MORE: QBs to watch for Week 9 | Rivals Fantasy Football Home
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It is already Week 9 of college football. Here is a look at five running backs you should consider starting in your fantasy leagues:
Colorado’s offense struggled in back-to-back losses to USC and Washington but the Buffaloes could release a reign of terror on an Oregon State defense that is just downright bad. If star receiver Laviska Shenault does not play for the second-straight week because of injury, it only makes sense that McMillian would get more opportunities against a defense that allows 6.7 yards per carry and has given up 20 rushing touchdowns. An average Cal offense scored 49 this past week. McMillian has 646 yards and four scores this season - not great but not bad - and he could pump up those numbers in a big way against the Beavers.
Ozigbo had touchdown runs of 40 and 59 yards in the first quarter of Nebraska’s blowout win over Minnesota this past weekend. I expect him to have another monster game against Bethune-Cookman as the Huskers’ offense continues to look to put up points and build confidence. Ozigbo has emerged as the No. 17 running back in terms of fantasy points nationally and I expect Nebraska to put up big numbers this weekend, even if the starters play only one half or three quarters.
Among fantasy scorers at running back, Benjamin is third nationally behind only Clemson’s Travis Etienne and Oregon State’s Jermar Jefferson, who is dealing with injury leading into this weekend. Benjamin averages 5.5 yards per carry and he’s rushed for seven scores so far this season. He was bottled up against Stanford’s front, but USC is allowing 4.1 yards per carry and it’s given up 10 rushing scores. The Trojans just got torched at Utah and has quarterback problems heading into this week. Benjamin has a chance to put up big numbers.
Scott ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries against a tough Penn State front this past weekend. Minnesota, meanwhile, gave up 383 rushing yards and four rushing scores to Nebraska in a blowout loss Saturday. The Golden Gophers allowed 8.9 yards per carry. Scott is a tough runner who can break off big runs, the Hoosiers are aching for a win after three-straight losses to Ohio State, Iowa and Penn State.
The Cavaliers don’t even average 28 points per game but Ellis is quietly putting together an excellent season with 619 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 5.4 yards per touch. With Ellis and quarterback Bryce Perkins leading the rushing attack, it could be too much for a North Carolina defense that’s allowing nearly 35 points per game, 4.7 yards per carry and has allowed 13 rushing touchdowns.
