College Football News and Notes: Week 5
Quarterbacks
Player: Braxton Miller, QB, Ohio State
News: To the surprise of no one, Miller wants to get back on the field and has been cleared to play this week against Wisconsin, but coach Urban Meyer on Wednesday did not name a starter and listed both of his young quarterbacks as “co-starters”.
Impact: Kenny Guiton was a solid play with a school record 6 touchdown passes last week, so while Miller may be activated and play, if he struggles the coaching staff would be able to call on a stud as his backup. Playing Miller before having a game under his belt is risky business.
Player: Davis Webb/Baker Mayfield, QB, Texas Tech
News: Both Webb and Mayfield saw the field on Saturday against Texas State and both were benched at various points in the game.
Impact: Mayfield started, Webb played the middle and then was benched for the fourth quarter. Right now the Red Raiders QB situation is a mess, especially when Michael Brewer, the expected starter, is due back any week from his back injury. Avoid the situation at all costs, especially now that Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury has come out and said both freshman QB’s would play the rest of the year.
Player: Brandon Connette, QB, Duke
News: You would not think a Duke QB would make the news and notes column, but this is in fact to recommend Connette, who is playing extremely well and should be played this week against Troy.
Impact: Connette racked up well over 400 yards against Pitt last weekend and with the Duke defense not able to stop anyone and the Troy defense in the same boat, this could be a shootout. He is a solid QB1 option in BCS leagues this weekend.
Player: Stephen Morris, QB, Miami (FL.)
News: Morris is expedted to start for the Hurricanes against USF this weekend after leaving his last game with an ankle injury.
Impact: Morris and the Canes did win 77-7 against Savannah State, so there was no need to push him. Expect him to play and play well against USF, making him a decent QB2 play in BCS leagues.
Player: Philip Nelson, QB, Minnesota
News: Do not expect to see Nelson on the field for the Gophers game next weekend against Iowa as he continues to battle an injury.
Impact: Nelson is in the middle of a Wally Pip situation, as his replacement Mitch Leidner ran for well over 100 yards and 4 touchdowns last week against San Jose State. He wont produce that against Iowa, but if he plays well, expect him to keep his job.
Player: Clint Trickett/Ford Childress, QB, West Virginia
News: Just two weeks after an impressive debut, Childress is being benched by the Mountaineers as they are going back to Clint Trickett as their starting QB.
Impact: I guess that is what happens when you get shutout by Maryland. Neither of the signal callers should be played or trusted in fantasy circles.
Player: Blake Bell/Trevor Knight, QB, Oklahoma
News: Despite Knight returning to the practice field and having the ability to start for the Sooners on Saturday, Blake Bell will get the start against Notre Dame.
Impact: he deserves it after throwing for the most yards in the history of OU in a QB’s first career start. The problem this week however is that Notre Dame poses a solid secondary and Bell should be avoided unless you are in a deep BCS only league that plays two quarterbacks.
Running Backs
Player: Paul James, RB, Rutgers
News: The second leading rusher in the country James will miss at least 3 weeks after suffering a lower leg injury during the Rutgers win against Arkansas Saturday.
Impact: James was dominating defenses and having a solid season. Although the team has a bye this week, keep an eye on Savon Huggins when Rutgers returns to the field to take on SMU in Week 6.
Player: Venric Mark, RB, Northwestern
News: Mark, the talented back that has missed some time with injury this season, is expected to return to the Wildcats lineup for their October 5th showdown against Ohio State.
Impact: Treyvon Green has been solid for the Cats and this makes the backfield situation a mess. You will have to let things play out to see how this unfolds and who gets the carries, thus the stats.
Player: Donnell Kirkwood/Rodrick Williams/David Cobb, RB, Minnesota
News: While Kirkwood is no longer listed on the injury report, it is expected he will play as a backup against Iowa this week.
Impact: There is no clear choice in the backfield as both Williams and Cobb will see the field. It is best if you avoid this mess until one back earns the starting role.
Player: Terron Ward, RB, Oregon State
News: Ward is expected to get the start in place of Storm Woods against Colorado this weekends as Woods continues to battle a concussion.
Impact: Ward was not impressive in the Beavers last outing but he should be able to capitalize on a terrible Colorado rush defense. Expect 75 yards and a TD for Ward if he indeed gets the start.
Wide Receivers
Player: Jaylon Denson, WR, Auburn
News: Denson is out for the season with a torn patella tendon, which he has already had surgery on.
Impact: Auburn has a bye this week but this should mean more catches for Sammie Coates, the Tigers leading receiver who should now be targeted even more.
Player: Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson
News: Much like T.J. Yeldon of Alabama a week ago, it seems as if Bryant is going to be disciplined for making a gesture during Clemson’s win against N.C. State last week.
Impact: In what would have been a solid matchup for Bryant, there is no word as to how long he will be benched on Saturday. Freshman Mike Williams will see more time, but now Bryant is someone to be benched and he is too risky to play due to the uncertainty around the duration of his punishment.
Player: Colt Lyerla, TE, Oregon
News: Lyerla will return to the Ducks lineup this week against California after missing his last game with an illness.
Impact: Lyerla is a top 5 tight end in all formats and should be used accordingly.