College Fantasy Football: Defenses to watch for Week 6

Week 6 of the college football season is already upon us. Here’s a look at five defenses to consider starting in your college fantasy football leagues.

MIAMI

Can it really be this simple? Miami’s defense allows just 16.8 points per game, just 2.8 yards per carry and it’s given up only eight offensive touchdowns so far this season. In the last two weeks, the Hurricanes have given up 17 and 10 points, respectively. This is a rivalry game and those can sometimes be tricky, but Florida State’s offense has been terrible. The Seminoles average just 2.8 yards per carry. Five-star running back Cam Akers has one touchdown so far this season. Five-star running back Jacques Patrick has none. FSU’s passing game is better, but Miami’s secondary should be able to keep it contained.

FLORIDA

Despite being owned in only 25 percent of leagues, the Gators have the best defense in college fantasy football mainly because they have not let teams score touchdowns against them. Florida gives up four yards per rush which is good, not great, but opponents have only scored four rushing touchdowns against them. The Gators allow just 140 passing yards per game and have given up three passing scores. The over/under in Florida’s game against LSU this weekend is 43.5, one of the lowest of the weekend. No one is expecting a shootout in The Swamp, which is good news here.

MICHIGAN

A quick look at the stats could be concerning for this Michigan defense, but a deeper dive shows that the Terrapins can run the ball well but has very little success throwing it down the field. That plays right in to Michigan’s strength of giving up just 2.4 yards per carry and 86.4 yards per outing. The Wolverines have allowed just five rushing touchdowns in five games. Maryland is averaging 6.2 yards per rush and 11 touchdowns, but in this matchup I’ll go with Michigan’s outstanding front against Maryland’s tough run game.

WASHINGTON

UCLA’s offense is borderline inept at times and Washington’s defense is giving up just over 11 points per game - and that’s against much more talented offenses including Auburn and Arizona State. If the Bruins have any hope of scoring, it will be on the ground but Washington’s front should easily be able to handle UCLA’s offensive line. The Huskies’ pass defense is great, allowing just 155 passing yards per game and one passing TD so far this season.

SYRACUSE

The Orange are known for their fast-paced offense and ability to score against virtually any opponent but something that’s been overlooked early this season is Syracuse’s defense. It allows just 21.4 points per game and held Clemson to seven first-half points and 13 points after three quarters. Pitt’s offense has been average at best, scoring just 22.4 points per outing, so Syracuse could have an impressive showing this weekend. It’s hard to believe the Orange defense is owned in only two percent of leagues despite being rated as the eighth-best defense in fantasy points.