Week 1 of college football is finally here. Let’s get to some recommendations for who could have a huge opening week on defense to help your college fantasy football team.
MORE COLLEGE FANTASY FOOTBALL: Rivals fantasy home | Top WRs to play in Week 1 | RBs to watch for Week 1 | QBs to watch for Week 1 | SEC advice | Pac-12 advice | ACC advice | Big 12 advice | Big Ten advice | Five risky picks | Top 20 sleepers | Potential busts | 15 players on verge of stardom | 25 freshmen worth drafting | Top offensive lines that add value to running backs | What to expect from first-year coaches | Meet the new coordinators
MICHIGAN
Michigan’s defense was one of the best in the country last season and that was with an offense that was completely terrible at times. Up front, former five-star Rashan Gary leads the way, the linebackers are fast and physical, and the secondary comes back after being arguably the best in college football a year ago. There are questions across the board on Notre Dame’s offense so a low-scoring battle in South Bend is expected this weekend.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Stephen F. Austin did not even average 20 points per game last season and this was against the likes of Southern Utah, McNeese, Sam Houston State, Nicholls, you get the drift. Now that offense is going to have to deal with the likes of Jeffery Simmons, Montez Sweat, Gerri Green and others. Even with some questions at linebacker and cornerback, the pass rush should be so devastating it really shouldn’t matter at least on Saturday.
CLEMSON
How is Furman’s offensive line going to handle four potential NFL Draft picks on Clemson’s defensive line alone in Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant. Then there are linebackers Kendall Joseph and Tre Lamar and a secondary with loads of talent and potential. Furman had success running the ball last season and averaged 32.6 points per game but that wasn’t against this Tigers' defense.
FLORIDA
Charleston Southern averaged 22.7 points per outing last season but was held scoreless against Mississippi State and Indiana, basically teams with a pulse. This Florida defense was a disaster late last season but this is a new coaching staff and the players have probably turned the page. There is a lot of talent here across the board and the power and athleticism Florida has on defense should keep Charleston Southern out of the end zone. There are some top players listed as questionable or doubtful so that’s something to really consider.
PITTSBURGH
Matchups are so important in college fantasy football and this one lines up perfectly. Pitt has some talented defensive linemen, a feisty linebacker corps and some young talent in the secondary. Plus, new defensive coordinator Randy Bates has a good rep from his time coaching linebackers at Northwestern. Put all that together with the fact that Albany averaged only 17.4 points and scored 20 offensive touchdowns all season and something is cooking here.
Also consider...
WISCONSIN
Western Kentucky has to replace prolific quarterback Mike White and its running game was nothing special last season, which could spell a lot of problems to start the season on the road at Wisconsin. The Badgers have to replace eight starters from last season but there is talent across the board.
GEORGIA
The Bulldogs also have to reload on defense after a run to the national championship game but there is plenty of talent on defense. Plus, Austin Peay, which only threw 11 TD passes last season, should be wildly outmatched, especially up front.
ARKANSAS
The Razorbacks should dominate along the defensive line and have their way getting into the Eastern Illinois backfield all game. Arkansas also has some talent at linebacker and experience in the secondary, so points are not going to come easy for an EIU squad that will be way out of its league. Eastern Illinois averaged only 17.6 points last season and it faced no one the likes of an SEC team all season.
