Week Two cannot be as wild and crazy as week one...can it? Tebow and Crabtree have to blow up...don't they? While we certainly see a little more production from the fantasy superstars, there are no guarantees.
Based on reader responses we have more fantasy converts from the pro fantasy football ranks than ever before, and it bears repeating that there simply isn't the same consistency and predictability when comparing college football to that league with 32 teams and a level of parity that would make the late Pete Rozelle blush. And this is why we love the college game.
Still, while our favorite sport is a bit more unpredictable than its Sunday counterpart, there are some certainties. One is that the cream will rise to the top, and when a player is shut down one week, he comes out ready to roll. And we're ready to roll out this week's Start or Sit.
Quarterback
Start 'Em
QB Case Keenum, Houston
This could be the tastiest fantasy matchup of the week. Following last week's cupcake the Cougars will be tested against this solid Big XII foe. This is one of those games that concerns me, as it simply looks too good to be true. Still, we like Case to give the Cowboys' defense fits, even if the OSU defense has to prepare for this offense on pretty much an annual basis. While Blake Joseph did see six snaps in the opener, the fact that Keenum was 14-of-14 to start last week gives us reason to believe that he's not looking back.
QB Curtis Painter, Purdue
Week one byes stink for fans, and they stink for fantasy owners. Everyone else is kicking off the season while a select few teams have to beat up on themselves a little bit more. Painter will be chomping at the proverbial bit, and Northern Colorado will likely find their trip to Ross Ade a bit unwelcoming. Painter, poised for a huge senior campaign, will kick the Joe Tiller Farewell Tour off in grand style.
QB David Johnson, Tulsa
David Johnson took the majority of Tulsa's snaps last week, and that's good enough for us around here. Add in the fact that Tulsa is taking on North Texas and we're downright giddy. Fret not about Jacob Bower.
Sports
QB Bo Levi Mitchell, SMU and Inoke Funaki, Hawaii
We'll call these our June Jones plays. Mitchell showed enough good stuff in the blowout loss to Rice, and Funaki has been named the starter, and he's not playing against the Gators. Two lightweights on the schedule and we're looking at two big games from pass-happy quarterbacks.
Big Ten Boys: C.J. Bacher and Kellen Lewis
Northwestern's Bacher was slow out of the starting blocks, but he turned it on against a horrid Syracuse squad. Now he gets to head to Durham, where two outstanding academic institutions will put some points on the board. Following a season-opening matchup with da Cuse, and now a trip to Durham, we're wondering when Northwestern will head to Georgetown to battle another traditional hoops power.
Lewis gets to run past a bunch of over-matched Murray State defenders, and not even Popeye Jones would be able to contain this Hoosier who seems hell-bent on making up for some off-season indiscretions.
Sit 'Em
QB Chris Nickson, Vanderbilt Nickson was a stud in 2006 and got the yank in 2007. The talented Nickson is off good start to 2008, but we'll hold off starting him against South Carolina, a very underrated defensive unit. Pick Nickson up, sit him on the bench, and see what happens this week. If he makes some noise, then he'll be one to spot start down the road.
QB Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan
The Mount Pleasant gunslinger is one of the nation's top signal callers, but he will likely struggle against the Dawgs. Would it stun us to see the LeFevour-led Chippewas hang around and score some points? Not at all. Is it likely? Ask Colt Brennan.
QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma and QB Dustin Grutza, Cincinnati
While both could end up having fine days in this intriguing matchup, it is probably not worth the risk. Both defensive units (especially the Sooners) could step up and neutralize the opposing offense.
Running Backs
Start 'Em
RB Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon
We may be stubborn but we aren't stupid. JJ had a strong fall camp and backed it up with and even stronger week one. And yes, we also anticipate LeGarrette Blount will get on the board this week. There is no reason to burn up JJ's legs against Utah St. Look for the duo to divvy up 3-4 rushing touchdowns between the two of them.
RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
One of the few tier 3 sleeper type backs to step up in week one, Hunter will look to run wild against the Cougars. Given past successes of Cowboy running backs, he's looking like a solid weekly start.
RB Charles Clay, Tulsa
Tarrion Adams is a little beaten up, and Mr. Clay poses one heck of a run-catch threat in the dynamic Tulsa offense. Clay is on the verge of becoming a household fantasy name.
RB Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
Held scoreless in week one, we're thinking that Mr. Dixon goes for more than one. Mississippi State running backs get their carries, and SE Louisiana defensive units give up their yards.
Start 'Em but be wary
RB Donald Brown, UCONN and RB Shun White, Navy
Navy running back Shun White and UCONN running back Donald Brown tore up week one, sending many to the waiver wire for these fine young lads. Naturally the first question on everyone's mind is, will they do it again in week two? Highly doubtful. They may get some, but don't bank on these type of gaudy performances to be repeated.
We tried to get the word out to start Brown in week one after Andre Dixon's injury status became known. Hopefully some were able to take advantage. With indications that Dixon will play in week two, Brown will have some company in the backfield this week. Company is nice on long walks.not in college fantasy backfields.
White's performance, while spectacular, must also be put into context. The Navy option attack will spread the ball around between Eric Kettani (fullback), Shun White (slotback) and Cory Finnerty (most probable slot back #2). Think of Kettani as the pounder (the Jonathan Dwyer) and White and Finnerty as the misdirection guys coming off the wing. The slotbacks are the most likely to catch a defense off guard and break long runs. Half of White's yardage came on two long touchdown runs against an inferior defense. This week White had the hot hand. Next week it could be Kettani. In a nutshell, the odds of a repeat 18.3 yards per carry game against Ball State are highly unlikely. White will see 12-20 carries per game, how that translates to yards and scores is always debatable.
However we are firm believers in riding the hot hand, so both Brown and White are viable options as your #2 or #3 running back if you have some holes to fill, as most of us do at running back. Just don't look toward these to be long term saviours.
Sit 'Em
Chris Wells, Ohio State
Star running back is banged up. Ohio Bobcats come to Columbus this week. The Buckeyes travel to Los Angeles for the game of the year in week three. Why, oh why, would Chris Wells be allowed anywhere near the Horseshoe?
Damion Fletcher, Southern Miss
We're not necessarily telling owners to sit Fletcher, however Jordan-Hare stadium is the venue for this week's contest, and the Auburn Tigers player there.
Aaron Brown, Texas Christian
Head Coach Gary Patterson is playing his cards close to his vest, and while there is a very good chance the Horned Frogs star back will return for week two, there is some uncertainty.
RB Charles Scott, LSUHurricane Gustav has put the breaks on this rising running back from the Bayou. While this may, at first glance, appear like a real bummer, fantasy owners should realize how tasty a late-season tilt with Troy will be.
Wide Receiver
Start 'Em
WR Mark Dell & B.J. Cunningham, Michigan State
We've been cautiously optimistic about Michigan State's Mark Dell. Well, Dell gave us 202 reasons to toss out the cautious part last Saturday in Berkeley, California.
Miss out on the Dell sweepstakes? Don't fret, if not for a penalty that waived off his first career touchdown and a missed deep ball by Brian Hoyer, B.J. Cunningham could have been the one everyone was clamoring for this week. With Eastern Michigan on tap for the Spartans look for Hoyer, Dell, B.J. and Javon Ringer to exercise some demons this week.
WR Eron Riley, Duke
The Duke/Cuse game was one of the only early games I was able to see last Saturday. Needless to say the Wildcats' defense could use Coach Fitzgerald at LB.
WR Brian Robiskie, Ohio State
Chris Wells may be in street clothes. Boeckman and Pryor will look to give the Trojans something to think about. The Bucks' passing game explodes. Just keep an eye on Robiskie's shoulder situation.
WR Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas Briscoe makes his first appearance in our top 10 weekly wide receivers. With Dexton Fields nursing a foot injury, there's a chance for the other Jayhawk WR to have another big week.
But I'm still in need of a some free agent pick-ups
Feeling a little weak at wide receiver this week? Fret not, the wide receiving unit is shaping up to be stronger than the running backs. We went extra deep this weak as we had a hard time cutting the list of WR3s. Guys like West Virginia's Jock Sanders and Tommy Saunders of Mizzou should still be available in most leagues, and they'll help fill some holes. Saunders is particularly intriguing with Maclin nursing a bum ankle.
Sit 'Em
WR Deon Murphy, Kansas State - We had sketchy injury information before week one and Murphy only saw duty on punt returns. We have just as sketchy information about his return. You'll probably want to hold off this week. Worst-case scenario sees Murphy blowing up while on your bench and you know you have a starter the rest of the way.
WR Chris Williams, New Mexico State
With a bye last week and the cancellation of this week's game against Nicholls State we are beginning to wonder if we are ever going to see your third ranked wide receiver!
Tight End
Start 'Em
TE Rob Housler & Jamari Grant, FAU Housler immediately shot up our tight end rankings once Jason Harmon was lost for the year. While we don't blame anyone for being cautious regarding Housler, it might be time to snatch him and/or his counterpart Jamari Grant if you are in need of tight end help this week. Both should find smoother sailing against UAB this week. Call it a system play.
Sit 'Em
Watch the status of Travis Beckum and Cody Slate. If either is cleared, then start them. Otherwise start a tight end who'll see the field, and get at least a few looks.
Remember boys and girls: ride your horses and trust your gut. September is here, and things are just starting to heat up.
Kickers & Defenses
A number of owners felt the sting of the late scratches of LSU's Colt David and Texas' Ryan Bailey. Bailey has already been ruled out this week against UTEP and the LSU game has been cancelled. Besides, Purdue's Chris Summers, our kicker list is comprised of only kickers that did some damage last week and aren't sharing duties. Play it safe and roll with one of these guys.
Need a sleeper defensive starter? Look at the Hoosiers again, that's right the boys from Indiana. We liked them as a fill in last week and with defensive end Greg Middleton back, we like them even more this week.
