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With Oklahoma State, Texas, and Florida on a bye, (and Tebow’s status up in the air for coming weeks) a lot of top fantasy options are out this week. Sam Bradford also isn’t starting, and no one really knows what to expect in that Oklahoma-Miami game, so you might want to look at your waiver wire for some sneaky one-week plays. College fantasy is riddled with fantastic matchup plays each week, a product of having so many more teams than its NFL counterpart.
I’m going to stick to guys in BCS conferences, as your league more than likely contains those conferences in some combination. I’m also going to try stay away from telling you it’s a good matchup to play guys against FCS teams. Use your own judgment for those plays, as some players will definitely put up stats, but will be subject to a 25% penalty. And sometimes the backups will get a lot of time.
Quarterbacks
Maybe I played some small part of Blaine Gabbert and Tony Pike getting owned in more leagues now, or maybe it’s a product of them having the good games I said they would. They still aren’t owned in 25-30 percent of leagues, so if your league is snoozing, go get them. Also, the Ricky Dobbs ownership watch is only up to 20 percent. On to some options I haven’t recommended each week.
Greg McElroy, Alabama (@Kentucky) – Sure, he’ll have Trevard Lindley to contend with, but Kentucky’s defense was very vulnerable a week ago, and I’m fairly certain Florida could have scored 100 points. Just watch out, he may end up concussed. It’s a fairly tough week to predict in the SEC, so if you need to add someone from that conference, go with McElroy, or Stephen Garcia if you’re not afraid of the 25% penalty for facing SC State.
Jeremiah Masoli, Oregon (Washington State) – I think it’s time to climb back on the Chip Kelly bandwagon (can’t say I ever left). He’s owned in 60 percent of leagues, but if some owner gave up on him, go get him. This is the best matchup you can hope for in conference, but be a little wary of a let down game after their drubbing of Cal last week.
If you’re hardcore: Ricky Stanzi, Iowa (Arkansas State) – The matchup is a pretty good one, though Arkansas State has surprised some people by keeping games closer than you’d expect in recent years. I think Adam Robinson gets most of the work, but Stanzi could make a good showing.
Running backs
News in the last 24 hours is that LeGarette Blount could be re-instated, so go get him and stash him on your bench. Some fantasy sites were predicting he'd be the top running back in 2009, so he's worth taking a flier on.
Baron Batch, Texas Tech (New Mexico) – Tough to argue the matchup, and no one really thinks of running backs and Texas Tech, so he’ll be available in your league.
LaMichael James, Oregon (Washington State) – Yes, I’m picking on the Cougars this week. Seeing them as a matchup for my fantasy team Saturday morning represents the type of Cougar I enjoy the second-most. He’s only owned in 10 percent of leagues, but his average points look low. He’s scored 17 and 21 points the last 2 weeks after the Ducks’ well-publicized rough start to the season. He may be worth owning even after Blount comes back (if he does at all).
Brandon Saine, Ohio State (@Indiana) – With Herron out, the talented Saine gets a turn. The analysis is so easy, a caveman could do it, “Big Ten run football”.
If you’re hardcore: Michael Smith, Arkansas (Texas A&M) – I think Arkansas wins this game, as they’ve had some games against real competition already and the Aggies have not. Smith could finally have a big game.
Wide Receivers
Andrew Brewer, Northwestern (@Purdue) – 19 and 10 fantasy points in his last two games, and Purdue has never been known for defensive prowess.
Torrey Smith, Maryland (Clemson) – Keeps putting up yards, but hasn’t seen a dramatic increase in ownership. Get him before your league mates start paying attention.
Tramain Swindall, Texas Tech (New Mexico) – New Mexico coach Mike Locksley has been punching his assistants. In case you didn’t realize, Mike Leach likes to throw. This game is going to get ugly. Swindall is only owned in 35 percent of leagues. Easiest call I’ve made this week.
If you’re hardcore: Ali Villanueva, Army (Tulane) – Three TDs in his last three games. I love receivers approaching 7 feet tall.
Tight Ends
Ed Dickson, Oregon (Washington State) – He won’t score 32 like last week, but he may finally be part of the passing game. Impatient owners in your league might have dropped him (ownership less than 80%), so scoop him up.
If you’re hardcore: Drake Dunsmore, Northwestern (@Purdue) – He’s fairly consistent, and could have a breakout game against a dreadful defense.
Defense / Special Teams
Cincinnati (@Miami (OH)) – Only owned in 22 percent of leagues, and a terrific matchup. I’m not worried at all about the game being on the road.
Oregon (Washington State) – I’ve been picking on the Cougs all week, why stop now? Could be a good opportunity for a special teams score.
If you’re hardcore: Army (Tulane) – I’m going to ride Army for at least one more week, in a league with very limited options.
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