Complete Week Eleven Player Rankings & Projections l More Sit & Starts
Last Week's Quarterback Starts (points in parentheses):
Tyler Bray (43), Jeremiah Masoli (15), Ricky Stanzi (14), Cody Hawkins (25), Boo Jackson (33), Jeffrey Godfrey (39), Austyn Carta-Samuels (20), Ross Jenkins (25)
Grade B. Masoli's injury and Stanzi's subpar performance were the only marks on otherwise solid picks.
Last Week's Quarterback Sits:
Steven Threet (23), Ben Chappell (12), B.J. Daniels (16), John Brantley (16), Kolton Browning (36), David Piland (33), Nathan Enderle (21), Bryant Moniz (1)
Grade B. Pretty solid sits outside of Browning and Piland.
Well it is nearly the end of the year and in most leagues, this is the last week before playoffs. If you are on the bubble, take a look at the starts to see if you can't hit a last inning homer. If you have already clinched a berth, be sure to keep an eye on the sits so you don't embarrass yourself, and kill some momentum heading into the postseason.
Start Em!
BCS-Only
1. Geno Smith, West Virginia vs. Cincinnati
Smith has had a bit of a rough go the past few weeks but that should all change against Cincinnati. They currently have the 98th-ranked pass defense in the country so Smith should find plenty of time to throw on them. Add to the fact that this is nationally televised home game and you have the recipe for a resurgence from Smith.
2. Aaron Murray, Georgia vs. Auburn
This game will be a shootout and Murray will hurt the somewhat soft Tiger defense through the air, but he can also scramble if need be. Now he will not be confused with the opposing quarterback but he will have a good day and do his best to keep his team in this game.
3. Danny O'Brien, Maryland vs. Virginia
O'Brien has had a stellar freshman season so far as he has throw for 1,200 yards with 14 touchdowns and just four picks despite not becoming the starter until the fourth game of the season. Virginia's defense is not giving up much through the air, but the Terps will punish them on the ground, and then O'Brien will launch a few play action passes on his way to a good game.
4. Ryan Katz, Oregon State vs. Washington State
The Cougars of Washington State cannot stop anyone and while they will be using the bulk of their energy trying to slow down Jacquizz Rodgers, Katz should find plenty of time to throw to wide open receivers.
All-120
1. Jake Heaps, BYU vs. Colorado State
Heaps is really coming up and his Cougars are riding a full head of steam going into the game against Colorado State. CSU has been a sieve on defense and will have a hard time stopping Heaps this weekend. Look for a big day from the young signal caller.
2. Jordan Wynn, Utah vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame is reeling with injuries and a pathetically slow defense while Utah is coming out from behind the woodshed against TCU. This is recipe for vengeance and it will be at the hands of the Irish defense. Wynn does not need to pass much for his team to win but the temptation will be too great against such a porous secondary.
3. Brian Anderson, Marshall vs. Memphis
The Memphis defense is making all opposing quarterbacks look like Peyton Manning and that will only continue with Anderson and the Thundering Herd. I mean, the Tigers let Adam Froman throw for four touchdowns against them, so Anderson has to have at least three, right?
4. David Piland, Houston vs. Tulsa
Piland is really coming into his own and it really showed against UCF. The Knights have a good pass defense but Piland was still able to gouge them with over 300 yards passing and four touchdowns. Enter Tulsa and their 120th ranked pass defense. That is out of 120 teams. That means they are last. In the country. Start Piland.
Sit Em! Quarterbacks
BCS Only
1. Dan Persa, Northwestern vs. Iowa
Persa had a surprisingly good game last week against Penn State but the Iowa defense will be even more of a challenge, and the Iowa offense will score enough to keep Persa passing to keep up. Iowa is disciplined and has the athletic linemen to stifle Persa's running ability.
2. Ryan Nassib, Syracuse vs. Rutgers
Nassib is playing lights out this year with 15 touchdowns to just five picks but will struggle against the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers has been susceptible against the run, which will mean a nice day for Delone Carter but Nassib will not put up good numbers in this matchup.
3. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina
I see this game being a grind-it-out affair which will not see many points on the board. The stars of this game could be the kickers so go ahead and sit Taylor.
4. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State vs. Penn State
Penn State is rejuvenated as of late and the Buckeyes just do not have enough playmakers around Pryor to make him any sort of a start in this game. Pryor will be forced to put this game on his shoulders and his fantasy numbers may crumble under the weight.
All-120
1. Jeffrey Godfrey, UCF vs. Southern Miss
Godfrey has been on fire lately but will cool off a bit against the Golden Eagles. Southern Miss will keep the game close which will force Godfrey to beat them through the air...something he will struggle to do.
2. Trevor Vittatoe, UTEP vs. Arkansas
Vittatoe has been cold lately and while Arkansas' defense may not be too good by SEC standards, it is a top notch unit by Conference USA standards. The Razorbacks will get up early and will force the Miners to play one-handed as they pass to catch up.
3. Corey Robinson, Troy vs. FIU
Robinson is playing much older than his freshman status would suggest but Florida International has some playmakers and speed on defense and will harass the young signal caller much like they did against Texas A&M. I see this game going to the run game and to Jerrel Jernigan, not Robinson.
4. Ryan Radcliff, Central Michigan vs. Navy
Navy has one of the most over-achieving, disciplined defenses every year and they will force Radcliff to make mistakes. Add to the fact that they will control the clock most of the game and you have Radcliff struggling to keep up.