Complete Week One Player Rankings & Projections l More Sit & Starts
Last week's defense sit & start featured two teams that pitched shutouts: Rutgers and Buffalo. Of course it also featured a team that was beaten by Jacksonville State. Keep in mind, the goal is to pick out some teams that may be overlooked by fantasy owners. In other words you won't find TCU on this list, it should go without saying that they are a good start against Tennessee Tech.
The season is still early, and there are still a good many powerhouse programs facing cream puffs this weekend. It should be easy to find a defense for this week. Times are good, let's get into it.
Start Em!
BCS-Only
Georgia Tech vs. Kansas
It's one thing to lose to an FCS opponent -- it's happening with more and more frequency the last few years -- it's quite another to only score three points. The Jayhawks need directions to the end zone and the Yellow Jackets won't be handing out road maps.
Wisconsin vs. San Jose St.
Did you get the sense that Wisconsin was toying with UNLV like a cat that just caught a mouse last week? I've been to Camp Randall, it's a raucous atmosphere and San Jose State has no prayer.
Arizona vs. The Citadel
We took the trip to Toledo to watch Nick Foles & Co. "do work" against the Rockets last Friday. I'm not going to lie, I was bored to tears. The Wildcats and their uncountable number of screen passes is one of the most mind-numbing offenses in the country to watch. And their defense absolutely smothered the Rockets. I don't think The Citadel has an Eric Page on their roster either, Cats roll again.
All-120
Miami (Oh) vs. Eastern Michigan
Here's a stat for you, through three quarters the mighty Gators and quarterback John Brantley had a whooping 25 yards of total offense (-16 yards rushing). That's not a misprint folks. True the Gators were their own worst enemy, but give some credit to the Redhawks' defense. EMU is still a one-dimensional team. Stop Dwayne Preist and you stop the Eagles.
Northern Illinois vs. North Dakota
The Fighting Sioux were shutout last week against Idaho. The Huskies should be able to keep them in check as well.
Akron vs. Gardner-Webb
Jim and I had a little internal debate last week about Delone Carter (and John Brantley). Jim believed the computer had blown a microchip and surely Carter would rush for more than 108 yards and a score against the Zips. Carter ended the day with 96 and a score, but more importantly was held to 3.7 yards per rush. The Zips also forced three turnovers. Of course the Akron D should be reserved for emergency use only.
Sit Em!
BCS Only
Pittsburgh vs. New Hampshire
I'm not going to lie, I originally had Pitt on my start list. After taking a close look and New Hampshire, they were bumped down. Now, as Brian has pointed out a couple of times, if you have Pitt on your roster, you don't sit them for Michigan this week. But the fightin' Wildcats could put up a touchdown or three against them this week. It's not as big of a gimme defensive start as it looks on paper.
Penn St. vs. Alabama
I want nothing to do with this game either offensively or defensively. Sit back and enjoy the game, no need to dabble in the fantasy realm with this one.
Ohio State vs. Miami
See above.
All-120
Air Force vs. BYU
There are only a handful of non-BCS defenses that are in the regular fantasy rotation. Air Force is one of them. However, they did give up 21 points and 249 yards through the air last week against Northwestern State, a sign that their pass defense may not be as dominating as it was last year. If this was a mid-season game, they probably wouldn't be on this list. BYU is still trying to find their way on offense a little bit. But with so many options at your disposal, no need to mess with this one.