WR Juron Criner looks to explode against USC (Icon SMI)

Although time is short, college football is constant.  That said, this article will focus more on quick fantasy tidbits.  Onto the games!

Arizona vs USC - This AZ team has been a disappointment record-wise, going 1-3 in the early going.  Nick Foles is a solid QB play (he starts for me this weekend) and Juron Criner benefits the most as the primary WR.  Unfortunately, the offense spreads the ball so much that no other WR can be depended on consistently.  As for the running game…what running game?  For USC, the three names you start with confidence are QB Matt Barkley, RB Marc Tyler and WR Robert Woods.  Against this weak AZ defense, start them twice if you can.   Read the rest of this entry →

So far, Cal QB Zach Maynard is living up to my sleeper billing (Icon SMI)

Rumors fly about a Pac 16.  The fan in me is intrigued with the idea but the writer in me feels 12 teams to cover is plenty enough.  With that, let’s look at 11 of those teams.

Presbyterian vs Cal – QB Zach Maynard was my deep sleeper pick during the draft for our in-house league.  Due to matchups and the unexpected benching of SMU QB Kyle Padron, I’ve started Zach two games and he’s helped me secure a 2-0 start to the season.  This game against Presbyterian has me salivating.  WR 1 Marvin Jones and WR2 Keenan Allen are starts here.  RB Isi Sofele hasn’t been spectacular but is probably salivating himself at the chance to put up his first big game.  Oh yeah…start the Cal D. Read the rest of this entry →

WR Markus Wheaton is the lone fantasy start for the Beavers (Icon SMI)

Oregon St. vs #8 Wisconsin:   Beavers RB Malcolm Agnew was impressive in his debut with 223 yards and 3 TDs. However, news came out here that he pulled up lame during practice and is out for the game.  That info plus the Wisconsin power run game of Montee Ball/James White and this isn’t likely to be close at all. Hence the best play will likely be WR Markus Wheaton who had 6 catches for 108 yards last week.

California vs Colorado: It still feels weird to call this a conference game.  Cal showed some offensive punch last week against Fresno St.  QB Zach Maynard had a solid debut last week and helped the team put up 36 against the Bulldogs.  Two WR’s Marvin Jones and Keenan Allen had 100+ yard games and Jones scored twice.  RB Isi Sofele ran for 83 yards and added two TDs of his own.  All make for solid plays against a Colorado D that gave up 34 points to Hawaii.  Since Hawaii typically isn’t known for its D, I can’t confidently endorse any of the Colorado offensive players for this game.  I guess that means the Cal Defense is a worthwhile start. Read the rest of this entry →

QB Nick Foles calling Juron Criner - "You sure you can't get here in time?" (Icon SMI)

The Pac 12 kicks off the new week with it’s featured game of Arizona vs. Oklahoma St. tonight.  Arizona QB Nick Foles hopes last week’s warm-up of 412 passing yards and 5 TDs translates well against a tougher foe in #9 Oklahoma St.  He will have to do it without the guy who went for 6 catches, 151 yards and a score against Northern Arizona as WR Juron Criner didn’t make the trip due to an undisclosed illness.  This means RB Keola Antolin will need to step up and be the playmaker out of the backfield.  Additionally, WR David Roberts will have Criner’s big shoes to fill and must make some big catches for Arizona to have a chance on the road.  Considering that Oklahoma St. allowed 34 points against ULL (granted most of it was against second/third stringers), I still expect this game to be a shootout.  Arizona should be up to the task as their early tendency is to throw the ball, having only a total of 20 rushing attempts last game.  The question is will they have enough gas to keep up with the high octane offense of Oklahoma St? Read the rest of this entry →

TE David Paulson is ready to be a #1 fantasy TE (Icon SMI)

Fantasy “Others” are the positions on your roster that get very little love or attention.  Its your Tight Ends, Kickers and Defense/Special Teams.  Basically, these are usually my last three picks in the draft. However, not everyone likes to sit back and wait so here’s the best of what the Pac 12 has to offer.

Tier 1 Tight Ends – Guys Worth Drafting Sooner

David Paulson, Oregon – With the dependable Jeff Maehl having moved onto the NFL, Paulson stands to be a primary target in the Ducks passing attack.  RB LaMichael James will do the bulk of the scoring but we expect Paulson to be around 600 yards and 8 TDs.  There is risk with this pick, as discussed by Drew who selected Paulson in the FCFI Expert League. Read the rest of this entry →