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 2.

Erik Kuselias NFL Fantasy Rankings: Week 2

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 3. 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 I rebounded in a big way going 6-2-2 including all three of my RB's topping the century mark!

QUARTERBACKS:

My QB’s of the Week: Marshall Lobbestael, Washington St, Alex Carder, Western Michigan and Tevin Washington, Georgia Tech

Marshall Lobbestael, Washington St-Lobbestael who is filling in for Tuel who was hurt early on in the season opener has been tremendous throwing for 296 ypg (75%) and has a 7-0 ratio. Lobbestael is #3 in the country in pass efficiency. Last week he did throw for 5 td’s in the 59-7 win over UNLV and while he may not throw for that many this week, my computer is calling for 298 pass yds and 33 points giving the Cougars a great chance at starting 3-0. This is a player to look out for in coming weeks as the Cougars are looking to have their best season under Wulff.

Alex Carder, Western Michigan-Carder is completing 69% of his passes for 163 ypg (shortened game vs Mich) and has a 2-2 ratio. This week he goes up against a CMU pass defense that has allowed just a total of 192 yds in their first two games but my computer is projecting 275 pass yards and I think Carder and the Broncos get revenge from last year’s loss to CMU.

Tevin Washington, Georgia Tech-Yes, GT runs the option but did you know that Tevin Washington in the first 2 games has thrown for 473 yds (62%) with a 5-0 ratio and is averaging 36.4 yards per completion! This week they take on a poor Kansas defense that has allowed 320 pass ypg (78%) with a 4-0 ratio and is currently ranked #113 in pass efficiency D. My computer calls for 215 pass yards for GT and if it happens again for a 3rd straight week, you can call this one another easy winner.

RUNNING BACKS:

My RB’s of the week are: Andre Ellington, Clemson and Jeff Scott, Mississippi

Andre Ellington, Clemson-Thru two games Ellington has 254 yds (6.4) and a td to lead the Tigers and this week takes on an Auburn defense that has allowed 280 rush ypg (4.8) which is good for #118 in the NCAA. My computer calls for 229 rush yds for CU and if that happens expect Ellington to have another 100-yd afternoon.

Jeff Scott, Mississippi-Last week Scott scored 3 td’s and topped the 100-yd mark filling in for the injured Brandon Bolden and Enrique Davis. Scott is also the nation’s leading punt returner with 3 returns for 107 yds (35.6) and a td and should be able to get you easily 100+ all-purpose yards this week vs a Vanderbilt team that is not as strong as their 2-0 record may indicate.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

My WR’s of the week are: Marquess Wilson, Washington St and Tavon Austin, West Virginia

Marquess Wilson, Washington St-Wilson delivered for me last week with 102 yds (20.4) and a td and since I have his QB listed here why not go with Wilson who leads the high-powered Cougars with 9 rec (21.4) and 2 td’s. This week he takes on a San Diego St defense that has yet to face a good pass attack this year and Wilson could top the 100-yard mark again.

Tavon Austin, West Virginia-Austin delivered for me in the first week with a 100-yd KR td (but just 32 rec yds) and this week my computer is calling for 313 pass yards as Austin should have his best game yet vs a FBS opp this year.

DEFENSES:

My Top Defenses of the Week: Cincinnati, Kansas St and BYU

Cincinnati vs Akron-This becomes a surprise pick because last week Cincinnati gave up 531 yards and 45 points to Tennessee. This week they take on an Akron offense that is averaging just 180 yards and 1.5 ppg. My computer is calling for just 8 points and 193 yards for the Zips, which should be considered a win for a Cincinnati defense that disappointed last week.

Kansas St vs Kent St-Yes the Wildcats almost lost to FCS Eastern Kentucky in the opener but it was not because of their defense as they allowed just 7 points and 129 total yards. This week they take on a Kent St offense that managed just 186 yds vs lowly Louisiana last week and my computer calls for just 14 pts and 238 yds for the Golden Flashes.

BYU vs Utah-BYU’s defense has been very impressive so far allowing just 249 ypg and 15 ppg vs Ole Miss and Texas on the road. This week they take on their in-state rival in the “Holy War.” The Utes have been underwhelming so far avg 306 total ypg and just 21 ppg. My computer calls for BYU to hold Utah to just 15 pts and 225 yards, which would be another impressive performance by the Cougar defense.

UPSET OF THE WEEK: 5-2 run!

Arizona over Stanford

Stanford has gone 4-1 in Tucson S/’99 but did lose their last trip here, 43-38, as they all’d 80/6pl and 92/5pl drives in the 4Q. After another solid performance vs another less than stellar opp (Duke), SU has now outscored their 1st 2 101-17. Despite the scoring, SU has only outgained SJSt and Duke by 153 ypg as the def (#15) has put their off (#5) in solid position. The Wildcats defense was victimized by the passing gm a wk ago vs OKSt all’g 397 in the air and 594 ttl yds (341 ypg all’d LY). They may also be missing their #1 WR target Criner who DNP LW. UA is known for pulling out some conf home stunners (#2 Oreg in ‘07, #8 Cal in ‘06) and could very well keep this one tight throughout and may pull it off in the end.

A special thanks to our friends at CollegeFootballGeek.com for providing us with their Sneaky Plays for Week 3

CollegeFootballGeek.com’s Sneaky Plays – Week 3
By Kevin Mount, CollegeFootballGeek.com

A very interesting Week 2 is in the books and it is now time to look ahead to the third week of the college football season and the “sneaky” plays it has in store for fantasy owners. Here is a peek at some guys who might fill in nicely for owners in need of a potential diamond in the rough.
 

QUARTERBACKS

Brock Osweiler QB Arizona State vs. Illinois:
Osweiler may have had his coming out party last week against Missouri when he racked up 387 total yards a four scores. Up next on the docket is Illinois and this game could have plenty of fireworks with both teams possessing solid offenses. Another outing with 300 total yards and three scores is a reasonable expectation for Osweiler in Week three.
 
MarQueis Gray QB Minnesota vs. Miami Ohio:
Gray is a superb athlete and is starting to show some flashes that he could be a fantasy starter in some match ups. He is an excellent runner and is averaging 16.5 rushing attempts per game this season. The Gophers are not a good team and are playing from behind most of the time, so Gray will be asked to shoulder the load most weeks. Look for a solid effort from Gray this week against Miami Ohio.
 
Marshall Lobbestael QB Washington State vs. San Diego State:
This senior is filling in for the injured Jeff Tuel and had a huge game last week with 361 yards passing and five touchdowns against UNLV. He has two quality receivers to throw the ball to and could have another nice outing against San Diego State this weekend. While he may not toss five scores again, its quite possible to see two or three out of Lobbestael in Week three.
 
Jeff Godfrey QB UCF vs. Florida International:
Godfrey is coming off a nice effort versus Boston College in which he ran for 69 yards and two scores. His task should be much easier this week against Florida International. His rushing ability really boosts his fantasy value and he could easily run all over FIU. Fantasy owners can expect another quality start from Godfrey this week.
 

RUNNING BACKS

Marc Tyler RB USC vs. Syracuse:
Tyler had a rough off-season and was suspended for the opening week of the season. He returned last week and proceeded to rumble for 113 yards and a score in his season debut. He looks to have seized control of the Trojan backfield with this performance and could build upon it this week against Syracuse. It looks like Tyler may be a good bet to top the 100-yard plateau again in Week three.
 
Jeff Scott RB Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt:
This speedy sophomore exploded last week for three scores and 118 yards on the ground. He is just about the only healthy option that Ole Miss has at running back and should see a bunch of carries for the foreseeable future. Fantasy owners should like his chances to find more success this week against Vanderbilt.
 
Giovani Bernard RB North Carolina vs. Virginia:
This red shirt freshman had a breakout performance last week against Rutgers and may have wrangled the starting job away from Ryan Houston. Bernard had 103 total yards a two scores in his second career game. Bernard has the look of a future fantasy star and could shine brightly this week against Virginia. He could easily top 100 total yards and add a score or two this week. Grab him now and reap the benefits.
 
Michael Hayes RB Houston vs. Louisiana Tech:
Hayes is Mr. Do Everything for Houston. He has 118 yards and three scores on the ground and 74 yards and another score through the air in the first two games of the season. Those numbers should continue to rise with a tasty match up against UTEP and their porous defense. Look for another big game from this playmaker in Week three.
 

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS

Eugene Cooper WR Bowling Green vs. Wyoming:
The numbers that Cooper has posted this season are staggering. He has 244 yards and six touchdowns through two games. With Wyoming up next, it is easy to envision Cooper having another stellar effort. This is a true case of riding the hot hand, so sit back and enjoy the ride.
 
Quinton Patton WR Louisiana Tech vs. Houston:
Patton is coming off a huge game against versus Central Arkansas in which he totaled 211 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He should see plenty of action this week against a potent Houston team. It is likely that La Tech will find themselves down early and throwing often to stay in the game with the Cougars.
 
DeAnthony Thomas RB/WR Oregon vs. Missouri State:
This true freshman is electric and has already shown his playmaking ability for the Ducks. The “Black Mamba” as he is known has seen the field often and is producing big numbers. He has the added bonus of being listed as a RB/WR in many leagues, which only adds to his value. He had 174 total yards and two scores in last week’s game versus Nevada. Thomas could post big numbers again this week against an overmatched Missouri State team. Look for this kid to find the end zone at least once in Week three.
 
Taveon Rogers WR New Mexico State vs. UTEP:
Rogers has had two nice games in a row with 180 yards receiving and three touchdowns over that span. He has become the main target for New Mexico State and could have another good game against UTEP in Week three. He is a good bet for at least 75 yards and a score this weekend.
 
Jacob Pedersen TE Wisconsin vs. Northern Illinois:
Pedersen has been a favorite target of Russell Wilson inside the red zone and has three touchdowns on the season to show for it. With teams focusing on stopping the Badgers potent rushing attack, Pedersen is likely to continue to run wide open and score more touchdowns. He is a nice option in a weak TE position.
 

SNEAKY DEFENSES
 
Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan
Purdue vs. SE Missouri State
Georgia vs. Coastal Carolina
Texas Tech vs. New Mexico
Oregon vs. Missouri State
Cal vs. Presbyterian
NC State vs. South Alabama
Wake Forest vs. Gardner Webb
South Florida vs. Florida A&M
Missouri vs. Western Illinois
Baylor vs. Stephen F Austin
Kansas State vs. Kent State
Southern Miss vs. SE Louisiana
Fresno State vs. North Dakota

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
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• 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 3 Player Rankings