CFF Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em – Week 2
In a College Fantasy Football move that will go down in history as nothing short of monumental, Volume Pigs and Purple Reign have combined their CFF “mega powers” to form an unstoppable team.
Each week this heavyweight duo will outline College Fantasy Football players to start and sit at each position, and answer questions submitted on X (Twitter) from our readers.
QUARTERBACKS: Start ‘Em
Purple Reign
Jaylen Raynor (ArkSt) vs Tulsa: Despite only throwing a 51.1% completion rate in Week 1, I was pleased with what I saw from Raynor in the air. He had 47 pass attempts for 317 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT. This match-up with Tulsa should generate points for both teams, ensuring that Raynor crosses the 30 pass attempt barrier again. If he can hit 250 passing yard, 2 TDs, and no more than 1 INT he will have a great day when you match those stats with what he’ll produce on the ground.
Kyle McCord (Syr) vs Georgia Tech: McCord looked good in his Week 1 debut with Syracuse. His workload was nice with 39 pass attempts, and what I liked most is that the coaches looked to throw the ball as their first option when the offense got within the 10 yard line. Georgia Tech is going to be a competitive game which will keep McCord firing the ball well into the fourth quarter and the Tech pass defense match-ups nicely for McCord.
Volume Pigs
JC French (GSU) vs. Nevada: I’m riding the hot hand here with the Frenchman, JC, who looks to have taken a stranglehold as the QB1 for the Eagles. He attempted 50 passes last week and added another 15+ rush attempts. Holy Pig. Nevada is another good matchup and I like that the Wolfpack will probably score a lot too.
Jalen Milroe (Bama) vs. USF: I’m taking a bit of a risk in the above entry with French, so I figured I’d level it out with some chalk. If you remember, USF was the game last year where Bama’s staff decided to run with Tyler Buchner instead of Milroe. JM gets his chance to torch the Bulls this time and I think he takes full advantage.
QUARTERBACKS: Sit ‘Em
Purple Reign
Drew Allar (PSU) vs Bowling Green: Allar looked good in the air in Week 1, throwing for 216 yards and 3 TDs on just 17 attempts. That was in a game with West Virginia and the running game was emphasized. I see this week’s game with Bowling Green to feature the running game busting multiple big TD runs, and limiting the scoring opportunities for Allar in the air. Allar throwing for 225 yards and 2 TDs is a likely scenario this week.
Shedeur Sanders (Colo) at Nebraska: Sanders put up a nice stat line in Week 1 going 26/34 for 445 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. I have a feeling that Nebraska’s defense is going to match-up much better than people think by pressuring Sanders and forcing him into making bad throws on the run. Colorado’s pass protection was rough last week against South Dakota State, and Nebraska’s “Black Shirt” defense should be fired up for this rivalry game.
Volume Pigs
Preston Stone (SMU) vs. BYU – I don’t even know if Stone will still have his job by the second half in this one as there seems to be smoke that there’s still a QB competition going on behind the scenes. I would proceed with caution with Stone.
RUNNING BACKS: Start ‘Em
Purple Reign
Jalen White (GaSo) at Nevada: Week 1 was a weird situation for White. He was in a game that was a shootout, but only received 11 carries. He didn’t do much with those opportunities, only gaining 35 yards. But the coaches were willing to use him in the redzone and he managed to score 3 TDs. Nevada’s defense will not be as tough as Boise State’s was last week, and Georgia Southern will be able to remain in their game script instead of playing catch-up like last week. This should be a good match-up for The Eagle’s ground game to help create more balance and to keep Nevada’s offense off the field.
Malik Sherrod (Fres) vs Sacramento State: Sherrod had missed a week of fall camp with an undisclosed injury and there were questions about how much of a workload he would get in Week 1. He toted the rock 14 times against Michigan last week and looks primed to receive his normal share of carries this week. Don’t let the 24 yard performance at Michigan deter you from playing Sherrod this week as he faces off with a team that allowed San Jose State RB Floyd Chalk to score 23 fantasy points on 18 carries last week.
Volume Pigs
Phil Mafah (Clem) vs. App — OK, we got that unpleasant business in week one out of the way, now it’s time to eat. Mafah, the big workhorse from Georgia, is going to be relied on a lot this season to catalyze the Tigers offence as Cade Klubnik still looks like he’s auditioning for Bambi out there. The Tigers need a big bounce back this week to get the taste of week one out of their mouths and put them back in the picture for the ACC. Mafah should see 20+ touches.
Sedrick Alexander (Vandy) vs. Alcorn St. — Alexander monopolized the backfield touches rushing 16 times to the next RB’s one. His main competitor for touches is actually his QB, Diego Pavia, and that motherfucker will undoubtedly make a living stealing Alexander’s hard earned red zone scores this season, but I still like my boy Alexander to have a strong performance in this one.
RUNNING BACKS: Sit ‘Em
Purple Reign
Jordan Waters (NCSt) vs Tennessee: Waters produced a nice state line in Week 1 with 20 carries for 123 yards and 2 TDs. When I watched last week’s game with Western Carolina I felt like the NC State running game wasn’t passing the eye test. There were too many plays where the offensive line wasn’t generating any push, and Waters would get met quickly by defenders and was unable to shake them loose. This week brings a big step up in competition level with Tennessee and I think the offensive line will struggle again. Don’t be surprised if QB Grayson McCall has more rushing yards than Waters this week.
Makhi Hughes (Tul) vs Kansas State: Hughes had a rough start of the season, rushing the ball 14 times for just 59 yards and no TDs against Southeastern Louisiana. This was not what we were expecting from him against an FCS school. Now Kansas State comes to town and they bring a stingy run defense with them. I’m having a hard time seeing him rush for 75 yards and 1 TD in this match-up. Maybe Hughes rises to the level of competition this week but the safe play is to sit him instead.
Volume Pigs
Ashton Jeanty (BSU) vs. Oregon: I know this will come off as heresy amongst the CFF community, but I don’t like the optics headed into Eugene this weekend for Jeanty. Do I think he finishes with a complete dud (<10 points)? No, it’s more like I foresee 10-15 points for our guy this weekend. Oregon is just a different animal and while Jeanty’s ability is P4 level, the rest of the Broncos’ personnel is not at the same tier of Oregon’s.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Start ‘Em
Purple Reign
Coy Eakin (TxTch) at Washington State: This might be the game I’m the most excited to watch all weekend and I want to see touchdown raining from the sky! Texas Tech is going to have to throw the ball to someone other than Josh Kelly if they’re going to stay in this potential shootout. Last week Eakin had 8 targets thrown his way while catching 5 for those for 76 yards and 2 TDs. I’m not going to hold my breath for another 2 TD performance this week but there is a high likelihood of 100 yards and 1 TD.
Easton Messer (W Ky) vs Eastern Kentucky: I’m sure you’re thinking, “Why are you recommending I play someone that didn’t do anything last week?” I see potential for a great spot start with Messer. The Alabama game didn’t generate any good production stats so you have to examine workload and system. WR Moussa Barry had the most targets last week (seven) while Messer had the second most with six. Barry plays on the outside and in the Western Kentucky offense you want to have the slot WR. That’s exactly where Messer plays. I see the coaches giving QB TJ Finley plenty of opportunities to get the passing game going this week since he and the receivers weren’t able to build much game rapport against Alabama.
Volume Pigs
Giles Jackson (UW) vs. EMU: I featured his teammate last week, Denzel Boston, who didn’t disappoint with a 19 point performance in 1PPR formats. What I noticed from watching the playback of that game was that Action Jackson got a lot of work too, especially underneath for QB Will Rogers. This week’s matchup will probably be more competitive, but still equally fruitful for the offence vs. a MAC defence. I like Jackson to see 8+ targets this week and provide a nice floor. I like that UW gave him a carry too. He looks like a player who they just want to get the ball in his hands.
Coleman Owen (Ohio) vs. SALA: So, I know we only have a one game sample for Owen, but the Northern Arizona transfer was targeted 15(!) times vs. Syracuse. He operates from the slot and appears to be a safety blanket for QB Parker Navarro. Ohio looks to be one of the better MAC teams this year and they should be able to keep the game vs. the Jags competitive.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Sit ‘Em
Purple Reign
Isaiah Bond (Tex) at Michigan: Bond had a modest start to the last with 8 targets for 5 receptions, 61 yards and 1 TD. Now the Longhorns travel to Michigan in a game that will test their offense. I don’t see a scenario where any one Texas player really standouts out from a statistical standpoint, but instead everyone playing a complimentary role with one another. Unless Bond is targeted heavily inside the 10 yard line, I have my doubts that he’ll be fantasy worthy this week.
Xzavier Henderson (Cin) vs Pittsburgh: I really like what I saw from Henderson in the season opener. 11 targets, 7 catches for 101 yards and 1 TD. What I’m worried about for this week is that Pitt’s pass defense is much better than their run defense. This should be a game with the coaching staff puts the offense on the back of Corey Kiner. I’m not sure how much Cincinnati will pass, but if they do cut their passing plays to favor the ground game, Henderson is going to have fewer opportunities to earn fantasy points. This isn’t a bad match-up, but it could be a “trap” scenario.
Volume Pigs
Jalen Royals (Utah St.) vs. USC: Royals still looks like the WR1 for the Aggies, but Kyrese Rowan emerged in the slot last week, and more pertinently, USC looks like they finally upgraded the defence (ever so slightly). Utah State didn’t exactly look dominant last week vs. Robert Morris, and USC is coming in hot after a tough game vs. LSU. I think the Aggies potentially get rolled in this one.
TIGHT ENDS: Start ‘Em
Purple Reign
Connor Vaughn (Tuls) at Arkansas State: I normally don’t like to recommend guys that score a bunch of point on a very small workload, but I think this may be an exception. Vaughn had 2 targets for 2 receptions and 2 TDs last week. This week’s matchup with Arkansas State will be competitive and Tulsa is going to need to utilize all their weapons in this one. If Vaughn is a redzone target then he might be good for a 3 reception, 25 yard, 1 TD kind of day.
Volume Pigs
Bauer Sharp (OU) vs. Houston: If you were like me and watched the Thursday night games, one thing in the OU vs. Temple matchup that stood out was OU’s usage of the TE B. Sharp. I like that they move him around a lot and look for ways to get him the ball. The TE position is the perfect security blanket for a young QB, and I like Sharp to see 5+ targets again this week. This is a high upside play for the TE position.
TIGHT ENDS: Sit ‘Em
Purple Reign
Jack Velling (MSU) at Maryland: This is a “wait and see” recommendation. Last week Aidan Chiles looked terrible throwing the ball against Florida Atlantic. That poor play trickled down to Velling who was targeted 3 times for 1 reception, 15 yards, and no TDs. This week brings a Maryland pass defense that is much tougher than FAU. But this could also be the type of game where Chiles is forced to feed his best pass catcher in Velling. This could go either way and I wouldn’t want to bet on it this week.
READER SUBMISSIONS
RMP
2 QB, 6 pt Pass TD, 0.5 ppr, Power 4 only
QB: Sorsby or McCall?
RB: How good of a play is Marcus Major (assuming Taylor is out)?
WR: Ali Jennings or Chris Brazzell?
Purple Reign: Earlier in the article I mentioned both of these games. I can see Cincinnati running the ball more this week and limiting how many throwing opportunities that Sorsby has. I can also see Tennessee making things very hard on Jordan Waters, leaving McCall to do more rushing himself in designated runs or scrambles. I’m not a huge fan of either but I’ll go with McCall just because I think he’ll have the best opportunities on the ground. Marcus Major will be a good fantasy asset while Taylor is out. Last week’s game against North Carolina looked a bit sloppy but he should have much easier sledding this week. I would stay away from Brazzell this week. Instead of being the offense’s deep threat he served as an under route guy. So by default, go with Jennings.
Volume Pigs: I’m rolling with Sorsby 100%. The Pitt game could be a perfect recipe for hero ball from Sorsby, and while Joe is probably right that they will look to run the ball with Kiner more, Sorsby likely still gets heavy usage. Major comes down to whether Taylor plays or not. You’ll have to track that on your own leading up to the game. Between Jennings and Brazzell, both are kind of similar in that their like the WR2/3 or even lower on what are expected to be higher powered offences. For me, this is a coinflip, but I’d rather take a shot on UT’s offence.
READER SUBMISSIONS
Mark Reagan
Standard TD-dependent league.
Started Damon Martinez and Mario Anderson. Sat Skattebo. Was wondering if you think Martinez would get the GL or whether Fletcher vultures? Thanks.
Purple Reign: We have a one game sample size to figure out the Miami rushing game. It did look like Fletcher was being used as a vulture type in the redzone while Martinez was getting the team down the field. For this week I can see Martinez breaking long runs. As for the season, I wouldn’t give up on Martinez yet, but I also would lower my fantasy expectations in contested match-ups.
Volume Pigs: If the options are Martinez, Anderson and Skatt, then I’m probably rolling the dice on Martinez again this week. Seriously, what is it that coaches are seeing in practice that keeps them from giving DM goaline carries? It’s very strange, but is becoming a pattern now across multiple programs. Though I think DM has a bounce back game in this one. After all, Ruiz isn’t paying him all that money just to give CFF managers less than 10 points every week.
READER SUBMISSIONS
Awwodsports @awoodsports
QB 6 point passing TD, 1 pt PPR
QB: Dillon Gabriel, Miller Moss, or Jackson Arnold?
RB: Jalen White or Desmond Reid?
Flex: Jaydn Ott, Savion Williams, or Cam Cook?
Purple Reign: The QB question is a tough one. The good thing is that none of these should be bad plays so you can be safe even if you pick “the wrong guy.” My guts like Gabriel to let it rip after last week’s lackluster offensive display. My brain likes Arnold as the safest play and the best match-up. You could flip a coin here, but I would lean toward Reid. He has the highest workload floor of the two, and Pitt will favor the run more than Georgia Southern does. As for your Flex, I’m not a fan of Ott this week. That means it comes down to who should get more touches between Cook and Williams? I would always lean RB in this scenario and I think Cook has the highest floor of these two.
Volume Pigs: I think Oregon let’s Gabriel spin it since BSU is just dangerous enough to give them trouble if they play with their food like last week. I’m taking White vs. Nevada because I know the staff want him to touch the rock 20 times a game. Ott is injured last I checked, and I, like Joe, generally go RB over WR in the flex. Even with a PPR set up I think RB is just a safer floor. Though I like Williams too. Sort of a toss up there.
READER SUBMISSIONS
Austin Smith @CFBHeadgear
QB Pick 1: Giovanni Lopez, Behren Morton, or Kirk Francis?
WR: Luke Grimm or Kyle Williams
Purple Reign: I love Williams here. Texas Tech’s defense looked putrid last week and I think this game should score more points that what Vegas is predicting. Williams will have the workload where I think Grim has to count on hitting big plays for TDs.
Volume Pigs: Give me Morton in what might end up being the highest scoring game of the week. At WR I think Williams is WR1 of that Wazzou offence and again, this might be the highest scoring game of the weekend.
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