Complete Week One Player Rankings & Projections l More Sit & Starts
Would you like an idea of how deep the running back spot is heading into Week One of the College Fantasy Football Season? Jordan Todman is projected to rush for 111 yards and a score in the opener in Ann Arbor...and he's our 55th-rated tailback this week.
And it's not that our computer is overly generous when it comes to handing out yards and scores; rather, this is clearly a week where those in total point leagues must post huge numbers, or else you're already behind the 8-ball.
Start Em! Running Backs
BCS-Only
Kenjon Barner, Oregon vs. New Mexico
Talking to and reading Rob Moseley of The Oregon Register-Guard has caused us to entirely rethink Kenjon Barner's fantasy prospects for the season, and in turn we're a little skeptical about LaMichael James.
Barner is a burner and former cornerback that is improving with each practice rep. In recent years the Ducks have had plenty of room for two backs to serve as fantasy factors, but thanks to James' one-game suspension it'll be a whole lot of Barner this weekend.
Darius Willis, Indiana vs. Towson
So much Hoosier love, and there's no mention of Calbert Cheaney, Steve Alford or Keith Smart. I'm not sure how may games that Indiana will be able to pull out, but I do know this offense will be fun to watch.
Even without Tandon Doss the Hoosiers will light up Towson, thus both Willis and Chappell will have some fun on Thursday night.
Caleb King, Georgia vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
A bunch of momentum heading King's way this week. Running mate Washaun Ealey can't drive, the Dawgs are breaking in a new quarterback in Aaron Murray, and the Ragin Cajuns were 99th against the run a season ago.
Alexander Robinson, Iowa State vs. Northern Illinois
There's no guarantee ISU wins this game, but unlike most of their upcoming contests in 2009, they've got a shot. And Robinson will need to touch it a bunch.
Marc Tyler, USC at Hawaii
The Warriors were 107th against the run last season.
Allen Bradford, USC at Hawaii
Why not? Plenty to go around for both of these backs and Bradford has something to prove.
All-120
MiQuale Lewis, Ball State vs. SE Missouri State
Lewis is hoping to return to his 2008 form, and he'll get off to a great start against SE Missouri State, though he will have to share some carries with Cory Sykes.
Missouri State allowed an average of 142 yards on the ground in 2009, with Arkansas the only "name" opponent.
Jeff Brinson, Central Florida vs. South Dakota
There wasn't a whole lot of news coming out of UCF regarding Mr. Brinson, and then suddenly George O'Leary was handing out compliments like they were nudey cards on the Vegas Strip.
Brinson, a refugee from Iowa, runs hard and should see the majority of snaps until Brynn Harvey returns.
Alfred Morris, Florida Atlantic vs. UAB
Not much defense to be played in this one.
Mike Ball, Nevada vs. Eastern Washington
Nevada's opponent was among the nation's worst defenses in the FCS a season go. Vai Taua's backup will see plenty of carries and yards.
Sit Em! Running Backs
BCS-Only
(Please remember that "Sit Em" may be a bit of a misnomer. All recommend sits are among our top projected players, but there ones I feel may struggle to meet expectations).
Victor Anderson, Louisville vs. Kentucky
I like Anderson this year, and own him in a couple leagues. I'm just taking a wait-and-see approach in the opener.
Joe Martinek, Rutgers vs. Norfolk State
The Spartans may not have played a big-name defense a season ago, but they were among the top defenses in the FCS. Seven starters return to their defense, a unit that will be ready to prove they can shut down a big boy.
Armando Allen, Notre Dame vs. Purdue
I know that Purdue only ranked 94th against the run and return six defensive starters, but we'll call this a feeling game. While everyone talks of Kelly, Crist and the another Return to Glory, there is a quiet confidence coming out of West Lafayette. This game will be a little sloppy, and Purdue will keep the ND offense in check.
Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech vs. South Carolina State
The Bulldogs were a top-ten FCS defense a season ago, and they return a slew of veteran defenders. They'll be prepped for what Georgia Tech will bring.
Non-BCS
Lennon Creer, La. Tech vs. Grambling
I include Creer on the RB Sit List for the same reason I put Steven Ensminger on the QB Sit List. I just think it will take a few weeks for the new offense to click.
Lance Dunbar, No. Texas @ Clemson
He's our #1 rated running back in 2010, but Clemson doesn't play in the Sun Belt.
Aaron Winchester, W. Michigan @ Michigan State
He was a big time sleeper pick this draft season and the Spartans overall defense is pretty lousy, but they can stop the run.