Holy Moses. It's the last week of the regular season - how can this be? Maybe because I've only been to three games this season, and this Saturday begins a streak of four straight road trips; but still, we can't possibly be nearing the end, can we? Maybe it's also because my ACC/SEC dynasty team lost its starting QB in the midst of my quest for a 3-peat that I don't want us to be nearing the playoffs. But the fact is we are there, and if your league still allows additions, at the very least, pick up some guys who are catching fire, because you can't have enough depth. Ever.
If you've read, and listened, to this column, you should be sitting pretty right now. But our numbers show the likes of Nathan Scheelhaase, Dwight Jones, Orleans Darkwa, David Piland, Jeffrey Godfrey and Robbie Rouse remaining largely unowned. Baffling I tell you, simply baffling. This is presumably your last chance to alter your roster - don't be bashful!
This week's names have some themes to them. Looking in to the BCS crystal ball, we come across the mighty SEC, and lots of talent starting to peak and gain opportunities. Branching out into the rest of the FBS, we see a few names who were probably drafted early, cut, and should not have been left sitting on the wire. Could I be any less subtle...go add some players!
BCS
Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee - Yes, it was against Memphis, but the kid threw five TDs in a half. And it was his first start! The schedule reads Ole Miss, @ Vandy, and Kentucky. Not too scary. Bray will solidify his starting role this week, if he hasn't already, and ten more TDs this season seem both ambitious and reasonable.
Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas - After scoring just once in his first six games, Davis is suddenly a monster. He's averaged 122.7 yards over his last three games, while scoring eight times in that span. Though the numbers don't show it, I'm not convinced quarterback Ryan Mallett is 100% healthy, and the Hawgs know they have to be more balanced. It's obvious, and it's working and Davis should be in your lineup this week against UTEP.
Denarius Moore/Gerald Jones, WR, Tennessee - See Bray, Tyler. With a new quarterback, the Vols skill players have found life. Moore is the game changer, and has been unstoppable since Bray started airing things out. He's chalked up 231 yards in the last two contests while scoring in each, and makes a terrific WR3 play the rest of the way. That said, don't sleep on Jones. He's got play making ability, but has also settled in to a role as a possession receiver opposite Moore since returning from injury. He's caught 18 passes in the past three games, and while the yardage is modest, he has scored twice. The schedule is noted above, and I fully expect little challenges to the hot Vols offense. Someone might slow down (read, double team) Moore, which should open Jones up for a playoff winning performance.
Jordan Reed, "TE," Florida - A few weeks ago, Ryan Tannehill gave you a chance to score QB points from a wide receiver. Sweet right? Want to know what's better? Getting those points from a tight end! I have no idea what the Gators are going to do offensively this week, or next. But I do know this "tight end" had 120 yards passing, 84 yards rushing and two touchdowns last week. Seriously?
All 120
Stump Godfrey, QB, New Mexico - Honestly, this spot should belong to LA-Monroe's Kolton Browning, but how can I not write about Stump? He's got four TDs over his last two games, he's rushed 41 times in that span and has no turnovers. The schedule isn't encouraging (Air Force, BYU, TCU) but if you are desperate for a signal caller, take a swing at Stump!
Alvester Alexander, RB, Wyoming - You drafted him early this season, or you were mad when someone else took him from you. You then either cut him, saw him on your waiver wire/transaction report, or begged for a reason to be patient. Either way, he is unowned in at least 50% of the leagues out there, and coming off of a 151 yard, three score game means you should be excited about match ups with UNLV and Colorado State that are looming. Don't forget he doesn't play in Championship Week, but don't be afraid to let him get you there either.
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida Atlantic - 242 yards and three touchdowns in the last two weeks, Hilton is another mid round selection who hasn't lived up to his draft slot. And now he is trying to make amends.
My Miami loving self is off to Chapel Hill Saturday to beg for a second chance for the 'Canes to be able to control their ACC destiny. Hit me up if you want to tailgate!