Obviously a lot can change in the next week, let alone over the remainder of the regular season. However a look at the top fantasy performers through five weeks shows two expected at the party, and two that have crashed the shindig in a very big way.
Quarterback Leader: Denard Robinson, 219 points
What we wrote in pre-season preview:
I'll admit I may have been wrong on Robinson. Convinced a move to wide receiver was a matter of time, I didn't take into account the fact that sometimes freshmen make big strides prior to their sophomore campaign...duh. Apparently Robinson showed considerable growth as a thrower this spring, and when we couple that with his lightning speed we may really have something. Consistent production is a concern with any sophomore, let alone one still learning a position. However should Robinson outlast Forcier and Gardner we have a very intriguing Big Ten fantasy QB on our hands.
What we say now:
Uhh, yeah. He's intriguing.
Running Back Leader: DeMarco Murray, 130 points
What we wrote in pre-season preview:
A healthy DeMarco Murray is one of the nation's most explosive tailbacks. He's struggled with nagging injuries (though these have been overblown a bit) during his time in Norman, but 2010 may present a true breakout opportunity now that Chris Brown has moved on. Murray's average of 175 carries over the past two years doesn't seem like much, however when one considers that he's averaged about 35 receptions for 450 yards and four scores suddenly Murray is viewed as a little more durable. We expect touches to go up across the board, and with this increase look for more yards, scores and moments that have you sitting up in your chair.
What we say now:
He's averaging 30 touches from scrimmage per game. He's averaging two touchdowns per contest. And there are a whole lot of bad defenses that remain on the schedule.
Wide Receiver Leader: Kealoha Pilares, 122 points
What we wrote in pre-season preview:
Slotback made a nice move as a junior, going 66-690-4. Clearly his numbers in 2010 hinge heavily on the quarterback spot, one that is currently a little muddy.
What we say now:
Things ain't so muddy anymore.
Tight End Leader: Lance Kendricks, 49 points
What we wrote in preseason preview:
We liked Lance Kendricks all of 2009, especially as he was running wild against Purdue. But it was against Miami in the Champs Bowl that the light went off: Hell, not only is this dude a freak talent outrunning the Miami D, but Garrett Graham is gone next year! Dude...we've got a top-five tight end, after all Wisconsin is home to the play-action pass to the big fella rumbling down the seam.
What we say now:
Three great games and two stinkers thus far. In today's era of college football tight ends, this is about as good as you can get.
We've got a long ways to go, but it's clear that the current positional leaders in college fantasy football have no intentions of slowing down.
Nine Other Random Observations from an interesting Week Five:
-Denard Robinson may very well win the Heisman Trophy by Halloween. Should he continue these wild and crazy type of performances against Michigan State, Iowa and Penn State over the next three weeks then he'll be very hard to beat.
-Please tell me you didn't spend your first two picks on Dion Lewis and Michael Floyd.
-It's hard to see anyone knocking off Oregon over the next two months, and it's hard to see LaMichael James slowing down at all.
-Yes...I included Matt Brown on my Sit List this week. What, do you think 226 rushing yards and four scores is a good week? Pffft.
-I really have no idea what to make of UCLA, however if they can win two of the next three (@ Cal, @ Oregon and vs. Arizona) then Rick Neuheisel goes from the hot sit to a serious Coach of the Year candidate in a matter of a month. Just keep riding those tailbacks.
-I'd like to tell those that value a good night's sleep that the Hawaii offense is humming along very nicely. Bryant Moniz has accounted for 11 touchdowns over the last two weeks, and two receivers are posting monster numbers. Kealoha Pilares and Greg Salas combined for 28 catches for 414 yards and four scores in the shellacking of Louisiana Tech.
-Welcome back A.J. Green.
-A look at the remainder of Dan Persa's schedule makes me think one of the nation's most underrated quarterbacks will not be slowing down any time soon. I can't name a handful of quarterbacks in the country that have been better.
-Nice to see Darren Evans have a huge game in Virginia Tech's upset of North Carolina State. His 15-160-2 was reminiscent of two years ago, and of course it makes settling on one Hokie back even more difficult than before.