2.8) including allowing just 78 yds (2.2) vs Penn St, 127 (3.2) vs West Virginia and 127 (3.7) vs #4 Cincy. However, this week the situation changes as Syracuse lost their top offensive threat WR Mike Williams which will allow Pitt’s defense to key on the running game and Pitt should control the clock with their strong running game led by Lewis.
Mark Ingram, Alabama - Alabama is fresh off a bye and facing Saban’s former school for the SEC West title this week. RB Ingram has made a name for himself this year and with QB McElroy’s struggles vs strong defenses, expect Saban to ride his strong running game led by Ingram for this key game. Ingram has 1,004 rush yds (6.6) this year including four 100+ yd rush games with 246 yds vs South Carolina 2 weeks ago. LSU is only allowing 114 rush ypg (3.2) this year, but allowed 193 rush yds to Florida and 151 rush yds to Miss St and Alabama’s OL is superior to LSU’s DL and the game will be decided in the trenches this week.
NO BRAINER:
Ryan Mathews, Fresno State - Mathews is the nation’s leading rusher with 1,316 yds (7.4 ypc) and is averaging 164.5 ypc while posting 11 rushing TD’s. He has rushed for a school-record eight 100 yard games this season and has recorded two of the NCAA’s Top 10 games this season after rushing for 234 yards against Boise State and 233 yards against San Jose State. What’s more, seven of Mathews’ 11 rushing TD’s this year have gone for TD’s runs over 50 yards. This week FSU faces Idaho and the Vandals have allowed 353 rush ypg (7.1) the last 2 weeks vs Nevada and Louisiana Tech.
WIDE RECEIVERS:
MY WR’s of the WEEK (3 selections): Golden Tate, Notre Dame, Brandon Banks, Kansas St and Damaris Johnson, Tulsa.
Golden Tate, Notre Dame - Tate is #4 in the NCAA in receiving yards per game averaging 116 ypg (16.6) but surprisingly last year vs the Midshipmen he was blanked for the only time in the last 2 years in which he’s caught 114 passes for 2,007 yds (17.6). The Irish’s other outstanding WR Michael Floyd was injured early on in that ‘08 game vs Navy but his year Floyd may return after missing the last 5 games due to a broken collarbone. Expect Floyd’s presence to attract additional coverage and allow Tate to atone for last year’s performance.
Brandon Banks, Kansas St - Banks is only 5’7” 150 lbs but is one of the top special teams players in the nation that no one has heard of. Last week he was named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week with a 98 yd KR TD vs Oklahoma plus had 9 rec for 156 yds (17.3)! Banks leads the Big 12 in all-purpose ypg (183 ypg) and leads KSU with 42 receptions for 524 yds (12.5) plus has 49 yds rushing and averages 9.3 on punt returns and 31.8 on kick returns with 4 TD’s! K-St takes on their rival Kansas with both battling for that key 6th win.
Damaris Johnson, Tulsa - Johnson leads the Hurricane with 29 receptions for 567 yds (19.6) and has hauled in 2 TD’s. Johnson is also a threat in the run game with 145 yds (6.9). Johnson caught 4 passes last week with an amazing 30.3 ypc (121 yds). This week he faces a Houston secondary that was torched for 360 yds (17.1) & 3 TD’s last week, as they allowed 186 yds (23.3) & 3 TD’s to one player (Gerald Baptiste, Southern Miss). Houston hasn’t applied much pressure this year (5 of 14 sacks came in 1 game) which has given opposing teams time to get the ball down the field.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Jerrell Jernigan, Troy - This guy had a huge game last week with 13 receptions for 203 yds with 1 TD vs UL Monroe. He leads Troy with 40 receptions for 534 yds (13.4). This week Troy takes on the newest Sun Belt team (and also the weakest) Western Kentucky. WK is #96 in the NCAA in pass defense allowing 245 ypg and my computer predicts that Troy will have 350 pass yds in this one which should mean a big game for Jernigan.
Marcus Easley, Connecticut - Probably not a household name here and he’s taking on #4 Cincinnati this week, so this is a surprise pick for sure. Easley has been Connecticut’s big play receiver this year with 20 receptions for 472 yds (23.6) and 4 TD’s. Easley had three consecutive 100+ yd receiving games (all vs Big East foes), but was “held” to 5 rec for 81 yds and 1 TD vs Rutgers last week. If Easley has a big week, everyone will be surprised except for me.
Scott Long, Louisville - Picking anyone from this downtrodden Louisville squad is a surprise pick. Long is the team’s top receiver with 35 receptions for 528 yds (15.1) with just one 100+ yd receiving game this year. This week Louisville takes on a decent WV defense, but the Mountaineers have been susceptible to the pass at times allowing 236 ypg (52%) with a 15-12 ratio which ranks #16 in my pass D rankings. WV allowed 378 pass yds to Connecticut 2 weeks ago and Louisville will have to pass to win. Tough to play at Morgantown, but Louisville is fighting for survival right now and Long is one of their playmakers.
DEFENSES:
MY DEFENSES of the WEEK (2 selections): USC and Penn St
USC vs Arizona St - USC is off an embarrassing 47-20 loss to Oregon in which they allowed 613 total yds and 31 first downs. This week they are angry and are fortunate to be facing an ASU team that doesn’t have a mobile QB. USC only allowed 8.6 ppg in their first 5 games, but has allowed 36.7 ppg in the last 3. Arizona St is averaging 358 ypg and 26.7 ppg, but my computer predicts that USC will hold the Sun Devils to just 16 pts and 312 yds. Calling for a defensive turnaround like this in one week is a surprising pick.
Penn St vs Ohio St - In conference play OSU is averaging a league high 30 ppg despite averaging just 335 ypg. In fact vs defenses that rank in the NCAA’s top 89 this year OSU has scored just 7 offensive TD’s in 4 games with 3 coming in the opener vs Navy. PSU leads the NCAA in scoring defense (9.3 ppg) and has yet to allow an offensive TD in the 1H in 6 home games this year. Keep in mind that those numbers have been compiled with the Lions unable to play the Big Ten’s top LB duo Sean Lee and Navarro Bowman full time in a game in Beaver Stadium this year due to injuries. The duo is finally at full strength this week and now takes on a struggling OSU OL which has started 5 different combinations and has allowed 8 sacks in their 2 true road games this year.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Clemson vs Florida St - FSU comes in averaging 444 ypg and 32 ppg behind the solid play of QB Christian Ponder. Ponder has basically been FSU’s offense as he’s now up to 3rd in the NCAA in total offense averaging 327 ypg. Ponder suffered bruised ribs early in the 1st half vs NC St last week but played through the pain to direct the game winning TD drive. This week however he takes on a Tigers’ D which leads the ACC in scoring defense (16.5), pass defense (146) and sacks (22) and may miss several days of practice to save his ribs. This is the best defense that FSU has faced so far this year. Look for the Tigers to shut down Ponder and therefore the ‘Noles offense.
Oklahoma St vs Iowa St - Oklahoma St is coming off a blowout loss to Texas in which they allowed 41 points, but only 275 total yds which is well below Texas’ season average of 418 ypg. Oklahoma St needs to bounce back in a big way this week and luckily takes on an Iowa St team that is playing well, but doesn’t have the athletes that Texas or Oklahoma St have. ISU is averaging 381 ypg and 22.7 ppg, but I feel that OSU can hold them well below their season averages even with a big game with Texas Tech on deck.
Arkansas St vs Louisiana - Beyond Troy, none of the other Sun Belt teams get much recognition, but Arkansas St has played well recently despite their 2-5 record. ASU is only allowing 20 ppg and 342 ypg despite taking on Nebraska, undefeated Iowa and Louisville all on the road and only allowed 28 ppg in those 3 contests which is less than some BCS schools would have allowed vs those 3. This week ASU takes on a Louisiana team with a better record (4-4), but the Ragin Cajuns have struggled a bit lately off 2 straight losses. Just comparing common opponents, ASU allowed 38 pts to Nebraska while UL allowed 55 pts, and ASU beat FIU 27-10 while UL lost 20-17. My computer predicts that ASU will hold UL to 11 pts and 258 total yds this week.
Notre Dame vs Navy - Notre Dame’s offense has excelled this year, but their defense is still struggling at times allowing 384 ypg which is #83 in the NCAA. Last year with basically the same players they held Navy to 242 total yards. Notre Dame led 27-7 with 5:30 left until their 4th string RB Gray fumbled at the Navy4 which gave Navy some momentum. Notre Dame then gave up a TD, then Navy recovered the onside kick and drove for another TD and then recovered another onside kick. Navy was down 27-21 with 1:21 left and drove to the Irish 34 and Notre Dame was fighting for dear life and stopped Navy on downs with :22 left. There will be no letup this time and they showed last year that they have the athletes and coaching to stop the option. One other thing in their favor is that Navy QB Dobbs who led the comeback last year isn’t 100% with a knee injury.
NO BRAINERS:
Florida vs Vanderbilt - Florida comes in at #2 in the NCAA in total defense allowing 236.6 ypg and #2 in scoring defense allowing 11 ppg and faces a banged up Vanderbilt team that has now lost QB Smith for the season. Vanderbilt ranks #93 in the NCAA in total offense averaging 331.2 ypg, and has averaged just 7.8 ppg and 235 ypg in SEC play this year.
Pittsburgh vs Syracuse - A Pitt defense which leads the nation in sacks (33) takes on an Orange team which lost its main offensive weapon WR Mike Williams when he quit the team earlier this week. My computer calls for the Orange to have just 223 yds but that doesn’t take into account Williams’ departure.
UPSET OF THE WEEK:
MY UPSET of the WEEK: ILLINOIS over Minnesota
Last year as mentioned Juice Williams set a Memorial Stadium record with 503 total yards vs Minnesota and Illinois had a 550-312 yd edge, but lost 27-20. Illinois must win out to go to a bowl and even though the AD has said that Zook will return next year, wins will help get the fans back on board. Last week Illinois came back from the dead with a huge 38-13 upset of Michigan and outgained the Wolverines 500-377 with QB Williams playing the whole game after platooning vs Purdue. Minnesota’s win over Michigan St was a bit fluky with Minny scoring 14 points before MSU’s offense touched the ball and the last TD catch was controversial. Minnesota is in their 2nd game without top WR Decker and hasn’t proven they can play without him. The Illini have momentum from last week’s big win and have superior motivation in another must-win game.
A special thanks to our friends at CFFinsider.com for providing us with their Week 10 Rankings
| Quarterback | Running Back | Wide Receiver |
| 1) Colin Kaepernick, NEV @ SJST | 1) Ryan Mathews, FRST @ IDAH | 1) Golden Tate, ND vs NAVY |
| 2) Case Keenum, HOU @ TULSA | 2) Chad Spann, NIU vs EMCH | 2) Aldrick Robinson, SMU vs RICE |
| 3) Nick Foles, ARZ vs WAST | 3) Dion Lewis, PITT vs SYR | 3) Ryan Broyles, OKLA @ NEB |
| 4) Jerrod Johnson, TXAM @ COL | 4) Bernard Pierce, TEMP vs MIOH | 4) Jordan Shipley, TEX vs CFLA |
| 5) Jimmy Clausen, ND vs NAVY | 5) Donald Buckram, UTEP @ TUL | 5) James Cleveland, HOU @ TULSA |
| 6) Joe Webb, UAB vs FAU | 6) Lance Dunbar, NOTX vs LAMO | 6) Mardy Gilyard, CIN vs UCONN |
| 7) Riley Dodge, NOTX vs LAMO | 7) Jacquizz Rodgers, ORST @ CAL | 7) Dezmon Briscoe, KAN @ KNST |
| 8 ) Colt McCoy, TEX vs CFLA | 8 ) Harvey Unga, BYU @ WY | 8 ) Greg Salas, HAW vs UTST |
| 9) Tim Tebow, FLA vs VNDY | 9) Montario Hardesty, TENN vs MEM | 9) Titus Young, BOST @ LATC |
| 10) Tony Pike, CIN vs UCONN | 10) John Clay, WIS @ IND | 10) Randall Cobb, KTKY vs EKY |
| 11) Zach Collaros, CIN vs UCONN | 11) Mark Ingram, ALA vs LSU | 11) Dexter McCluster, MISS vs NOAZ |
| 12) Kellen Moore, BOST @ LATC | 12) Ryan Williams, VATC @ ECU | 12) DeMarco Sampson, SDST vs TCU |
| 13) Zac Robinson, OKST @ IWST | 13) Jahvid Best, CAL vs ORST | 13) Jerrel Jernigan, TROY @ WKTY |
| 14) Levi Brown, TROY @ WKTY | 14) Alfred Morris, FAU @ UAB | 14) James Rodgers, ORST @ CAL |
| 15) Dwight Dasher, MDTN vs FIU | 15) Noel Devine, WVU vs LOU | 15) David Reed, UTAH vs NMEX |
| 16) Russell Wilson, NCST vs MYLD | 16) LaMichael James, ORE @ STAN | 16) Emmanuel Sanders, SMU vs RICE |
| 17) Diondre Borel, UTST @ HAW | 17) Daniel Thomas, KNST vs KAN | 17) Kerry Meier, KAN @ KNST |
| 18) Max Hall, BYU @ WY | 18) Vai Taua, NEV @ SJST | 18) Armon Binns, CIN vs UCONN |
| 19) Kevin Riley, CAL vs ORST | 19) Derrick Washington, MO vs BAY | 19) Jeremy Williams, TUL vs UTEP |
| 20) Blaine Gabbert, MO vs BAY | 20) Robert Turbin, UTST @ HAW | 20) Patrick Edwards, HOU @ TULSA |
| 21) Todd Reesing, KAN @ KNST | 21) Keola Antolin, ARZ vs WAST | 21) Tyron Carrier, HOU @ TULSA |
| 22) Josh Nesbitt, GTCH vs WFST | 22) Shawnbrey McNeal, SMU vs RICE | 22) Jeff Fuller, TXAM @ COL |
| 23) Jevan Snead, MISS vs NOAZ | 23) Charles Clay, TULSA vs HOU | 23) Austin Pettis, BOST @ LATC |
| 24) Ryan Mallett, ARK vs SOCAR | 24) Eddie Wide, UTAH vs NMEX | 24) Uzoma Nwachukwu, TXAM @ COL |
| 25) Bryant Moniz, HAW vs UTST | 25) Jonathan Dwyer, GTCH vs WFST | 25) Max Komar, IDAH vs FRST |
| 26) Kyle Parker, CLEM vs FSU | 26) Ben Tate, AUB vs FUR | 26) Hubert Anyiam, OKST @ IWST |
| 27) Kyle Padron, SMU vs RICE | 27) Brandon Wegher, IOWA vs NWU | 27) Alshon Jeffery, SOCAR @ ARK |
| 28) Jeremiah Masoli, ORE @ STAN | 28) C.J. Spiller, CLEM vs FSU | 28) Marvin McNutt, IOWA vs NWU |
| 29) G.J. Kinne, TULSA vs HOU | 29) Toby Gerhart, STAN vs ORE | 29) Blair White, MIST vs WMCH |
| 30) Christian Ponder, FSU @ CLEM | 30) Frank Goodin, LAMO @ NOTX | 30) Danario Alexander, MO vs IWST |
| Tight End | Kicker | Defense |
| 1) Dennis Pitta, BYU @ WY | 1) Mike Salerno, NIU vs EMCH | 1) Air Force, AF vs ARMY |
| 2) Garrett Graham, WIS @ IND | 2) Nick Tausch, ND vs NAVY | 2) Mississippi, MISS vs NOAZ |
| 3) Kyle Rudolph, ND vs NAVY | 3) Justin Kahut, ORST @ CAL | 3) Auburn, AUB vs FUR |
| 4) Dennis Morris, LATC vs BOST | 4) Richard Jackson, CLEM vs FSU | 4) Florida, FLA vs VNDY |
| 5) Alston Umuolo, SDST vs TCU | 5) Caleb Sturgis, FLA vs VNDY | 5) Alabama, ALA vs LSU |
| 6) Jason Harmon, FAU @ UAB | 6) Erik Soderberg, AF vs ARMY | 6) Texas, TEX vs CFLA |
| 7) George Bryan, NCST vs MYLD | 7) Kyle Brotzman, BOST @ LATC | 7) Oklahoma, OKLA @ NEB |
| 8 ) Jamie McCoy, TXAM @ COL | 8 ) Ross Gornall, FAU @ UAB | 8 ) Pittsburgh, PITT vs SYR |
| 9) Tony Moeaki, IOWA vs NWU | 9) Brett Swenson, MIST vs WMCH | 9) Utah, UTAH vs NMEX |
| 10) Riar Geer, COL vs TXAM | 10) Jeremy Knott, NOTX vs LAMO | 10) LSU, LSU @ ALA |
| 11) Ed Dickson, ORE @ STAN | 11) Alan Gendreau, MDTN vs FIU | 11) Georgia, GA vs TNTC |
| 12) Weslye Saunders, SOCAR @ ARK | 12) Morgan Flint, ORE @ STAN | 12) Arizona, ARZ vs WAST |
| 13) Derrick Catlett, IWST vs OKST | 13) Daniel Murray, IOWA vs NWU | 13) BYU, BYU @ WY |
| 14) Aaron Hernandez, FLA vs VNDY | 14) Alex Tejada, ARK vs SOCAR | 14) Cincinnati, CIN vs UCONN |
| 15) Nick Tow-Arnett, MINN vs ILL | 15) Jake Rogers, CIN vs UCONN | 15) Boise St, BOST @ LATC |
| 16) Michael Palmer, CLEM vs FSU | 16) Daniel Lincoln, TENN vs MEM | 16) Tennessee, TENN vs MEM |
| 17) Brian Linthicum, MIST vs WMCH | 17) Hunter Lawrence, TEX vs CFLA | 17) Iowa, IOWA vs NWU |
| 18) Charlie Gantt, MIST vs WMCH | 18) Kevin Goessling, FRST @ IDAH | 18) USC, USC @ AZST |
| 19) Jack Doyle, WKTY vs TROY | 19) Dustin Hopkins, FSU @ CLEM | 19) UNC, UNC vs DUKE |
| 20) John Bonner, EMCH @ NIU | 20) Wes Byrum, AUB vs FUR | 20) Penn St, PSU vs OSU |
| 21) Dorin Dickerson, PITT vs SYR | 21) Blair Walsh, GA vs TNTC | 21) Ohio St, OSU @ PSU |
| 22) Virgil Green, NEV @ SJST | 22) Joshua Shene, MISS vs NOAZ | 22) Oregon, ORE @ STAN |
| 23) Wayne Times, FIU @ MDTN | 23) Matt Bosher, MIA vs VA | 23) TCU, TCU @ SDST |
| 24) Jamari Grant, FAU @ UAB | 24) Brandon McManus, TEMP vs MIOH | 24) West Virginia, WVU vs LOU |
| 25) Tracy Moore, OKST @ IWST | 25) Logan Barrett, UTEP @ TUL | 25) Missouri, MO vs BAY |
| 26) Adrien Robinson, CIN vs UCONN | 26) Scott Blair, GTCH vs WFST | 26) Georgia Tech, GTCH vs WFST |
| 27) Kazeem Alli, CIN vs UCONN | 27) Dan Bailey, OKST @ IWST | 27) Kentucky, KTKY vs EKY |
| 28) Dion Sims, MIST vs WMCH | 28) Ross Evans, TCU @ SDST | 28) Temple, TEMP vs MIOH |
| 29) Taylor Wardlow, RICE @ SMU | 29) Matt Szymanski, SMU vs RICE | 29) Oregon, ORE @ STAN |
| 30) Tommy Trott, AUB vs FUR | 30) Josh Arauco, AKST vs LALF | 30) Washington, WASH @ UCLA |
A special thanks to our friends at CollegeFootballGeek.com for providing us with their Waiver Wire Report for Week 10.
WAIVER WIRE REPORT – WEEK 10
Need to bolster your roster? Here is a look at the top college fantasy football prospects who may be available on the waiver wire.
QUARTERBACKS
Riley Dodge, North Texas
Week 9: Rushing 15-70-3
Week 9: Passing 24-262-4
Now this is the Dodge we expected to see more of this year! He must be considered a risky play down the stretch, but maybe he could catch fire if you are desperate at the QB position.
Martevious Young, Southern Miss
Week 9: Rushing 10-70-1
Week 9: Passing 20-334-3
Young has a bye next week, then a tasty date with Marshall.
Zac Dysert, Miami(OH)
Week 9: Rushing 13-60-2
Week 9: Passing 31-344-1
Dysert has a tough match up against Temple next week before facing Bowling Green and Buffalo.
Kyle Padron, SMU
Week 9: Passing 20-354-2
Padron is filling in for the injured Bo Levi Mitchell. A tasty date against Rice looms, as long as BLM is out, Padron is a great match up play.
Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee
Week 9: Passing 12-142-2
The Vols take on Memphis this week, and Crompton should have a very productive outing.
RUNNING BACKS
Brandon Wegher, Iowa
Week 9: Rushing 25-118-3
Week 9: Receiving 1-8-0
Wegher is the new go-to RB for the Hawkeyes.
Montel Harris, Boston College
Week 9: Rushing 27-136-2
Week 9: Receiving 2-37-0
He is still available in some leagues, and has a couple nice matchups left on the schedule.
Vince Murray, Navy
Week 9: Rushing 33-115-1
Averaging 25 carries, 140 yards and 1 TD over his past three games. Notre Dame, Delaware and Hawaii remain on the schedule.
Charles Sims, Houston
Week 9: Rushing 14-95-1
Week 9: Receiving 3-40-0
To the dismay of Beall owners, Sims has continued to make an impact in the UH backfield. The Cougars score so often that Sims is likely to reach the endzone each week.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Armon Binns, Cincinnati
Week 9: Receiving 5-138-2
Binns has 6 TDs in his last four games.
Tyshon Goode, Kent State
Week 9: Receiving 11-198-2
Goode has been great the past two weeks with 20 receptions for 300+ yards and 4 TDs.
Andre Jones, Akron
Week 9: Receiving 6-154-1
With Deryn Bowser out for the year, Jones has moved over from defense to his natural position and is making an impact.
Jeff Moturi, UTEP
Week 9: Receiving 7-161-0
UTEP is starting to get things rolling. Moturi has some nice match ups in coming weeks.
Gerald Baptiste, Southern Miss
Week 9: Receiving 8-186-3
Baptiste is a boom or bust option down the stretch.
TIGHT ENDS
Nick Tow-Arnett, Minnesota
Week 9: Receiving 8-81-2
The Gopher TE finally reached the endzone this week. Could this be a sign of things to come?
Alston Umuolo, San Diego State
Week 9: Receiving 4-38-1
Umuolo has a TD in each of his last three games. However, tough match ups against TCU and Utah remain.
Jamari Grant, FAU
Week 9: Receiving 6-80-0
Great match up against UAB next week, and WKU in week 13. Fellow TE Jason Harmon is hampered by injury, but QB Rusty Smith is out for the year.
Zack Pianalto, UNC
Week 9: Receiving 6-34-0
The talented Tar Heel is back from injury and looking pretty good. Solid match ups against Duke and NC State are left on the docket.
DEFENSES
Kentucky vs. Eastern Kentucky
Georgia vs. Tennessee Tech
Auburn vs. Furman
Tennessee vs. Memphis
Ole Miss vs. Northern Arizona
A special thanks to our friends at CollegeFootballGeek.com for providing us for their Sneaky Plays for Week 10
SNEAKY PLAYS – WEEK 10
Do you need roster help this weekend, but missed out on the hot waiver wire pick ups? Here are some sneaky, under-the-radar players who have favorable matchups this week.
Quarterbacks
Kyle Parker QB Clemson vs. Florida State:
This freshman signal caller has looked better as the season has gone on. This week he gets to play target practice with a pathetic Seminoles defense that ranks 97th in the country. The Tigers offense is starting to find its stride and Parker should have a bunch of opportunities for some big plays down the field.
Nick Foles QB Arizona vs. Washington State:
Since winning the job outright this Cat has been on a tear. He is averaging 325 yards per game and 2 touchdown passes over his last four starts. Now he gets to ravage the abysmal Cougars pass defense that ranks 118th out of 120 schools nationally. He should have his way with this team.
Bill Stull QB Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse:
This senior has been very consistent this season and has finally given Pitt a proven passing attack. This week he gets to face a very bad Syracuse pass defense that has not stopped anyone all year long. He should be able to find his receivers downfield for some long plays this week.
Sean Canfield QB Oregon State vs. Cal:
This senior Beaver has finally found his stride and has been putting up very good numbers recently. Two weeks ago he lit up the USC defense for 329 yards and 3 scores. On deck this week is a Cal defense that ranks 115th in the country allowing roughly 270 yards per game. This game could be a high scoring affair and Canfield will be heavily involved.
Running Backs
Brandon Wegher RB Iowa vs. Northwestern:
This freshman showed what he can do last week as he rushed for 118 yards and 3 touchdowns against Indiana. With the starting job in his grasp, Wegher should continue to receive plenty of carries in a good running offense. This week he faces an average Northwestern defense that the Hawkeyes should be able to pound the ball against all game long.
Derrick Washington RB Missouri vs. Baylor:
Despite being a major disappointment thus far in 2009, Washington looks very tempting this week. He is coming off one of his best games of the year last week when had 99 yards and a score. With the Bears of Baylor on the docket this week, it looks like a safe bet that Washington would at least duplicate last week’s stats. The Bears cannot stop the run and Missouri is looking to establish their running game so this looks like a match made in heaven.
Wide Receivers
Marvin Jones WR Cal vs. Oregon State:
This highly touted sophomore has scored in three straight games and gets to pick on an inept Oregon State pass defense this week. The Beavers rank 116th in the country against the pass while giving up over 270 yards per game. The offenses should dominate in this game and Jones will be a big part of the Cal passing attack.
Derek Moye WR Penn State vs. Ohio State:
This Lion has caught 6 passes in three straight games and has scored 2 twice in that same span. The match up this week is tough as the stout Buckeyes defense comes to Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions will have to throw the ball in order to defeat Ohio State, so Moye should be an integral part of the offense.
Juron Criner WR Arizona vs. Washington State:
See Nick Foles on this one. This sophomore is coming of two great games in which he caught 16 passes for 237 yards and 2 scores. He should team with Foles to light up the Cougars in the desert this Saturday. The fireworks will be early and often for Arizona and I’m pretty sure that Criner will have his share of highlights.
Defenses
Georgia vs. Tennessee Tech
Kentucky vs. Eastern Kentucky
Auburn vs. Furman
Arizona vs. Washington State
Ole Miss vs. Northern Arizona
More…
For more college fantasy football information, visit CollegeFootballGeek.com:
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