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Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Bowl Edition
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Contributed by:
Kevin Mount
and Joe Arpasi
Last Updated: Dec 21, 2011 11:30 AM |
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Which college football players will shower you with fantasy gifts this holiday season, and which ones are most likely to deliver a lump of coal?
KEVIN MOUNT
BCS Only Start:
QB Dan Persa, Northwestern vs. Texas A&M (Meineke Car Care Bowl):
Persa missed the first three games of the season recovering from injury and is just now starting to resemble the 2010 version of himself on the field. He could very well have his best game of the year in the Meineke Car Care Bowl against a putrid Texas A&M pass defense that ranked 113th in the nation and gave up huge plays all year long. Persa could easily surpass the 300 yard mark and add in a few scores in what could be a very high scoring affair.
RB Stephan Taylor, Stanford vs. Oklahoma State (Tostitos Fiesta Bowl):
Taylor had a good fantasy season in 2011 and will look to cap it off with a big effort versus Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl. He should find some open running lanes against an Oklahoma State defense that struggled to stop the run. Look for Stanford to pound Taylor early and often in an attempt to keep the high flying Cowboys offense off the field. Taylor looks like a good bet to top 100 yards and maybe adds a score.
WR Terrance Williams, Baylor vs. Washington (Valero Alamo Bowl):
Williams has been on a tear, scoring at least one touchdown in each of the past seven games. That streak is likely to go to eight after he gets done torching an awful Washington pass defense that ranks 116th in the country. Look for Williams to top 100 yards receiving and likely find pay dirt once or twice in the Alamo Bowl.
Non BCS Start:
QB Austin Davis, Southern Miss vs. Nevada (Sheraton Hawaii Bowl):
Davis had a very good fantasy season, accounting for over 3600 total yards and 32 total touchdowns. He leads a potent Southern Miss offense that will likely be able to move the ball up and down the field. This game appears to be a fantasy dream on paper with plenty of yardage and scoring to be had. Expect Davis to be a big part of the fun and post a very nice stat line.
RB Kedrick Rhodes, FIU vs. Marshall (Beef O’ Brady’s Bowl):
Rhodes turned in a surprising season, rushing for over 1100 yards and adding eight scores. He could see a steady diet of carries against a Marshall rush defense that is very vulnerable. With Marshall concentrating on stopping TY Hilton, look for Rhodes to rumble all over the Thundering Herd.
WR Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State vs. Arizona State (MAACO Las Vegas Bowl):
Shoemaker turned in an outstanding season, totaling just under 1000 yards receiving and snaring 15 touchdowns. He is probably salivating at the thought of facing the 107th ranked pass defense of Arizona State. The Kellen Moore to Tyler Shoemaker connection could be in full force in the Las Vegas Bowl. Expect Shoemaker to take at least one trip to the end zone in this contest.
BCS Only Sit:
QB James Franklin, Missouri vs. North Carolina (AdvoCare V100 Bowl):
Franklin really opened some eyes this season, accounting for over 3500 total yards and 33 total scores. He is a decent passer, but his true fantasy value comes courtesy of his running ability. Franklin could find it difficult to gain many yards on the ground against a stingy North Carolina rush defense. If Franklin isn’t running, there are plenty of better options at the quarterback position.
RB Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State vs. Stanford (Tostitos Fiesta Bowl):
Randle was outstanding this season, amassing over 1400 total yards and 25 total touchdowns. He could find some tough sledding against a Stanford defense that usually shuts down the run. The Cowboys might be wise to attack the Stanford pass defense and lean less on the run game in the Fiesta Bowl. Randle probably won’t be awful, but his ceiling is lower than usual against Stanford.
WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame vs. Florida State (Champs Sports Bowl):
Floyd has been good, but not great like many thought in 2011. He has a touch match up in the Champs Sports Bowl against Florida State. The Seminoles give up less than 200 yards per game through the air and will likely focus most of their attention on Floyd. Don’t expect big numbers out of this Golden Domer against FSU.
Non BCS Sit:
QB Case Keenum, Houston vs. Penn State (TicketCity Bowl):
I know it’s blasphemy to even consider benching Keenum, but this match up with Penn State could prove Keenum is mortal after all. The Nittany Lions pass defense has been stout all year long, ranking 5th in the country and only allowing nine touchdown passes. While Keenum will almost certainly post good numbers, they may not be his usual video game type numbers that fantasy owners have grown accustomed to.
RB Jasmin Hopkins, Northern Illinois vs. Arkansas State (GoDaddy.com Bowl):
Hopkins has over 900 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns on the season, but could struggle against a stiff Arkansas State run defense that ranks 15th in the country. He is also hurt by the amount of carries Chandler Harnish takes in the offense. Let someone else ride with Hopkins and look for other options.
WR Quinton Patton, La Tech vs. TCU (San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl):
Patton has quietly put together a nice fantasy season, piling up over 1100 yards receiving and ten touchdowns. His task is a tough one in this Bowl game however, facing the always tough TCU defense. Patton will likely be blanketed all day by TCU and could have an underwhelming performance.
JOE ARPASI
BCS Only Start:
QB Collin Klein, Kansas State vs. Arkansas:
Klein has been the battering ram of the Kansas State rushing attack. He faces an Arkansas defense that ranked 79th in the country in stopping the run. Although the Razorbacks have a speed advantage, Kansas State is the right type of rough and gritty team to win the physical battle in the trenches.
RB Chris Polk, Washington vs. Baylor:
Polk has been a force since becoming the bell-cow in the Washington backfield. He gets to feast on a Baylor rush defense that ranks 102nd in the country. Expect the Huskies to lean on Polk heavily as they try to keep 2011 Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III off the field.
WR Terrance Williams, Baylor vs. Washington:
We all know that Kendal Wright will get his fair share of production in this game, but don’t ignore the other guys. Washington’s pass defense ranks 116th in the country and they struggle to maintain their deep zones in coverage. Williams is bound to reap the rewards of Washington’s secondary trying to adjust their defense to Wright.
Non BCS Start:
QB Blaine Gautier, UL-Lafayette vs. San Diego State:
Gautier was making waves in October before a difficult slate of fantasy match-ups rounded out his regular season. But the tougher competition should only strengthen their ability to match-up with a San Diego State squad. Look for Gautier to find his October rhythm yet again.
RB Bernard Pierce, Temple vs. Wyoming:
After the two most experienced quarterbacks left the Wyoming squad before the season, it was hard to imagine them making a bowl game in 2011. It’s even harder to imagine Pierce not posting a field day against the 115th ranked rushing defense in the country. This might be the most straight forward start call of the bowl season.
WR Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State vs. Arizona State:
With the departure of Dennis Erickson as head coach of Arizona State, and the very sudden departure from Pittsburgh by Todd Graham, it's safe to say the transition from one coach to another will be difficult for the team. Focus will be needed by defensive secondary as the 107th ranked pass defense in the country tries to stop a fired up Boise State offense. Boise has something to prove and Arizona State is in a weird state of limbo with their program.
BCS Only Sit:
QB Brock Osweiler, Arizona State vs. Boise State:
Osweiler has been very solid all season long, but the team is stuck in limbo. Dennis Erickson is out as head coach and the team might find themselves going through a new transition with Todd Graham as they prep for a very tough Boise State team. This Boise team fields the 16th best defense in the country.
RB Perry Jones, Virginia vs. Auburn:
While Jones has been a consistent producer for one of the country’s most improved teams, this Auburn squad might be the most improved team in the country. The defense has improved each week of the 2011 season, and now this young squad is experienced and ready to beat up on a mismatched opponent. Auburn has too much speed and power for Virginia’s offensive line to give Jones any chance of making noise in this one.
WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina vs. Nebraska:
The South Carolina offense has seen its fair share of injuries on offense. One could expect the Gamecocks to open things up in the air and try to rely on the strengths of Jeffery. But the Nebraska offense has improved this season and they finished the season ranked 36th in total defense. Look for Nebraska to focus on shutting down Jeffery and make South Carolina have to run it on them.
Non BCS Sit:
QB Terrence Owens, Toledo vs. Air Force:
Owens had a strong finish to the 2011 regular season, but that was in large part to other quarterback Austin Dantin not being 100 percent. Now Dantin has had time to get healthy and it’s very possible that the coaches may go back to the two quarterback system. There’s just too much time for the Toledo coaches to create different packages within the offense to make it worth the risk in a fantasy format to roll the dice on Owens.
RB Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech vs. TCU:
Creer finished up the regular season banged up and saw his role within the offense diminish. Now he has time to get healthy, but he will be facing a much improved TCU defense. The Horned Frogs has the 29th best rush defense in the country - much better than what they showed us in week one against Baylor.
WR Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech vs. TCU:
We’re starting to sound like a broken record. The TCU defense also matches up well witth La Tech in the passing game. But the part of this match-up that favors TCU the most is upfront. The Horned Frogs will provide a pass rush that will make it difficult to get the ball down the field to Patton. Even if the Tech coaches get creative in ways to gameplan the ball into Patton’s hands, the TCU defense will make their adjustments and keep Patton in check.
Follow Joe Arpasi on Twitter: @CFFGeek_Joe
Follow @CFFGeek on Twitter
KEVIN MOUNTBCS Only Start:
QB Dan Persa, Northwestern vs. Texas A&M (Meineke Car Care Bowl):
Persa missed the first three games of the season recovering from injury and is just now starting to resemble the 2010 version of himself on the field. He could very well have his best game of the year in the Meineke Car Care Bowl against a putrid Texas A&M pass defense that ranked 113th in the nation and gave up huge plays all year long. Persa could easily surpass the 300 yard mark and add in a few scores in what could be a very high scoring affair.
RB Stephan Taylor, Stanford vs. Oklahoma State (Tostitos Fiesta Bowl):
Taylor had a good fantasy season in 2011 and will look to cap it off with a big effort versus Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl. He should find some open running lanes against an Oklahoma State defense that struggled to stop the run. Look for Stanford to pound Taylor early and often in an attempt to keep the high flying Cowboys offense off the field. Taylor looks like a good bet to top 100 yards and maybe adds a score.
WR Terrance Williams, Baylor vs. Washington (Valero Alamo Bowl):
Williams has been on a tear, scoring at least one touchdown in each of the past seven games. That streak is likely to go to eight after he gets done torching an awful Washington pass defense that ranks 116th in the country. Look for Williams to top 100 yards receiving and likely find pay dirt once or twice in the Alamo Bowl.
Non BCS Start:
QB Austin Davis, Southern Miss vs. Nevada (Sheraton Hawaii Bowl):
Davis had a very good fantasy season, accounting for over 3600 total yards and 32 total touchdowns. He leads a potent Southern Miss offense that will likely be able to move the ball up and down the field. This game appears to be a fantasy dream on paper with plenty of yardage and scoring to be had. Expect Davis to be a big part of the fun and post a very nice stat line.
RB Kedrick Rhodes, FIU vs. Marshall (Beef O’ Brady’s Bowl):
Rhodes turned in a surprising season, rushing for over 1100 yards and adding eight scores. He could see a steady diet of carries against a Marshall rush defense that is very vulnerable. With Marshall concentrating on stopping TY Hilton, look for Rhodes to rumble all over the Thundering Herd.
WR Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State vs. Arizona State (MAACO Las Vegas Bowl):
Shoemaker turned in an outstanding season, totaling just under 1000 yards receiving and snaring 15 touchdowns. He is probably salivating at the thought of facing the 107th ranked pass defense of Arizona State. The Kellen Moore to Tyler Shoemaker connection could be in full force in the Las Vegas Bowl. Expect Shoemaker to take at least one trip to the end zone in this contest.
BCS Only Sit:
QB James Franklin, Missouri vs. North Carolina (AdvoCare V100 Bowl):
Franklin really opened some eyes this season, accounting for over 3500 total yards and 33 total scores. He is a decent passer, but his true fantasy value comes courtesy of his running ability. Franklin could find it difficult to gain many yards on the ground against a stingy North Carolina rush defense. If Franklin isn’t running, there are plenty of better options at the quarterback position.
RB Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State vs. Stanford (Tostitos Fiesta Bowl):
Randle was outstanding this season, amassing over 1400 total yards and 25 total touchdowns. He could find some tough sledding against a Stanford defense that usually shuts down the run. The Cowboys might be wise to attack the Stanford pass defense and lean less on the run game in the Fiesta Bowl. Randle probably won’t be awful, but his ceiling is lower than usual against Stanford.
WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame vs. Florida State (Champs Sports Bowl):
Floyd has been good, but not great like many thought in 2011. He has a touch match up in the Champs Sports Bowl against Florida State. The Seminoles give up less than 200 yards per game through the air and will likely focus most of their attention on Floyd. Don’t expect big numbers out of this Golden Domer against FSU.
Non BCS Sit:
QB Case Keenum, Houston vs. Penn State (TicketCity Bowl):
I know it’s blasphemy to even consider benching Keenum, but this match up with Penn State could prove Keenum is mortal after all. The Nittany Lions pass defense has been stout all year long, ranking 5th in the country and only allowing nine touchdown passes. While Keenum will almost certainly post good numbers, they may not be his usual video game type numbers that fantasy owners have grown accustomed to.
RB Jasmin Hopkins, Northern Illinois vs. Arkansas State (GoDaddy.com Bowl):
Hopkins has over 900 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns on the season, but could struggle against a stiff Arkansas State run defense that ranks 15th in the country. He is also hurt by the amount of carries Chandler Harnish takes in the offense. Let someone else ride with Hopkins and look for other options.
WR Quinton Patton, La Tech vs. TCU (San Diego County Poinsettia Bowl):
Patton has quietly put together a nice fantasy season, piling up over 1100 yards receiving and ten touchdowns. His task is a tough one in this Bowl game however, facing the always tough TCU defense. Patton will likely be blanketed all day by TCU and could have an underwhelming performance.
JOE ARPASIBCS Only Start:
QB Collin Klein, Kansas State vs. Arkansas:
Klein has been the battering ram of the Kansas State rushing attack. He faces an Arkansas defense that ranked 79th in the country in stopping the run. Although the Razorbacks have a speed advantage, Kansas State is the right type of rough and gritty team to win the physical battle in the trenches.
RB Chris Polk, Washington vs. Baylor:
Polk has been a force since becoming the bell-cow in the Washington backfield. He gets to feast on a Baylor rush defense that ranks 102nd in the country. Expect the Huskies to lean on Polk heavily as they try to keep 2011 Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III off the field.
WR Terrance Williams, Baylor vs. Washington:
We all know that Kendal Wright will get his fair share of production in this game, but don’t ignore the other guys. Washington’s pass defense ranks 116th in the country and they struggle to maintain their deep zones in coverage. Williams is bound to reap the rewards of Washington’s secondary trying to adjust their defense to Wright.
Non BCS Start:
QB Blaine Gautier, UL-Lafayette vs. San Diego State:
Gautier was making waves in October before a difficult slate of fantasy match-ups rounded out his regular season. But the tougher competition should only strengthen their ability to match-up with a San Diego State squad. Look for Gautier to find his October rhythm yet again.
RB Bernard Pierce, Temple vs. Wyoming:
After the two most experienced quarterbacks left the Wyoming squad before the season, it was hard to imagine them making a bowl game in 2011. It’s even harder to imagine Pierce not posting a field day against the 115th ranked rushing defense in the country. This might be the most straight forward start call of the bowl season.
WR Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State vs. Arizona State:
With the departure of Dennis Erickson as head coach of Arizona State, and the very sudden departure from Pittsburgh by Todd Graham, it's safe to say the transition from one coach to another will be difficult for the team. Focus will be needed by defensive secondary as the 107th ranked pass defense in the country tries to stop a fired up Boise State offense. Boise has something to prove and Arizona State is in a weird state of limbo with their program.
BCS Only Sit:
QB Brock Osweiler, Arizona State vs. Boise State:
Osweiler has been very solid all season long, but the team is stuck in limbo. Dennis Erickson is out as head coach and the team might find themselves going through a new transition with Todd Graham as they prep for a very tough Boise State team. This Boise team fields the 16th best defense in the country.
RB Perry Jones, Virginia vs. Auburn:
While Jones has been a consistent producer for one of the country’s most improved teams, this Auburn squad might be the most improved team in the country. The defense has improved each week of the 2011 season, and now this young squad is experienced and ready to beat up on a mismatched opponent. Auburn has too much speed and power for Virginia’s offensive line to give Jones any chance of making noise in this one.
WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina vs. Nebraska:
The South Carolina offense has seen its fair share of injuries on offense. One could expect the Gamecocks to open things up in the air and try to rely on the strengths of Jeffery. But the Nebraska offense has improved this season and they finished the season ranked 36th in total defense. Look for Nebraska to focus on shutting down Jeffery and make South Carolina have to run it on them.
Non BCS Sit:
QB Terrence Owens, Toledo vs. Air Force:
Owens had a strong finish to the 2011 regular season, but that was in large part to other quarterback Austin Dantin not being 100 percent. Now Dantin has had time to get healthy and it’s very possible that the coaches may go back to the two quarterback system. There’s just too much time for the Toledo coaches to create different packages within the offense to make it worth the risk in a fantasy format to roll the dice on Owens.
RB Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech vs. TCU:
Creer finished up the regular season banged up and saw his role within the offense diminish. Now he has time to get healthy, but he will be facing a much improved TCU defense. The Horned Frogs has the 29th best rush defense in the country - much better than what they showed us in week one against Baylor.
WR Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech vs. TCU:
We’re starting to sound like a broken record. The TCU defense also matches up well witth La Tech in the passing game. But the part of this match-up that favors TCU the most is upfront. The Horned Frogs will provide a pass rush that will make it difficult to get the ball down the field to Patton. Even if the Tech coaches get creative in ways to gameplan the ball into Patton’s hands, the TCU defense will make their adjustments and keep Patton in check.
Follow Joe Arpasi on Twitter: @CFFGeek_Joe
Follow @CFFGeek on Twitter
