Power-I Week One Edition
September 2nd, 2009 by Drew Smith
As someone that prefers to base my decisions, projections and predictions on as much facts as I can, Week 1 in fantasy college football can be quite maddening for me. With the vast majority of teams playing Div 1AA creampuffs or other lopsided matchups, most coaches view Week 1 more like a NFL preseason game than an actual game. This often means a vanilla offense, limited plays by the starters and box scores that are filled with no-names having great games.
Noel Devine might only get 10-12 carries against Liberty this week before sitting the second half the game. Can you really start a RB who will only get 10 touches? Can you really bench your starting RB against a defense like Liberty? Based on my experience, the answer is to bench a running back from a big-time program playing against an inferior team if you have other solid options. There will be times that this will burn you, but more times than not, you will be better off.
I would also sit players that are coming off injury or are battling against nagging injuries if they are playing a meaningless game. The coaching staff will prefer to rest them most (if not all) the game. One other situation I would avoid if possible is starting players that are in position battles, even if they are on top of the depth chart as the coaching staff will want to see plenty of the other backs. I prefer to start players that I expect to play most of the game or on teams that are trying to make a statement. They are more likely to get opportunities accumulating yards and scoring chances.
Nice Matchups
Andre Anderson vs. Tulsa – Tulsa’s offense might put up 60+ but I also expect Tulane to score as well making Anderson a must start.
LaGarette Blount vs. Boise State – Yes, Boise is a good team that will keep this game interesting but Boise isn’t good enough to shut down Blount.
Eugene Jarvis vs. Coastal Carolina – Kent is not a good enough team to leave Jarvis on the bench much.
Matt Asiata (thanks Icon SMI)
Matt Asiata vs. Utah State – The Utes offense is making a transition and the Aggies are excited about their team for he first time, making this game one possibly a little closer than most would think.
Brandon Minor vs. Western Michigan – The Wolverines can’t take anyone lightly at this point.
Demarco Murray/Chris Brown – BYU is good enough to keep this tandem in the game during second half.
Brynn Harvey vs. Samford – UCF offense needs work after being ranked 119th last year and with few backs on the roster, Harvey is one of my favorite sneaky starts this week.
Jahvid Best vs. Maryland – Best is one of the few top backs with a sweet matchup as Cal will be looking for payback to last year’s embarrassing loss to Maryland.
Charles Scott vs. Washington – Traveling to Washington and going against an improved defense makes a nice matchup for Scott, who should still have plenty of running room but remain on the field in the 3rd quarter.
Matchups to avoid if possible
Noel Devine vs. Liberty – I think this game will be about new QB Jarrett Brown eliminating fears of fans still missing Pat White than Devine putting up big numbers.
Jacquizz Rodgers (thanks Icon SMI)
Jacquizz Rodgers vs. Portland State – Rodgers staying healthy is the only chance for the Beavers to make a push in the Pac-10; don’t expect to see a lot of Quizz on Saturday.
Damion Fletcher vs. Alcorn St – Fletcher is healthy enough to suit up but don’t expect to him to get a heavy workload coming off a sprain ankle.
Michael Smith vs. Missouri St – The Razorbacks have a ton of backs to see action this week making Smith a poor choice.
Ryan Williams vs. Alabama – Williams will get first crack at the Bama defense but his leash is short and could be relieved quickly if not effective. It is best to avoid playing him against a strong Tide defense.
Bryce Beall vs. Northwestern St – The Cougars will have 40 points on the board before the Demons of NWST.
Related posts:
