A very interesting Week One is in the books and it is now time to look ahead to the second 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
Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin vs. Oregon State: Wilson showed why Badger fans are so excited to have him under center last week as he lit up UNLV for roughly 320 total yards and three scores. With the potent rushing attack that Wisconsin possesses, it is very likely that Wilson will have plenty of open passing lanes all season long. He could have a huge game against an Oregon State pass defense that gave up almost 300 yards passing and four scores to Sacramento State. Look for Wilson to be very efficient once again this week and post starting fantasy numbers.
Kriss Proctor QB Navy vs. Western Kentucky: Proctor looks like he is the next great option quarterback to lead the Navy offense. He accounted for 176 yards on the ground and three scores last week against Delaware and looked very comfortable running the offense. This week he has another good match up against Western Kentucky and could have his second straight stellar stat line. He could easily hit the century mark on the ground again and add a score or two.
Brett Smith QB Wyoming vs. Texas State: This true freshman looked tremendous in his first start as he accounted for over 330 total yards and four scores against Weber State last week. He has a shot to have another solid fantasy game this week against a Texas State team that gave up almost 350 yards and four touchdowns to Texas Tech in Week one. Smith could make for an interesting start when the match up is right.
Zach Maynard QB Cal vs. Colorado: The transfer from Buffalo had a solid debut for Cal as he tallied over 300 total yards and two scores against Fresno State last week. He has two big play receivers in Marvin Jones and Keenan Allen and showed that he can pick up some yardage on the ground when needed. This week’s game versus Colorado should be a good opportunity to post quality fantasy numbers and another 300 total yard game is within reason.
RUNNING BACKS
Kevin Parks RB Virginia vs. Indiana: This freshman showed what he could do right off the bat by rushing for 114 yards and adding three scores against William & Mary. He is technically number two on the depth chart to Perry Jones, but should see a good amount of carries each week for Virginia. He has a tasty match up this week against an Indiana rush defense that gave up over 200 yards to Ball State last week. He could be heavily involved again in Week two and may find the end zone a couple of more times. Fantasy owners might have a nice find in Parks and can use him against weaker defenses.
Branden Oliver RB Buffalo vs. Stony Brook: Oliver was a workhorse for Buffalo against Pittsburgh as he toted the rock a whopping 35 times. While he didn’t post great numbers, the fact that he got 35 carries is more than enough to intrigue fantasy owners. He could post big numbers this week against Stony Brook if he is given a steady dose of carries once again. Assuming he is the main ball carrier again, expect to see another 100-yard effort with one or two scores mixed in.
Chris Rainey RB Florida vs. UAB: Fantasy owners have been waiting for Rainey to explode for seemingly forever, and this just may be the year. He looked great in Week one against FAU as both a runner and receiver, accounting for 146 total yards and three scores. Rainey appears very comfortable in the Florida offense and could post gaudy numbers if he can stay healthy. Fantasy owners should be salivating at the thought of what he might do this week against UAB. Start him this week and enjoy the show.
Lyle McCombs RB Connecticut vs. Vanderbilt: This freshman took the ball and ran in his first start against Fordham, churning out 141 yards and four scores on the ground. He may have to share some carries with DJ Shoemate when he returns from a sprained ankle, but that may not be a concern with how good McCombs looked in Week One. He should see plenty of carries this week against a suspect Vanderbilt defense and could easily top the 100-yard plateau once again. Ride the hot hand in McCombs until he cools off.
WIDE RECEIVERS / TIGHT ENDS
Jarius Wright WR Arkansas vs. New Mexico: Wright has shown flashes of his ability in his time at Arkansas, but has never been the main target. While the ball will always be spread around at Arkansas, he seems to be a favorite of Tyler Wilson and could post nice numbers this season. There should be many opportunities for big plays against an overmatched New Mexico pass defense this week. Look for Wright to have another solid effort this Saturday.
Marvin Jones/Keenan Allen WR Cal vs. Colorado: Both Jones and Allen had impressive games last week against Fresno State. Jones went for 118 yards and two scores, while Allen totaled 112 yards through the air. These two could provide many big plays for fantasy owners this year and in Week two against Colorado. Look for both wide outs to continue to establish a rapport with QB Zach Maynard and post solid fantasy numbers against a suspect Colorado secondary.
Josh Boyce WR TCU vs. Air Force: This sophomore was targeted early and often in Week one against Baylor. He hauled in 9 receptions for 96 yards and a score and was clearly the favorite target of Casey Pachall. Boyce should be the focal point of the TCU passing attack and will have to deliver against a stingy Air Force pass defense. Look for another productive game from Boyce this week in a hard fought game with Air Force.
Marcus Davis WR Virginia Tech vs. East Carolina: This junior has great physical skills and might be starting to put it all together. He has been working well with QB Logan Thomas and appears to be ready to take his game to the next level. He exploded for 140 yards and two scores last week against Appalachian State and could build upon that this week against East Carolina. The East Carolina pass defense is not good and could be shredded by Davis and the other Hokies receivers. Look for Davis to catch at least one deep ball this week against ECU.
Jake Stoneburner TE Ohio State vs. Toledo: This talented junior had a monster game in Week one hauling in three touchdowns and leading the team with four receptions. With Ohio State breaking in a new starting quarterback, Stoneburner will likely be leaned on often and used as a safety valve in the passing game. Look for this Buckeye to be a consistent performer and post excellent fantasy numbers for the TE position. He is an excellent play in Week two against Toledo.
SNEAKY DEFENSES
Illinois vs. South Dakota State
Michigan State vs. FAU
Pittsburgh vs. Maine
West Virginia vs. Norfolk State
Clemson vs. Wofford
Minnesota vs. New Mexico State
Northwestern vs. Eastern Illinois
Syracuse vs. Rhode Island
Ole Miss vs. Southern Illinois
Wyoming vs. Texas State
Arkansas vs. New Mexico
UCLA vs. San Jose State
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