This is it. The final countdown. The final games. The final decisions. And for many, the final choices that make you a winner or a loser.
Unfortunately when submitting this column last week we were unaware of injuries to Chris McNeill and Emory Blake. We did, however, produce a few large successes and a couple solid bench recommendations.
Well let's strive for bigger things, better things and one thing in particular: a championship.
And for once this writer can actually listen to his own advice, as in one of my two leagues it's title time.
So good luck to all and let's bring home the hardware.
Last Week's Starts:
Emory Blake, Auburn vs. Samford-Did not record a catch
Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina vs. The Citadel-5 catches, 81 yards, TD. Grade A-
Andre Debose, Florida vs. Furman- 3 catches, 151 yards, 2 TD. Grade A
Jaz Reynolds, Oklahoma vs. Baylor-7 catches, 114 yards, Grade A-
Chris McNeill, Wyoming vs. New Mexico-DNP injury
Cody Hoffman, BYU vs. New Mexico State-3 catches, 26 yards. Grade F
Grade: B (with an "I" for the injuries)
Last Week's Sits:
A.J. Jenkins, Illinois vs. Wisconsin-4 catches, 33 yards. Grade A.
Eric Ward, Texas Tech vs. Missouri-7 catches, 46 yards. Grade B
Keenan Allen, California vs. Stanford-6 catches, 97 yards, TD. Grade F
Kamar Jorden, Bowling Green vs. Ohio-8 catches, 87 yards, TD. Grade F
Taylor Stockemer, Arkansas State vs. MTSU-1 catch, 8 yards. Grade A.
Grade: C+
Start Em!
BCS-Only
Terrance Williams, Baylor vs. Texas Tech
Williams continues to make big plays for Baylor, including his last-second touchdown to beat Oklahoma. He is overshadowed by Kendall Wright, which means single coverage, and Texas Tech will not have the answer for him.
Marquess Wilson, Washington State vs. Washington
Wilson continues to put up monster numbers, and in the Apple Cup there will be plenty of points to be had. He should dominate a porous Huskies secondary.
Juron Criner, Arizona vs. LA-Lafayette
Criner ate alive the ASU defense for a massive night in that rivalry game, and his reward is a cookie. Criner should find the end zone twice with a bushel of catches. Just hope the opponent scores some so he sees the second half.
Gerell Robinson, Arizona State vs. California
Just as Criner dominated ASU, Robinson did the same against Arizona and has been on a roll. California plays a defense-is-optional approach, and Robinson should ride the hot hand of his quarterback to another solid day.
All-120
Eric Thomas, Troy vs. Western Kentucky
Here is a sleeper for you to use in all 120 leagues, as Thomas has a juicy matchup with WKU. He has two touchdowns in each of his last two games and should find paydirt at least once next week.
Taulib Ikharo, Louisiana Tech vs. New Mexico State
Ikharo is coming off back-to-back touchdown games, and if you are in need of a hail mary play, Ikharo is a decent option going against a bad Aggies defense. Try him if you are feeling lucky.
Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State vs. Wyoming
Shoemaker continues to be the best big play threat on the Broncos offense. Against a weak Wyoming defense expect a few large plays for the talented wideout, in what can be a huge statement game for Boise to sneak into the BCS.
Sit Em!
BCS Only
Andre Debose, Florida vs. Florida State
DeBose was the big playmaker Florida needed to overcome Furman, but he cannot be trusted against FSU. His speed will be matched by the Seminoles secondary, and he wont get behind them. Bench in all formats.
Albert Gary, Iowa State vs. Oklahoma
In their glorious win over Okie State the Cyclones tossed the ball all over the yard, which led to a huge game for Gary, who stepped up when they needed him. Now the Sooners are well-versed in Gary’s ability and they will be sure to keep an eye on him next week.
Donovan Varner, Duke vs. UNC
Varner is a good talent for the Blue Devils, who threw it all over the yard last week. But in this Tobacco Road rivalry game, the Heels secondary should do a good job of limiting his big plays opposite Conner Vernon.
Jarrett Boykin, Virginia Tech vs. Virginia
Boykin is the best Hokies playmaker outside of David Wilson, but in yet another rivalry game where the winner plays for the conference crown, Boykin will be guarded like a hawk. He may make some big catches but he is unlikely to find the end zone, which makes all the difference in the (fantasy) world.
All-120
Jordan Leslie UTEP vs. UCF
Leslie had his best game of 2011, catching seven balls in the UTEP loss to Tulsa. Not only will the score not necessitate all of his targets next week against UCF, the Knights defense can lock down any receiver. We expect Leslie to struggle for value.
Reese Wiggins, ECU vs. Marshall
Every week another ECU receiver steps up and catches his five passes for a score. Last week it was Wiggins who actually scored twice, but with Lance Lewis a possibility to return, with Justin Jones and Hardy playing well, it is best to temper your expectations with Wiggins.