Week 2 Start and Sit running backs
We are now a week into the college football season and there has already been a lot of commotion. Three teams fell to FCS opponents, suspensions have been served and injuries have taken their toll.
There were some interesting rushing performances as well. Malcolm Agnew comes out of nowhere to lead the nation in rushing, Ray Graham must love his new offense and Kriss Proctor picked up right where Ricky Dobbs left off.
As for me, I will attempt to restructure my teams and hopefully provide better advice after dropping the ball for Week 1.
Last week's running back starts: Le'Veon Bell (16 Fantasy points), Andre Williams (24), Zach Brown(9), Jesse Callier (4), Adonis Thomas (19), Ed Wesley (3), Joseph Banyard (7)
Grade: F -- When your starts average just over 11 points, that is terrible. I couldn't have seen Chris Polk magically getting healthy, but there is no excuse. I have failed you.
Last week's running back sits: Missouri RBs combined (10), Isaiah Crowell (6), LaMichael James (17), J.J. Di Luigi (8), Jared Hassin (1), Zach Line (20)
Grade: B -- Totally called this except for Line and sort of James (I sat James and am glad I did).
Start Em! Running Backs (BCS-Only)
Marcus Coker, Iowa vs. Iowa State: Last week Coker really hurt a lot of owners after finding himself riding the pine due to a case of fumblitis. My prediction is that he gets the message sent by the coaching staff and puts the hurt on an in-state rival.
Ralph Bolden, Purdue vs. Rice: Bolden showed the world that he was ready to roll after tearing his ACL and then spending an off-season in recovery, and he should have another nice opportunity against the Owls. Bolden is a nice all-purpose back who can catch the ball out of the backfield as well as break off the long run.
Kevin Parks or Perry Jones, Virginia vs. Indiana: Indiana lost to Ball State. Go ahead and start either Cavs back.
David Sims, Georgia Tech vs. Middle Tennessee State: I thought Sims would do much more damage last week, but it looked like Paul Johnson was trying to put on a passing clinic. Against the Blue Raiders, the offense should look more like the one we are used to seeing, which should mean many more carries for Sims.
All-120
Branden Oliver, Buffalo vs. Stony Brook: Oliver was a workhorse last week, carrying the ball 35 times against Pittsburgh. While I doubt he will be called to repeat that number this year, he should increase his yards per carry against Stony Brook and get at least 20-plus touches. All of that equals a good day for the Bulls' running back.
Anthon Samuel, Bowling Green vs. Morgan State: Samuel is just a freshman, but he went off for 141 yards on 22 carries against Idaho. If you need convincing that he is going to do something special in the MAC, just look at where he is from -- Opa Locka, Fla. Plenty of fast and talented kids come from South Florida and this Falcon may be another in a long line.
Tevin Drake, Western Michigan vs. Nicholls State: Drake looked really good against Michigan and should be good for more than 100 yards and at least one score against Nicholls State. The stars of the Western Michigan offense are still Alex Carder and Jordan White, but Drake is a good running back who won't be stopped this weekend.
Sit Em! Running Backs (BCS-Only)
Malcolm Brown, Texas vs. BYU: The Cougars are playing inspired football right now, which means they will be looking to upset the Longhorns. This will be a low-scoring affair that sees Brown put up pedestrian numbers.
James Sims, Kansas vs. Northern Illinois: Northern Illinois is probably the best team nobody is talking about, and Kansas is just not there yet. I don't see Sims getting much room to run against the Huskies.
Michael Dyer, Auburn vs. Mississippi State: Until the Auburn offensive line gels, stay away from the Tigers’ backfield. Mississippi State is clicking on all cylinders and will be looking to trounce Auburn.
All-120
Ryan Bass, Idaho vs. North Dakota: Honestly, North Dakota could win this one. The Fighting Sioux are a more-than-decent FCS team and until Idaho's quarterback play improves, Bass will be bottled up.
Robbie Rouse, Fresno State vs. Nebraska: Rouse is good and Nebraska has been gouged on the ground by similar backs before (see Bobby Rainey last year) but there is no way the diminutive rusher gets loose against the Blackshirts.
Ronnie Weaver, Central Florida vs. Boston College: The one thing that the Eagles do consistently well every year is stop the run, so I don't expect this year to be any different. Weaver should Facebook Luke Kuechly because the two are going to get real close this weekend.
