FROM HERE TO ABSURDITY…2008′s Worst Fantasy Offenses
October 22nd, 2008 by Daniel Freer
Flashback: August 2008…
You were sitting with your fantasy buds, discussing the upcoming season. You, or one of your buds, said something like: “Yeah, that Washington State QB is gonna be a fantasy sleeper!”
It’s wake up time. Your Washington State QB (or any of the Washington State QBs) just did not pan out.
While the Texas Tech’s, Tulsa’s, Oklahoma’s, and the Mizzou’s of the world delivered their abundance of fantasy talent…some schools, well, lost their way to the UPS truck.
You know a team is struggling on offense when their best offensive weapon, like UCF CB Joe Burnett (pictured, thanks IconSMI), does not play a single down on offense.
Some of the worst of the worst for 2008:
UCF:
It wasn’t that long ago…heck, last year…that UCF produced the Fantasy College Blitz Fantasy Player of the Year in RB Kevin Smith. No program misses one player from 2007 as much as UCF, for Smith was a sure bet to run 35-40 times per game and break at least a long TD run. These days, UCF struggles to run the ball, and, struggles to pass the ball, also. Youth at the skill positions, and, injuries to the offensive line, have seen UCFs offensive production drop to an NCAA-worst 248 yards per game (total offense). At least its balanced: 121 yards rushing, and 127 yards passing, per game.
One Bright Spot: UCF CB Joe Burnett is a legitimate All-American candidate on defense, and a probable All-American as a kick/punt returner. Burnett has 2 TDs on kickoff returns (tied for first, nationally), ranks third in kickoff return average, and tenth in punt return average. The Knights best offensive play so far this season has been from their return teams, anchored by Burnett. Can he play QB?
WASHINGTON STATE:
Even in years when the Cougars did not produce a lot of wins, they always seem to have a few big producers on offense. This year, there is no Jerome Harrison, Drew Bledsoe, Alex Brink, Hugh Campbell, etc…. going loose in the Palouse. Wazzu ranks 117th in total offense (254 yards per game) and 118th in scoring (13.88 points per game)…and most of those stats were produced in a 48-9 romp over Portland State. However, in that same game, the Cougars lost their best offensive weapon, QB Gary Rogers, to a career-ending neck injury. Twice this season, Wazzu has suffered their worst losses in school history….66-3 to California, and, 69-0 to USC…both at home in Martin Stadium.
One Bright Spot: If someone can get the ball to WR Brandon Gibson, he would be the bright spot. He is a legitimate talent at WR, but with the QB struggles for the Cougars, Gibson is a lonely guy out there. This “Bright Spot” just beat out the season-ending game vs Washington, in the Applesauce Cup…er Apple Cup…game. Wazzu will probably be the dog in that game, even if the Huskies are winless coming in.
WYOMING:
Two years ago, I thought Wyoming was going to be a surprise team, with some great talent on offense. Man, was I wrong. The Cowboys are dead last in the nation in scoring (9 points per game) and are the only non-option team averaging less than 100 yards passing per game. Struggles at the QB position have been a big problem for the Pokes. Still, somehow, Wyoming has won two games this season, but have been clobbered by all their Mountain West Conference opponents this season. But, hey, I still like head coach Joe Glenn and his retro-70′s coach’s TV show. And, cannot forget Glenn’s “This Bird’s For You” at Utah a couple of years ago.
One Bright Spot: Pokes RB Devin Moore has managed to run the ball well, and is the only real threat on offense for UWyo. I mean, everybody playing Wyoming has to be keying on him. On most teams, Moore would be a top fantasy RB with his speed. If the Cowboys can find some improvement on offense in the next five weeks, Moore could still rush for over 1000 yards this season.
OTHERS (NOT) TO WATCH: Florida Atlantic, Mississippi State, Rutgers
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