College Fantasy Football: Defenses to consider starting in Week 3

Colorado’s defense is not phenomenal, but this is a pure play on New Hampshire being completely outmatched and having a terrible offense. The Wildcats scored seven points in a 28-point loss to Maine in the season-opener. Last weekend, they lost to Colgate, 10-3. Three points against a Patriot League team? How can New Hampshire possibly score any points against a Pac-12 team coming off a win at Nebraska? New Hampshire has only 58 rushing yards and one passing touchdown in two games. If that team scores, Colorado should be ashamed of itself.

2. CLEMSON

This is another matchup situation that should really play in Clemson’s favor. Georgia Southern has rushed for 684 yards and seven touchdowns in two games, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. But the Eagles have only thrown for 183 yards so far. Against a Clemson front of Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell, my money is on the Tigers’ future NFL first-rounders winning the line of scrimmage battle.

3. MICHIGAN

Throw out SMU’s inflated stats against North Texas and let’s focus on what the Mustangs did against TCU last weekend: Very little. This offense is not the SMU of old where it would score a ton of points, have a bad defense, and then win some games and lose some games. SMU is still searching for an identity this year and Michigan’s defense should have its way. The Wolverines are giving up only 13.5 points per game and have allowed only 255 passing yards so far.

4. MARYLAND

Temple’s offense is really not good. Like, not good at all. The Owls have rushed for 161 yards in losses to Villanova and Buffalo. They’ve thrown for 445 yards and four scores which is a little better but we’re talking against Villanova and Buffalo. Maryland’s front has been solid, its back end not as good stats-wise but Temple can’t run the ball and should have no time to throw. This is another matchup situation that really lines up.

5. KENTUCKY

Murray State lost to Southern Illinois, 49-10, and to Central Arkansas, 26-13. The Racers have only 159 rushing yards and one TD in those two games. Their passing yards are better but they’ve only had one passing touchdown as well. Against Southern Illinois and Central Arkansas. Kentucky is coming off a win over Florida where it allowed only 16 points. The Wildcats aren’t good enough or full-enough of themselves to look by any opponent. This defense is solid and should come close to shutting out Murray State.