Feast or Famine: Buffett Line of Wide Receivers
September 23rd, 2009 by Adam Mankuta
Sometimes in College Football, seasons are defined by players, teams on the rise, coaches making a move to a bigger school, and BCS controversy. Last year it was all about the Quarterback group of Tebow, McCoy, Harrell and Bradford. However, in 2009 it is the year of the Wide Receiver.
When the season began, names like Dez Bryant, DeAndre Brown and Dezmon Briscoe (pictured left, thanks Icon SMI) were among the top picks in fantasy leagues; however, other names from all across the nation have taken it upon themselves to make a loud statement that there is plenty of talent elsewhere around the country. And here is a look at some of the more surprising names and numbers from a surprising start to 2009. Remember, with fantasy stalwarts such as Michael Floyd, Jeff Fuller and Eric Decker suffering injuries this past weekend, you may need to hit the waiver wire.
The Players
If this was not the year of the Wide Receiver, how can you explain a MAC school Wide Receiver, one that’s team has won 1 of 3 games, averaging 14, yes 14 catches per game? That receiver is Freddie Barnes of Bowling Green, who through three games has an astounding 42 receptions. While he only has 336 yards and one score to go along with those solid reception figures, Barnes is a stud in PPR leagues who has shown no signs of slowing down. The MAC seems to be playing as a wide open league and in their conference opener against Marshall on Saturday, the Falcons threw the ball over 60 times. And that was in a 17-10 loss. Barnes seems like a solid option for the long haul and owners believe, as he is owned in 88% of league according to Athlon Sports fantasy college football leagues.
From a pass happy team in 2009 to a pass happy team during all years. This year it is amazing to see just how balanced the Hawaii passing game has been so far. While Greg Salas leads the nation with 479 yards, Kealoha Pilares is 4th in the nation with 27 receptions, and Rodney Bradley, the team’s third receiver, has already amassed four touchdowns, which is tied for sixth in the nation. While Salas is the most valuable fantasy receiver since he also has four scores, the Hawaii trio should be able to maintain their performance all year long. If Saturday was any forecast, rush to your waiver wire if they are still available, as each receiver went over 100 yards, caught at least 6 passes, and while Bradley and Salas scored, Pilares led the team with 13 catches. And in Athlon Sports fantasy college football leagues Pilares is the guy to grab. Salas is owned in 90% of leagues, Bradley is owned in 72%, while Pilares, the PPR machine, is owned in just 14%.
While Hawaii is known for their receiving prowess, what about Texas A&M true freshman Uzoma Nwachukwu? Last week against Utah State he touched the ball 4 times. Three receptions and 1 rush. The end result? A 39-yard rushing TD, 101 yards receiving, and 3 touchdown catches. Talk about production. With the injury to Jeff Fuller, expect Nwachukwu to explode onto fantasy rosters as he is only owned in 52% of Athlon Sports fantasy college football leagues.
And finally, after three weeks, if someone asked, “who would be leading the nation in touchdown receptions”, who would you say? Maybe DeAndre Brown? Maybe Dez Bryant? Maybe even Jordan Shipley, Mardy Gilyard or one of the talented SMU receivers? Nope. Ryan Broyles, the Oklahoma receiver, who despite playing without the injured Sam Bradford, is averaging 2.3 TD’s per game as he has 7 through 3 games. Broyles and Landry Jones have developed a solid chemistry and it seems like they are scoring at will. Broyles is a speedster and in the wide open Big 12, he may have plenty of more opportunities for huge weeks, especially since their pro-prospect Tight End Gresham is out for the year. Broyles is a special player, but do not expect him to average 2 scores per game during the entire season.
While the previous receivers mentioned are off to huge starts during 2009, watch out for the following group of talented players, whose ownership in Athlon Sports fantasy college football leagues is in parentheses. Mike Williams (67%) missed all of 2008 at Syracuse with academic issues, however is exploding onto the scene again thanks to his chemistry with Greg Paulus. The Big East is a weak conference, so Williams can enjoy a huge year. If Lyle Leong can score twice in the 2nd half against Texas on the road, he can score anywhere at any time. The Red Raiders view him as their top option, so watch out for a 12 TD+ season. With Michael Floyd likely out for the season, expect Golden Tate (99%) to get even more balls thrown his way. He is a playmaker to say the least and will build on a solid start to the season. Also keep an eye on Rutgers wideout Tim Brown (61%), who is averaging over 24 yards per catch and has done a solid job replacing Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood in Piscataway. Brown only has 14 catches, but is one of the leaders in receiving yards. And finally keep an eye on Jared Perry (73%) and Jock Sanders (80%). Both wideouts’ value was low entering the season as Blaine Gabbert and Jarrett Brown were replacing legends at Missouri and West Virginia in Chase Daniel and Pat White respectively. Perry and Sanders have emerged as their teams top receiving weapons and players that these impressive quarterbacks can rely on. Perry has four touchdowns already in only three games, while Sanders is third in the nation with 29 receptions through three weeks.
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