Tavarres King back in, A.J. Green unknown
Tavarres King back in, A.J. Green unknown
Georgia coach Mark Richt wouldn't say whether or not suspended receiver A.J. Green would play against South Carolina this week, but Tavarres King will. If Green is held out again, King could see significant playing time.
Stoops: Landry Jones not sharp
Stoops: Landry Jones not sharp
“I didn’t think Landry was very sharp,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said of quarterback Landry Jones' performance on Saturday. “I felt he looked hurried or rushed a little bit. For a guy that played as many games as he did a year ago, he didn’t look to be in a comfort zone at all.” I wouldn't say Jones needs to start looking over his shoulder just yet, but he certainly needs to show improvement in year two or you'll start to hear Blake Bell's mentioned in the coming weeks.
Ryan Tannehill hurt elbow in opener
Ryan Tannehill hurt elbow in opener
Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman said that wide receiver/backup quarterback Ryan Tannehill hurt his elbow in the opener but should be fine. Tannehill only caught one ball for nine yards in the opener, numbers that left many owners scratching their head.
Cody Johnson's silence costs him
Cody Johnson's silence costs him
Cody Johnson was so excited to be named the Texas starting running back that he didn't tell his coach when he sprained ankle early on during Saturday's win. The coaches didn't appreciate his silence, and now Tre' Newton is the team's starter. It's likely that Newton would have been named starter anyway due to Johnson's ankle. And you can't blame a guy for wanting to stay in the game at all costs.
Mark Ingram vs. PSU? "A bit of a stretch"
Mark Ingram vs. PSU? "A bit of a stretch"
Alabama coach Nick Saban doesn't appear too confident that he'll have the services of Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram against Penn State on Saturday. Coach says Ingram playing "is probably a little bit of a stretch." Many are of the opinion that Ingram's return will come in the Week Four SEC opener at Arkansas.
Vidal Hazelton tears ACL, season over
Vidal Hazelton tears ACL, season over
Cincinnati wide receiver Vidal Hazelton suffered a torn ACL returning a kickoff in Saturday's loss to Fresno State and will be out for the season. He had six catches for 63 yards before the injury. Tough blow for Hazelton and the Bearcat offense. The senior transfer from USC sat out all of last season. Since he didn't redshirt at USC he can apply for a sixth-year medical waiver. Marcus Barnett will assume the starting position at wideout.
TrackemTigers.com notes that Auburn kicker Wes Byrum limped off the field after his second PAT last Saturday against Arkansas State. Byrum didn't miss a kick, but did yield his kickoff duties to Cody Parkey. Right now it doesn't seem like anything to be concerned about.
Cody Johnson worn down already?
Cody Johnson worn down already?
Texas coaches felt like RB Cody Johnson got worn down early in the game against Rice due to how hard he had worked in the offseason. In contrast, Tre' Newton and Fozzy Whittaker had fresher legs, because according to OC Greg Davis, "We've been saving those guys in camp." Whether that's the reason or not, it's scary that Johnson was worn down in the first half of the first game. He received nine carries on Texas' first drive before giving way to Newton for most of the remainder of the game. All three RBs will be in the mix, which hurts their fantasy value. I'd expect Newton to be atop this week's depth chart though.
Brandon Weeden's hand is fine
Brandon Weeden's hand is fine
Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden hit his throwing hand on a helmet on Saturday night, however coach Mike Gundy tells Tulsa World that his starting quarterback is ok and will go against Troy. Coming off a very nice outing in the blowout of Washington State, Weeden appears to be a prime starting option this week.
Alex Tejada out, Zach Hocker in
Alex Tejada out, Zach Hocker in
Alex Tejada served as a kickoff specialist for Arkansas Saturday, while freshman Zach Hocker kicked all six extra points for the Razorbacks. The Arkansas kicking job is a plumb for fantasy owners, but now comes with a bit of uncertainty. Hocker was perfect on his PAT tries, while Tejada booted four kickoffs into the endzone for touchbacks. It remains to be seen whether Hocker will get the call for field goals, but this is a situation to avoid for now.
J.J. Di Luigi seals the W for BYU
J.J. Di Luigi seals the W for BYU
BYU RB J.J. Di Luigi had 13 carries for 69 yards in the win over Washington. He also added four catches for 83 yards including a 48-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to put the Cougars ahead for good. And with that performance he stakes his claim to be the lead back for the Cougars. Bryan Kariya only had 21 total yards (20 rushing and 1 receiving) and may soon be a forgotten man in Provo.
Another game, another win for Andy Dalton
Another game, another win for Andy Dalton
TCU quarterback Andy Dalton notched his 30th career victory by passing for 175 yards, rushing for 64 yards, while finding the end zone three times. Dalton won't wow the fantasy community with his overall numbers, but he is pretty solid when all the stats are added up. The Horned Frogs have some playmakers on offense so he will be useful in national leagues in the certain matchups.
Jeremy Kerley records 196 total yards
Jeremy Kerley records 196 total yards
TCU wide receiver Jeremy Kerley had six catches for 49 yards and a touchdown in the win over Oregon State. He added 105 yards on kick returns and 42 yards on punt returns. Kerley looked explosive and should once again be the top pass catching option for the Horned Frogs. The only problem is that they run the ball so well that Kerley will have more than his share of below average fantasy days. For proof of that, look no further than teammates Antoine Hicks (one catch for 12 yards) and Jimmy Young (0 total yards).
Update: Vol Gerald Jones may miss three
Update: Vol Gerald Jones may miss three
Tennessee wide receiver Gerald Jones may miss up to three games after injuring his hand in the win on Saturday. This one stings as the Vols prepare to face Oregon and Florida.
Ricky Stanzi's knee is fine
Ricky Stanzi's knee is fine
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz told WHO radio that quarterback Ricky Stanzi's knee is "absolutely fine." Stanzi missed a series on Saturday after "tweaking" his knee. Good news for the Hawkeyes as they prepare for in-state rival Iowa State.
Kendall Hunter with Barry-like performance
Kendall Hunter with Barry-like performance
Though he is quick to point out that there will never be another Barry Sanders, Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman says Kendall Hunter's performance on Saturday night (21-257) leaves no doubt that he's the best in Stillwater since the Heisman Trophy winner was running wild over 20 years ago. Granted Washington State is very, very bad. However Hunter was a sight to behold on Saturday night. And he's poised for a huge season.
Jake Locker average in loss
Jake Locker average in loss
Washington quarterback Jake Locker completed 20-of-37 passes for 266 yards and one touchdown in the loss to BYU. He added 11 rushes for 29 yards including a nine-yard scoring run in the second quarter. Tough opener for Locker and the Huskies. He didn't kill his fantasy owners with his effort, but I am sure they expected more after all the Locker for Heisman talk this off-season. Look for him to put up monster numbers next week against Syracuse.
James Montgomery returns, fumbles
James Montgomery returns, fumbles
Washington State running back James Montgomery was held to 32 yards on 10 carries in the loss to Oklahoma State. He fumbled after gaining five yards on the first play of the game. Montgomery is a great story but not recommended in fantasy. He is going to split carries with Logwone Mitz (10 carries for 17 yards and a touchdown) and the Cougars are always losing, which doesn't provide him enough touches. Look elsewhere unless you are absolutely desperate.
Sun Devil Steven Threet plays well
Sun Devil Steven Threet plays well
Arizona State QB Steven Threet played well in the win over Portland State. He completed 14-of-21 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns and one interception. He added 24 yards rushing. Threet didn't do anything to allow Brock Osweiler to eat into his playing time. He looks pretty safe as the starter going forward. Of course all of that could change in a couple weeks after the Sun Devils head to Camp Randall to take on Wisconsin.
Dominique Davis gets start, passes for 5 TDs
Dominique Davis gets start, passes for 5 TDs
Dominique Davis got the start for the Pirates and never looked back as he engineered a last second, hail mary victory against Tulsa. Davis finished the day on 27-of-46 passing for 385 yards, five touchdowns, and a pick. Davis also scrambled for 27 yards and another score. Anytime someone can post six total touchdowns, you have to wonder if he isn't worthy of a QB2 or higher. Snag Davis but just keep an eye on him to see if he is consistent.
Jacquizz Rodgers held in check
Jacquizz Rodgers held in check
Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers was held to 75 yards on 18 carries in the loss to TCU. He did manage to score on a one-yard plunge in the 3rd quarter. Owners weren't expecting a typical game from Rodgers due to the tough Horned Frog defense, but they have to be upset with QB Ryan Katz. Rodgers failed to record a single reception after hauling in 78 passes last season.
James Rodgers posts 210 total yards
James Rodgers posts 210 total yards
Oregon State wide receiver James Rodgers had 210 total yards in the loss to TCU. He had 75 yards receiving, eight yards rushing, 114 kick return yards, and 13 punt return yards. He did manage to slip behind the defense for a 30-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. Rodgers showed why he is one of the best players in the country tonight. Unfortunately for fantasy owners they only care about his rushing and receiving totals.
Potts, Leong hold high school reunion
Potts, Leong hold high school reunion
Texas Tech quarterback Taylor Potts completed 34-of-53 passes for 359 yards and four touchdowns, with three of them going to high school teammate Lyle Leong. Leong finished with 11 receptions for 142 yards. Potts looked sharp for most of the game and validated Tommy Tuberville's decision to make him the starter. With 53 attempts, the demise of the Tech passing game appears to have been exaggerated, and a date with New Mexico next week should lead to more gaudy numbers. Leong led the team in TD receptions a year ago but was inconsistent from a fantasy standpoint. Keep in mind that Alex Torres was held out with a back injury, which may have led to more targets for Leong.
Stanford backfield still unresolved
Stanford backfield still unresolved
Yesterday's game didn't give any indication if anyone in the Stanford backfield is going to emerge as a viable fantasy option this season. Jeremy Stewart started and had five carries for 21 yards and a touchdown. The fact that he only carried the ball five times has to be concerning for fantasy owners. The rest of the backfield went as follows: Stepfan Taylor (3 carries for 16 yards and a 59-yard receiving touchdown), Tyler Gaffney (eight carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, Usua Amanam (eight carries for 50 yards), and Anthony Wilkerson (seven carries for 27 yards and a touchdown). This is definitely a situation to avoid until further notice.
Ryan Katz has up & down debut
Ryan Katz has up & down debut
Oregon State quarterback Ryan Katz completed nine of 25 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to TCU. The good news is that he didn't commit a turnover against one of the best defenses in the country. Katz showed some serious arm strength on two long scoring passes but he was a little erratic with his mid-range tosses. He is going to have to really work on his touch if he is going to improve his completion percentage. Jacquizz Rodgers owners are hoping he also realizes he can check the ball down for easy yardage when the big play isn't available.
Doug Baldwin takes two to the house
Doug Baldwin takes two to the house
Stanford wide receiver Doug Baldwin had four catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Sacramento State. All of his yardage came in the first half. In one half Baldwin exceeded his 2009 totals (four catches for 36 yards). He drew the start today with Chris Owusu out so don't expect similar weeks like this going forward. The good news is that the Cardinal are going to throw it a ton this season, so he should hold some value in Pac-10 leagues as their third wideout.
Ryan Whalen disappoints owners
Ryan Whalen disappoints owners
Stanford WR Ryan Whalen had six catches for 64 yards in yesterday's win. He did all of his damage in the first half. A decent day for Whalen, but I am sure his owners expected more with Chris Owusu out of this game and the way that Andrew Luck lit it up. Don't worry though as he is still going to lead this team in receiving when all is said and done.
Baron Batch held in check for Red Raiders
Baron Batch held in check for Red Raiders
Texas Tech running back Baron Batch was held to 52 rushing yards on 15 carries in a win over SMU. He added two receptions for 10 yards. Fellow running back Eric Stephens scored the lone rushing touchdown of the game for Texas Tech and finished with 35 yards on nine carries. The two were listed as co-starters on the depth chart, and Stephens looks poised to get enough carries to hurt Batch's value.
Detron Lewis posts 79 yards, TD
Detron Lewis posts 79 yards, TD
Texas Tech wide receiver Detron Lewis had six receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown in a win over SMU. While Lyle Leong led the team in receptions, yards, and TDs, Lewis was consistent as always. He also left the game briefly to get treated for "turf burn" on his arm. Lewis will continue to be an important part of the Tech passing game.
ECU receivers come up big in win
ECU receivers come up big in win
East Carolina's first game under new head coach Ruffin McNeill showed some definite star power. Versatile playmaker Dwayne Harris had seven catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns, while Lance Lewis added six grabs for 103 yards and two more scores. Dominique Davis found a nice red zone target in tight end Justin Jones who had four catches for 53 yards and the game winning touchdown. Harris is an established commodity while Lewis showed himself to be a favorite target of Davis. Jones is a nice tight end option.
ND keeps Keith Smith out of end zone
ND keeps Keith Smith out of end zone
Purdue wide receiver Keith Smith caught 12 passes for 80 yards in a loss to Notre Dame. The Irish kept Smith out of the end zone, doing a nice job working on top of him. Don't worry, Smith will see his share of touchdowns this year.
John Clay sees fewer carries, still good.
John Clay sees fewer carries, still good.
Wisconsin running back John Clay carried 17 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the Badgers' win over UNLV. Fellow back Montee Ball saw action early, and finished with 16 carries and two scores of his own. Ball is worthy of a pickup in Big Ten leagues, and is good insurance if you have John Clay.
Vidal Hazelton hurts knee, MRI scheduled
Vidal Hazelton hurts knee, MRI scheduled
Cincinnati receiver Vidal Hazelton hurt his knee and had to be carted off the field in Saturday's loss to Fresno State. “I just kind of planted wrong,” Hazelton said. Hazelton will have an MRI later today to determine the extent of the injury. Hazelton is up and walking around, which is a good sign.
Dan Persa lives up to ranking
Dan Persa lives up to ranking
Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa threw for 222 yards and three touchdowns, adding another 82 yards on the ground in the Wildcats' win over Vanderbilt. It was an excellent start to the Dan Persa era at Northwestern. If you need help at quarterback and he wasn't drafted, go for it.
North Carolina quarterback T.J. Yates had 410 yards and three touchdowns in a nail-biting loss to LSU. Where in the world did this come from? Without his top two rushers, and top receiver, Yates (for the most part) showed poise, confidence and touch like we never could have imagined. The 'Heels played their butts off, and now have 14 days to sort their roster out - but Yates has solidified himself as a leader and decent option throughout ACC circles.
Darron Thomas keeps Ducks humming
Darron Thomas keeps Ducks humming
Oregon QB Darron Thomas threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns in the win over New Mexico. He overcame an interception on the first drive of the game but looked solid after that. Thomas put up his numbers in a little over a quarter and a half which is amazing considering what Kenjon Barner was doing during the same time frame. Thomas showed the ability to pass but wasn't asked to show off the wheels that have the fantasy community excited. His only rush went for five yards.
LeShoure is the bell cow for Illinois
LeShoure is the bell cow for Illinois
Illinois running back Mikel LeShoure ran 20 times for 112 yards in a tough loss to Missouri on Saturday. For those worried about shared carries, Jason Ford only carried four times. While Illinois works out the kinks with several new players on offense, expect LeShoure to continue to be productive.
Oklahoma State running back Kendall Hunter blew up for 257 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 21 carries as the Pokes blew out Washington State. Hunter had over 200 yards by halftime and was stopped at the one on another long run. Part of this performance can be attributed to the opponent, but it's clear the Cowboys intend to get Hunter involved early and often this year. His play was reminiscent of a couple years ago when he was a fantasy stud.
Weeden sharp in OSU opener
Weeden sharp in OSU opener
Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden completed 22 of 30 passes for 218 yards and three TDs in a win over Washington State. Weeden had a front row seat for the Kendall Hunter show, but he looked sharp as well. All three TDs went to Justin Blackmon, but he also got other receivers involved and didn't make mistakes. Weeden is a strong start again versus Troy next week.
Remene Alston rushes for 134 yards
Remene Alston rushes for 134 yards
Oregon RB Remene Alston rushed for 134 yards in the win over New Mexico. He also added one catch for 13 yards. Alston is the third-string back for the Ducks, so he won't see much action once the schedule stiffens. The bigger news was that neither Lache Seastrunk or Dontae Williams received a carry in the game. That could mean that redshirts might be on the horizon for both stud freshmen.
Demarco Sampson blows up for 188 yards
Demarco Sampson blows up for 188 yards
DeMarco Sampson and Vincent Brown have been touted as one of the best receiving duos in the nation, but tonight Sampson outperformed his teammate. Sampson snagged eight passes for a 188 yards and two scores. Brown managed 39 yards on five catches. This could be a tricky fantasy situation as either Sampson or Brown could be the main man on any given week.
Landry Jones completes less than 50%
Landry Jones completes less than 50%
Oklahoma QB Landry Jones finished 17-of-36 for 215 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Jones hooked up with Ryan Broyles for a pair of early scores, but it eventually turned into the DeMarco Murray show as the Sooners held on to win. There's no huge reason for Jones owners to be concerned, but he'll face tougher competition in the coming weeks.
Jeff Fuller hauls in two TD receptions
Jeff Fuller hauls in two TD receptions
Texas A&M wideout Jeff Fuller was held to four catches for 47 yards against Stephen F. Austin, but two of his receptions went for touchdowns. The touchdowns saved his fantasy day, but I don't think you can read much into the reception totals. The Aggies have plenty of mouths to feed, and in a blowout game that's easy to do. Once conference play starts, Fuller should get even more looks, and he remains a top fantasy option.
Ryan Broyles hauls in two TD passes
Ryan Broyles hauls in two TD passes
Oklahoma wideout Ryan Broyles caught nine balls for 139 yards and two first half TDs in a win over Utah State. Broyles picked up where he left off last year in this one. He displays good chemistry with Landry Jones, and no other Oklahoma pass-catcher had more than three receptions. Broyles should again be one of the nation's top fantasy wide receivers.
Jerrod Johnson accounts for 3 scores
Jerrod Johnson accounts for 3 scores
Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson went 23-of-35 for 279 yards and two passing touchdowns, while running for another, in a blowout win over Stephen F. Austin. Given the opponent, I don't think all the questions about Johnson's arm strength were answered, but his completion percentage was strong. Look for another big game against Louisiana Tech next week.
Diondre Borel abuses OU secondary
Diondre Borel abuses OU secondary
Utah State quarterback Diondre Borel took advantage of some holes in the Oklahoma secondary to put up 340 passing yards and a pair of Touchdowns in a loss to the Sooners. Borel did complete just 17 of 37 passes and had three picks, but he kept the Aggies in the game. The talented signal caller should post strong numbers again next week with Idaho State on the schedule.
What!? Vandy offense looks good?
What!? Vandy offense looks good?
Believe or not, the Vanderbilt offense actually looked really good against Northwestern, with Larry Smith leading the charge on 19-of-33 passing for 240 yards and a touchdown. The ground game featured a healthy Zac Stacy carrying the ball nine times for 69 yards and a touchdown, Warren Norman carrying 10 times for 46 yards and a score, and Smith rushing for 48 yards. Whatever coach Caldwell is doing, he should keep it up. If the offense can maintain this kind of pace, the 'Dores could be headed back to a bowl game.
Jay Finley returns for Baylor, scores TD
Jay Finley returns for Baylor, scores TD
Baylor running back Jay Finley started for the Bears and finished with 48 rushing yards and a TD on six carries. He also had two catches for 24 yards. Finley was stuffed on a fourth down early on but ripped off a 44-yard TD in the second half. The good news is that his ankle is healthy, but the fact that his other five carries went for four yards isn't inspiring. Monitor him as we works back into game shape. If he can carry a heavier workload, there is some fantasy value there.
Robert Griffin is officially back
Robert Griffin is officially back
Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin went 19-of-36 for 237 passing yards and two scores to go with a team-high 65 rushing yards and another TD. Sam Houston State didn't put up much resistance here, but it's encouraging to see RG3 back on the field and playing well. He has another nice matchup with Buffalo next week.
Cam Newton a one-man wrecking crew
Cam Newton a one-man wrecking crew
Cameron Newton wasted no time showing that he is the perfect fit for Gus Malzahn's offense. Newton finished the game against Arkansas state with 9-of-14 passing for 186 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for a staggering 174 yards and two more scores. Newton has just vaulted himself into QB1 territory if he can continue this pace.
