Daily Blog • October 25th

Three 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%). In 2010 I had another successful year with a winning week every week and an overall 103-45-17 (70%) record. Last year I went 82-44-11 (65%). So far this year I am 66-26-4 72%.

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 9. Keep in mind you will not find players like Denard Robinson, Matt Barkley or Montee Ball in my picks. These are strictly surprise picks of players who are flying under the radar.

My QB's Of The Week:
Wes Lunt, Oklahoma St • Tino Sunseri, Pittsburgh
• Zac Dysert, Miami, Ohio

QB Wes Lunt, Oklahoma St vs TCU – Well the last time we used Wes Lunt in our fantasy blog he went down with an injury early on against Louisiana. After missing each of their last 3 contests he returns here against a TCU defense that has been victimized for 300+ yards in the air each of the past 2 weeks. Lunt will redeem himself here and torch the Horned Frogs secondary for a 3rd straight game.

QB Tino Sunseri, Pittsburgh vs Temple – No other player on the Pitt offense has reaped the rewards of the Panthers moving back to a pro style offense more than Tino Sunseri. How well has Sunseri performed you ask? How about already equaling his TD pass output of a year ago (10 gms) through just 7 games this season. He has also trimmed back on his int tendencies, completing passes to the defender just twice in 2012 compared to the 11 he allowed last year. After watching Rutgers QB Gary Nova rip apart the Temple secondary in the 2nd half of last weekend’s game, Sunseri should deliver solid numbers here.

QB Zac Dysert, Miami, Oh vs Ohio – After consecutive losses to rivals Cincinnati and Bowling Green, Miami has their backs against the wall again here against undefeated Ohio. The offense goes through their QB first and foremost and we expect Zac Dysert to deliver here. Just 3 weeks ago Dysert threw for over 500 yds and tossed 6 td’s in a victory over Akron. While we don’t expect that big of a performance, he does have the capability to produce and a strong showing here should be in the offing.

My RB's Of The Week:
James Sims, Kansas • Charles Sims, Houston
• Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt

RB James Sims, Kansas vs Texas – While Kansas is going through another tough season, the emergence of James Sims over the past 4 games has been exciting to watch. In those 4 contests Sims has rushed for 446 yds and 5 td’s earning at least 25 carries per game. On the docket is a Texas rush defense that has allowed 170 yds or more on the ground in 6 of their 7 contests including 347 and 255 against Oklahoma and Baylor the past 2 weeks.

RB Charles Sims, Houston vs UTEP – With questions at the QB position this weekend against the Miners (QB Piland questionable), the Cougars offense could lean heavily on their RB this week as Sims has rushed for 100+ yds in 3 of the L/4 contests and has been productive out of the backfield as well with 318 rec yds on the season (11 total td’s). UTEP has allowed more than 200 yds on the ground in 5 games TY including 281 two weeks ago against Tulsa.

RB Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt vs UMass – After rushing for 169 yds in last week’s win over Auburn, Zac Stacey should be primed for another big outing here against a UMass defense that is spending their first season in FBS football (allowing 232 ypg rush on the season). Expect the Commodores to get ahead early and run Stacy on a frequent basis to chew up clock throughout the remainder of the game. 

My WR's Of The Week:
Noel Grigsby, San Jose St • Anthony Amos, Middle Tennessee
• Austin Hill, Arizona

WR Noel Grigsby, San Jose St vs Texas St – Last week we used SJSt QB David Fales in this blog and he threw for 279 yds and 3 td’s. This week we use his favorite target in Noel Grigsby who has 291 rec yds in the Spartans’ last 2 contests. TSU has allowed 500+ yds in 3 contests this year and judging by what the SJSt offense has been able to do, we feel good about this selection here.

WR Anthony Amos, Middle Tennessee vs North Texas – Leading the Sun Belt this season in receiving yards is Anthony Amos who has nearly doubled his 2011 output of 27 catches and 379 yds with 45 for 673 in 7 games this year. This week the Raiders host a North Texas squad that is allowing 453 ypg on the road including 623 just 2 weeks ago against Houston. Amos we be targeted early and often and deliver as one of our fantasy selections this weekend.

WR Austin Hill, Arizona vs USC – While Rich Rod’s former offenses were known for getting most of their production on the ground, the strong play of QB Matt Scott has transformed the Wildcat offense into a dual threat that can hurt you on both the ground and the air. The biggest producer in the passing game has been Austin Hill who has already doubled his production from a season ago while ranking 4th in the Pac-12 in receiving. The Cats host a USC squad this week that could be on upset alert as they have yet to face and offense as potent as the one Rich Rod has assembled in Tucson. Look for Hill to record his fourth 100 yd receiving

My Defenses Of The Week:
Boise St • Oklahoma • Oregon St

Boise St Defense vs Wyoming – If you take away their narrow win a month ago against New Mexico, the Boise defense hasn’t allowed more than 14 pts in any contest since the opener including allowing UNLV to just 7 points and 210 yards a week ago. They now get a struggling 1-6 Wyoming squad on the “Smurf Turf” this weekend who recorded just 253 yds last week against Fresno St.

Oklahoma Defense vs Notre Dame  – The Irish come into Norman with an undefeated record and aspirations of a National Title appearance. Those dreams will end Saturday against a Sooner defense that held a potent Texas offense to just 288 yds a few weeks back. Notre Dame has been winning games with their defense all season but with a dangerous Oklahoma offense, the Irish will be forced to play out of their comfort zone on offense and falter here.

Oregon St Defense vs Washington – What a difference a year has made for the Washington offense! After averaging 33 ppg and 410 ypg in 2011 the Huskies have posted just 326 ypg through 7 games this year. Oregon St’s defense is a big part for their 6-0 start to the season allowing just 354 ypg against a schedule that featured some pretty strong offenses (Wisconsin, UCLA and Arizona). Bank on OSU DC Banker to get the job done again here as the Beavers continue to climb up the rankings.


A special thanks to our friends at CollegeFootballGeek.com for providing us with their Sneaky Plays for Week 9

CollegeFootballGeek.com’s Sneaky Plays – Week 9
By Kevin Mount, CollegeFootballGeek.com

A very interesting Week Seven is in the books and it is now time to look ahead to the Eighth 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

Wes Lunt Oklahoma State QB vs. TCU: This true freshman started the season as the starting quarterback until he hurt his knee in Week three. He should be the man under center once again as JW Walsh is out for the season with a knee injury of his own. Lunt is probable and should play this week versus TCU. The Horned Frogs just gave up seven passing touchdowns last week and could be very susceptible to the Hokies high powered passing attack. Look for Lunt to eclipse 300 passing yards this week assuming he is healthy.

Kawaun Jakes Western Kentucky QB vs. Florida International: Jakes tore up La Monroe last week for 308 yards and five total touchdowns. He could shred a FIU pass defense that comes in having allowed 20 passing scores on the season. The Hilltoppers should have no problem moving the ball this week and Jakes should be a big part of that offense. Look for Jakes to account for a few scores this weekend.

Philip Nelson Minnesota QB vs. Purdue: This highly touted recruit had his redshirt burned last week as he was under center against Wisconsin. He showed some flashes against the Badgers including almost 70 yards on the ground. The Purdue defense has been getting torched in recent weeks and could give up some big plays to Nelson and the Gophers in Week Nine.

RUNNING BACKS

Stephen Houston Indiana RB vs. Illinois: Houston is quietly putting together a solid fantasy season for Indiana. He has scored nine total touchdowns on the season, including four in his last two games. This Hoosier could have a big afternoon against an Illinois defense that has struggled to stop everyone this season. Expect Houston to post over 100 total yards and find the end zone at least one time this weekend.

Latavius Murray UCF RB vs. Marshall: He’s back! Just in case you missed it, Murray returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the season opener and proceeded to run for 192 yards and two scores. Murray has been an explosive player for UCF over his four years and appears to be ready to contribute again. He could go hog wild this week against a pathetic Marshall rush defense that ranks 111th in the country this season.

Devonta Freeman Florida State RB vs. Duke: The window of opportunity sprung wide open for Freeman last week when starting running back Chris Thompson went down with a season ending knee injury. Freeman responded with 70 yards rushing and two touchdown runs in place of Thompson. His fantasy prospects look very good with Duke on the docket this week. Expect Freeman to approach 100 yards on the ground and likely find pay dirt against the Blue Devils this week.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Charlie Moore Oklahoma State WR vs. TCU: Moore had a huge spring game and was a sleeper pick entering the 2012 season. He had not done much up until the last two weeks, in which he has totaled 226 yards receiving and two scores. He could have another productive game this week against TCU in what could be a typical Big 12 shoot-out. Look for Moore to find his way to another 100-yard effort and possible cross the goal line once again in Week Nine.

Amari Cooper Alabama WR vs. Mississippi State: This highly prized freshman is rounding into form and appears to have become the top target in the Alabama passing game. He is coming off a 162 yard and two score performance versus Tennessee and has scored four touchdowns in the last three games. His number will likely be called this week in an SEC showdown with Mississippi State. Look for Cooper to sneak past the Bulldogs secondary for at least one score on Saturday night.

Mike Davis Texas WR vs. Kansas: Davis has accumulated 237 receiving yards and two scores in the past two weeks. This kid has a ton of ability and could post excellent numbers this week against a Kansas defense that seems to give up a ton of big plays. Davis can be inconsistent with his performances so be careful, but his match up looks great on paper.

SNEAKY DEFENSES:



Vanderbilt vs. Massachusetts
Oregon vs. Colorado
Boise State vs. Wyoming
Stanford vs. Washington State
Texas A&M vs. Auburn
La Monroe vs. South Alabama
La Tech vs. New Mexico St

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

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