Complete Week One Player Rankings & Projections l More Sit & Starts
Week 3 is upon us and by this time we have noticed some breakout performers, waiver wire gems, and it may be time to start benching some of your first rounders. If you started off terribly (like I have) you can still make up some ground. If you are riding high, keep the pedal down and mash your opponents. Check out some of these picks as I feel confident you can get a solid performance out of these guys.
Last Week's Running Back Starts: Marcus Coker (26), Ralph Bolden (4), Perry Jones (21), Kevin Parks (15), David Sims (9), Branden Oliver (32), Anthon Samuel (18), Tevin Drake (8)
Grade: B. An average of over 16 points per back is not too shabby. Bolden, Sims, and Drake hurt, but I was spot on with Oliver, Jones, and Coker.
Last Week's Running Back Sits: Malcolm Brown (6), James Sims (27), Michael Dyer (27), Ryan Bass (11), Robbie Rouse (18), Ronnie Weaver (1)
Grade: F. I didn't expect Dyer or Sims to go off like they did, and this which crushed my picks.
Start Em! Running Backs
BCS-Only
Andre Ellington, Clemson vs. Auburn
Auburn wasn't able to stop Robert Turbin in Week One and Vick Ballard ran roughshod on them last week. Ellington is a different type of runner, but he is clicking and should enjoy a productive day against the Tigers.
Terrance Ganaway, Baylor vs. Stephen F. Austin
Ganaway had a surprise performance in the season opener against TCU and should have no trouble putting up a similar performance in half the time against the Lumberjacks. While Robert Griffin will certainly be the star of the show, his presence in the backfield will keep pressure off Ganaway all season.
Josh Harris, Wake Forest vs. Gardner-Webb
Harris has averaged over 22 carries per game so far this season, and those carries should go for nice yardage and at least a couple scores against Gardner-Webb.
All-120
Doug Martin, Boise State vs. Toledo
Toledo played inspired defense against Ohio State but they will be worn down when they face a superior team in the Broncos. The Broncos are riding high and will look to extinguish the Rockets. Martin is a better rusher than the Rockets have faced all year and should enjoy a multi-score game.
Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech vs. Houston
Creer took a week to remind us of his dominance last year but it was a doozy. 33 carries, 177 yards and three scores came against a quality FCS opponent in Central Arkansas. Against Houston, Creer will be counted on to wear down their smallish defense while also keeping the score close until Case Keenum and Company run away with it.
Robert Clay, New Mexico State vs. UTEP
Clay has been quietly performing for the Aggies as he had 97 yards and a score against Minnesota last week. UTEP, on the other hand, is downright putrid on defense, having surrendered almost two 100-yard rushers against Stony Brook and letting SMU's Zach Line punish them for over 100 yards and two scores last week. The Aggies will ride Clay and their momentum as they bounce the Miners.
Bernard Pierce, Temple vs. Penn State
You may think that Pierce won't do much against their in-state foe but I say go ahead and play him!
Sit Em! Running Backs
BCS-Only
Jeff Scott, Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt
Scott had a fantastic showing last week but it was against Southern Illinois. Vandy, on the other hand, is playing inspired defense so I don't see Scott doing much against the surging Commodores.
Tauren Poole, Tennessee vs. Florida
Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley has been open about his disappointment with the rushing attack which should hit a stone wall against the Will Muschamp-led Gators. Tyler Bray will take to the air against their conference foe, but I don't see Poole doing much more than trying to keep the defense from focusing too much on Bray.
All-120
Lance Dunbar, North Texas vs. Alabama
Dunbar couldn't get much going against the Houston defense so you have to just hope he doesn't get hurt against the Tide.
Adonis Thomas, Toledo vs. Boise State
Thomas had a rough going against Ohio State and the Bronco defense could be even better. Besides, the Rockets are going to be gassed after pulling off the near upset and will not be ready for Boise State.
Jasmin Hopkins, Northern Illinois vs. Wisconsin
Don't get me wrong, I think the Huskies will score on Wisky but between Chandler Harnish doing everything on offense and a score that will likely become lopsided early, Hopkins will be lucky to have a good night.