College Fantasy Football: Weekend viewers' guide

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Another week of college football is underway. Here is a look at some storylines from a fantasy football perspective.

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In terms of exciting and interesting matchups, this could be the worst weekend of the year. But in terms of fantasy opportunities as Power Five schools throttle weaklings, there might not be a better time this season. And right in time for playoffs.

There are huge spreads this weekend, and if you’re still competing for a fantasy championship, take advantage in every way possible. Penn State should blow out Rutgers. Florida’s defense should stop Idaho. Alabama hosts Citadel - what do you think is going to happen there? Michigan takes on Indiana as a huge favorite.

Other games, especially in the SEC, could be massive blowouts. Georgia should have its way against a weak UMass defense. Auburn’s offense could look like it has a pulse against Liberty. Washington is a big favorite over Oregon State. LSU could put up its biggest numbers this season against Rice. Clemson-Duke and Kansas-Oklahoma are two others to keep an eye on and load up on players for these lopsided matchups.

It’s the USC-UCLA rivalry weekend, and the biggest storyline is whether Trojans coach Clay Helton is on the hot seat, since the team is 5-5. That’s not exactly positive news, but there are some interesting aspects to this game that could benefit you from a fantasy perspective.

UCLA gives up huge numbers on the ground, but USC’s running backs are banged up and probably won’t be 100 percent entering Saturday’s contest. That could open up more opportunities for quarterback JT Daniels, who has received some local criticism recently, and USC’s receiving corps. It’s also important to note top receiver Michael Pittman is expected back against the Bruins, so he could be a steal in fantasy leagues.

USC’s offense - and the entire team - looked pathetic in a loss to Cal last weekend. But throughout the season the Trojans have scored in wins and losses, and I can’t see UCLA slowing them down all night.

Since Ian Book took over at quarterback, Notre Dame has only won one of its games by less than double digits - a 19-14 victory over Pitt - and former starter Brandon Wimbush came in last weekend to lead the Irish to a blowout win over Florida State. Book is back, and just in time, because Syracuse could be a tough out this weekend.

The game is being played at Yankee Stadium and, luckily for both teams, a messy ice and snowstorm is moving through the area Thursday and Friday, but should be gone by kickoff.

Syracuse is a talented team, though, especially on offense and might cause problems for the Irish. Four players have rushed for five or more touchdowns, including quarterback Eric Dungey, who has 12 scores on the ground and is also a threat to pass the ball. With the over/under spread surging up toward 66 points, this Notre Dame/Syracuse matchup could be a shootout, and that’s great news for fantasy owners.

I could end up really regretting this, but I’m predicting Ohio State comes out sharp this weekend and lays it on Maryland, although recent history and how the line is shaping up this week would be against me.

The Buckeyes’ offense looked awful for nearly the entire game last weekend in a frigid game at Michigan State, and even though the final score was 26-6, this was a scoreless game after one quarter and 9-6 heading into the fourth thanks to a late safety in the third. In recent weeks, Ohio State has gotten blown out at Purdue, snuck past Nebraska at home in a high-scoring game and then beat Michigan State in ugly fashion last week.

Still, gearing up for Michigan next weekend - and not using this as a lookahead spot because the Buckeyes are not playing well - Ohio State can make a statement and use this Maryland game as a feel-good opportunity leading into the matchup against the Wolverines.

You have to love the Big 12 when it comes to fantasy points, and this weekend’s West Virginia-Oklahoma State game could be another gift in the playoffs.

The over/under line has moved up to 73 points with the spread at only five points, so Las Vegas is expecting both teams to move the ball and get it in the end zone. Neither defense is awful, but both offenses are very good, averaging around 40 points per game, so loading up on skill players for the Mountaineers and especially the Cowboys - because they are more readily available - could be a good move this weekend.