Week 4 of the college football season is upon us. Here is a look at five defenses to start in your college fantasy football leagues.
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VIRGINIA TECH
This is a perfect situational play: Virginia Tech’s defense is giving up only 10 points per game, the Hokies are well-rested after Hurricane Florence cancelled the team's game last weekend and they’re giving up only 2.2 yards per rush. Old Dominion (in losses to Liberty, FIU and Charlotte) is only averaging 18.3 points per game and the Monarchs have only thrown three touchdown passes. This should be an annihilation if Virginia Tech stays focus and my bet is that defensive coordinator Bud Foster has this unit primed to go.
AUBURN
Auburn blew it against LSU last weekend. The Tigers are mad. And they still have an awesome defense that’s only giving up 15.6 points per game. Arkansas is switching quarterbacks to Ty Storey, the Razorbacks are coming off disappointing losses to Colorado State and North Texas (losing by 27 to the Mean Green) and they’re banged up on offense. This is a perfect spot for Auburn to seek destruction and get back on the winning track. The defense should lead the way.
OHIO STATE
The theory that the Buckeyes are going to play their hearts out and destroy Tulane this weekend continues with the defense - even if defensive end Nick Bosa is out against the Green Wave. Urban Meyer is coming off a three-game suspension and my thinking is that Ohio State is going to come out all guns blazing on offense and defense. An inferior Tulane team is not going to have a chance. Plus, Ohio State’s unit is one of the best in the country and will be gearing up for its showdown against Penn State the following week.
MICHIGAN
Even if Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez comes back, this is a freshman going on the road for the first time in a terribly tough environment against a really talented defense. The Huskers have been disappointing in two losses to start the season, scoring only 28 against Colorado and 19 against Troy (without Martinez). Neither Greg Bell nor Maurice Washington have scored yet. Nebraska receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. has not broken out yet. Plus, the Wolverines are giving up only 15.6 points per game and teams can neither gain traction running or throwing the ball yet.
OLE MISS
That’s right. I’m picking a defense that allows more than 43 points per game this week but there are some good reasons why. The Rebels have to be ashamed after giving up 62 points and more than 500 yards of total offense to Alabama last weekend. And 41 points the week before to Southern Illinois. Ole Miss’ defense was decent in a season-opening win over Texas Tech, which has proven to be a phenomenal offense this year, and Kent State is not very good. Plus, the Golden Flashes are on the road for the third week in the last four after getting obliterated by Penn State last weekend. They have to be exhausted.
