Complete Week Nine Player Rankings & Projections l More Sit & Starts
The time to be cute has come and gone. We're in the stretch drive, and if you're going to go down you want it to be with your studs in the lineup. A look at our Week Nine Running Back Rankings shows that our trusted computer agrees. The top of the rankings is dotted with some of your draft's highest selections. Don't over think people.
Last Week's Running Back Starts: LaMichael James (27), Daniel Herron (21), Vick Ballard (DNP), Mikel LeShoure (14), Keith Payne (19), Zach Line (11), Robbie Rouse (26), Jacquise Terry (11), Ronnie Weaver (25)
Grade: B. Vick really hurt.
Last Week's Running Back Sits: Kendall Hunter (32), Johnathan Franklin (9), Rodney Stewart (6), Phillip Tanner (21), Sam McGuffie (15), Matthew Tucker (12)
Grade: C+. Hunter and Tanner did too much.
Start Em! Running Backs
BCS-Only
1. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State vs. Cal
Quizz says he's rested and ready to go. Good enough for me. I know Cal has been very good against the run, but I just don't doubt Mr. Rodgers.
2. Stepfan Taylor, Stanford at Washington
The Huskies are among the nation's worst at stopping the run. Taylor is seeing the carries, gaining the yards, and scoring the touchdowns of late.
3. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State
The Pokes are only 47th against the run, but they've also faced a whole bunch of teams that have little desire to keep it on the ground. They'll know Thomas will get the ball, and they won't be able to stop him.
4. Shane Vereen, Cal at Oregon State
The Beavers haven't stopped anyone this season; look for Vereen to keep on rolling.
All-120
1. Ed Wesley, TCU at UNLV
UNLV is 110th in rush defense. Granted they've played some of the nation's better ground attacks (Wisky, Utah and Nevada) but 110 is still...110.
2. Alex Green, Hawaii vs. Idaho
A defense has to spend so much time worrying about the Hawaii passing game that Alex Green has so much room to roam. And he only needs about 12 carries to get it done.
3. Chad Spann, NIU at Western Michigan
Spann has seen more than 23 carries in his last three outings, gaining about 105 in each and averaging two scores per contest. His nice run continues in Kalamazoo.
4. Jared Hassin, Army vs. VMI
We're all in on the Army offense this week. I haven't started an Army back since Doc Blanchard back in 1945.
Sit Em! Running Backs
BCS Only
1. Montel Harris, Boston College vs. Clemson
Harris' two scores were his first trips to the end zone since Week One. Don't go overboard just yet.
2. Noel Devine, West Virginia at UConn
As one who has had Devine for three years, I really wish he would score more touchdowns. UConn stinks, but watching Devine when he's in your starting lineup is enough to drive one to drink even more.
3. Chris Polk, Washington vs. Stanford
Polk is the West Coast's version of Noel Devine...and I own Polk, too.
All-120
1. Alfred Morris, FAU vs. FIU
Following a very difficult stretch of games to open the season, FIU has done a nice job slowing down teams a little closer to their talent level. FAU is one such team.
2. Carl Volny, Central Michigan vs. Bowling Green
I know a lot of you aren't contemplating starting one Volny, Carl. But come on, do you know how hard it is to come up three (relatively highly ranked) non-BCS starters at running back? I
3. Javonti Greene, Eastern Michigan vs. Toledo
Again, really going out on a limb here, huh? I know Greene is a key cog in your ground attack.
Leave me alone.