College Fantasy Football: Defenses to watch in Week 12

The playoffs are here for college fantasy football, so it’s more important than ever to have the right players in your lineup. Here is a look at some defenses who should be strongly considered for this week.

AUBURN

There is plenty to complain about when it comes to Auburn’s offense. The play-calling is too predictable. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham is a statue who can’t move anymore. OK, I’ll stop. This is supposed to be a recommendation for the Tigers’ defense since they completely outmatch and out-class anything Liberty can throw their way this weekend. Auburn should completely shut down the Flames’ offense, especially up front even if Liberty has shown the ability to score this season. Owned at only 66 percent, Auburn could be a steal in the first round of fantasy playoffs.

FLORIDA

Idaho has been able to throw the ball with some success this season but that has been against marginal competition at best. The Vandals certainly have not been testing themselves against high-end SEC competition every weekend. The Gators are just too skilled to let Idaho move the ball much and their defensive line should overpower the Vandals the entire game. Against some of the best teams in the country, Florida is only allowing 22.1 points per game and for a long while this season, the Gators had the best defense by fantasy standards in the country. Florida is owned at only 40 percent, so it could be a steal for this weekend.

GEORGIA

UMass has shown the ability to put up lots of points this season, but the Minutemen have not faced a team like Georgia - not even close. Last weekend, a physical BYU defense held UMass to 16 points. The Bulldogs should do even better because UMass is way out of its league in this matchup. Georgia takes pride in its defense, allows just 15.8 points per game and could be lining up for another big performance.

LSU

I’m making LSU the “must-have” defense of the weekend. Let’s first start with the Tigers, who give up just 16.7 points per outing and although teams can move the ball a little bit on them they do not give up many touchdowns at all (only nine rushing touchdowns all season). This group is well-coached and filled with potential NFL players. Rice is 1-10 and averages only 19 points per game. Even if this game gets out of hand early, LSU builds a big lead and puts in backups, those players are more skilled than Rice’s starters. The game in Baton Rouge could easily be a shutout.

PENN STATE

If LSU is the “must-have” defense of the weekend, the Nittany Lions come in a close second. Rutgers has not scored more than 17 points in any of its last nine losses. Ohio State held the Scarlet Knights to a field goal. Last week, Michigan held them to one touchdown. Quarterback Artur Sitkowski has thrown four touchdown passes and 16 interceptions. Penn State’s defense is too talented to give up much to the Scarlet Knights and how much more could the Rutgers players have in the tank after such a miserable season?