College fantasy football: Week 2 in Big 12 - Love 'em or Leave 'em
The first week of college football is in the books and there is a lot to consider after watching and following those matchups. Here are some players to start and to avoid in the Big 12 heading into Week 2.
CREATE A COLLEGE FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE - OR JOIN ONE
MORE FANTASY: Love 'em or leave 'em in Big Ten | ACC | SEC | Pac-12
CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals100 | Position | Team | State
*****
LOVE ‘EM
Kansas RB Pooka Williams
After serving a one-game suspension, Williams is back in Kansas’ backfield and coach Les Miles told reporters this week that the Jayhawks’ star running back will play early and play late and play without limitations. That is music to fantasy owners’ ears, since Williams is such a talented back and coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,125 yards and seven touchdowns. Kansas rushed for only 103 yards last weekend against Indiana State, so getting Williams the ball a lot should be the focus this weekend against Coastal Carolina.
Oklahoma St. QB Spencer Sanders
I’m a believer - in Sanders, in this Oklahoma State offense and in the Cowboys in general. That has stung me before, but the new OK State quarterback looked awesome in a 52-36 win at Oregon State in the season opener. The former four-star quarterback threw three touchdowns on only 24 attempts and also rushed for 109 yards. Sanders is only owned in 63 percent of leagues, so there is a big opportunity there. McNeese State will be overwhelmed.
Texas Tech QB Alan Bowman
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but Bowman is owned in only about 70 percent of leagues, so he might still be available - and if he is, get him in your lineup as soon as possible. Last week, the Texas Tech quarterback threw the ball 53 times for 436 yards and two touchdowns and six receivers had four or more catches. UTEP allowed 300 passing yards to Houston Baptist last week. Sometimes, things just make sense.
LEAVE 'EM
Texas defense
Does LSU actually have a good offense this season? We are about to find out in this weekend’s matchup against the Longhorns. Texas will have another excellent defense this season, but this one is just too difficult to figure out so don’t be prideful - put the Texas defense on the bench and pick up a defense with a much easier situation. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow threw five TD passes last weekend and the Tigers put up 472 yards of offense. The Tigers could have something special this season.
Texas RB Keaontay Ingram
Ingram will end up being one of the most productive backs in the Big 12, but this is not the weekend to start him in fantasy leagues. LSU’s defensive front is one of the best in the country and Texas’ front might not hold up all game. The Tigers only allowed 74 rushing yards (1.9 yards per carry) to Georgia Southern last weekend, an offense completely designed around the run. There are just better opportunities out there.
West Virginia defense
The Mountaineers’ defense held up well in a closely contested win over James Madison, but Missouri’s offense is a completely different animal - especially when the Tigers are wounded after a disappointing loss at Wyoming last weekend. New quarterback Kelly Bryant threw for 423 yards and two touchdowns and Missouri has plenty of options in the passing game. The West Virginia defense is a pass this weekend.