With College Football returning this weekend, here is a breakdown of all the DFS relevant player on the DraftKings’ main slate.
Eastern Kentucky vs West Virginia
Eastern Kentucky (10.5-point TT)
Offense – They have a new head coach in Walt Wells and a new OC in Andy Richman. Richman spent time with Wisconsin from 2008 to 2010. He was the run game coordinator at New Mexico where they threw the ball 56.37% of the time (#13). They ran 70.6 plays per game (#69). However, Richman appears ready to pound the rock, after passing just 34-percent of the time in a game Eastern Kentucky lost 59-0 at the hands of Marshall. They also managed just 47 plays and they remain unlikely for many more against West Virginia.
Parker McKinney ($4,900) – McKinney only completed 51% of his passes last year for 1,335 yards on 208 attempts. He is 6-3, 208-pounds and offers a little bit of dual threat ability. He rushed for 327 yards on 70 carries last season. McKinney attempted just ten passes in Week 1, completing seven for 71 yards.
Dakota Allen ($4,700) – Started playing when Marshall went up by 45 points. He only threw six passes for 15 yards himself. Neither quarterback is playable.
Alonzo Booth ($5,100) – Booth is a 6-1, 250-pound running back, who carried 14 times for 32 yards. He only eclipsed 100 yards one-time last year. He is the goal line back, but Eastern Kentucky shouldn’t be doing much scoring. He isn’t a pass catcher and only had three receptions last year, along with zero targets against Marshall. He played 74.5-percent of snaps.
Quinten Pringle ($3,900) – He played on 29.8-percent of snaps, seeing six carries for 34 yards and one target. He remains the change of pace back.
Keyion Dixon ($4,000) – Dixon is 6-3, 185-pounds and he was the team’s leading receiver last year. He caught 30 balls for 476 yards in ten games. He led the team in targets (six) and receiving yards (34) last week vs Marshall. He played 87.2-percent of snaps.
Jackson Beerman ($3,200) – Beerman played the second-most snaps among the receivers last week at 51.1-percent. Beerman was the team’s fourth leading receiver with 12 catches for 188 yards last year. He is 6-5, 206-pounds and functions more down the field.
Jacquez Jones ($3,100) – Jones played 48.9-percent of offensive snaps last week, but tied Dixon with six targets. He only managed nine yards on this volume.
Matt Wilcox ($3,500) – Wilcox only played on 40.4-percent of snaps and saw one target. He should be the team’s number two receiver this year after catching 21 balls for 155 yards in eight games. He stands 5-10, 185-pounds and will work more in the slot.
Defense – This team played pretty good defense last year, but they just got demolished by Marshall. They allowed 345 passing yards and 282 rushing yards and now they’re facing another step up in competition.
West Virginia (45 TT)
Offense – West Virginia retains Neal Brown as head coach for his second season. They moved former offensive coordinator Matt Moore to assistant head coach, while bringing in former Penn State pass game coordinator Gerad Parker to coordinate the offense. Last year, West Virginia ran 67.4 plays per game (103rd) and passed 58.3-percent of the time (sixth). West Virginia returns three of five starting offensive linemen. They’re replacing both tackle positions, but they have some continuity here.
Jarret Doege ($8,200) – Doege is 6-2, 208-pounds and took over the starting quarterback job late last season. He offers nothing as a rusher and recorded negative rushing yards in all of his appearances. However, he completed 65.8-percent of his passes in West Virginia’s horizontal passing attack. He only eclipsed 300 yards one time and 200 yards two times. He still won’t meet any resistance here and likely gets pulled at some point.
Leddie Brown ($7,700) – The 5-11, 210-pound Brown led West Virginia in rushing last year with 367 yards on 107 carries. Still, he finds himself in a smash matchup here against Eastern Kentucky’s non-existent defense. He is a similar play to Brenden Knox last week, where you sure hope he accounts for all of the TD’s before he is pulled at half
Alec Sinkfield ($5,000) – Sinkfield finished as West Virginia’s fifth-leading rusher with 41 yards on 17 carries. He is just 5-9, 193 and profiles as a change of pace pack.
Sam James ($7,400) – James led West Virginia in targets (108), receptions (69), and receiving yards (677). He plays the Z-receiver. He is 6-0, 184-pounds.
TJ Simmons ($5,100) – Simmons recorded 50 targets, 35 catches, and 455 yards last year. He primarily plays the slot. He is 6-2, 198-pounds.
Winston Wright ($4,800) – Wright notched 21 targets, 19 catches, and 97 receiving yards. He plays the versatile H-receiver in West Virginia’s offense. He is 5-10, 180-pounds.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton ($6,700) – Wheaton saw 19 targets, 12 catches, and 201 yards and a deep threat in West Virginia’s offense. George Campbell is gone, so Wheaton looks like the favorite to take over this role as the X-Receiver. He is 6-3, 215-pounds.
Sean Ryan ($4,0000 – Ryan finished 2019 injured, but he still managed to receive 24 targets, West Virginia listed him as a backup, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some snaps here against Eastern Kentucky.
TJ Banks ($3,000) – West Virginia listed Banks as the starting tight end. Tight ends are not full-time players in West Virginia’s offense, so Banks is a risky play. Still, he is just $3,000 and should see two targets or so.
Defense – They return one full-time and one part-time starter on a defensive line that runs a 3-4. They also return two starting linebackers and all three starting safeties. They lost both corners, but Nicktroy Fortune started two games last year, due to injury. The defense overall returns six full-time starters and eight players with somewhat decent starting experience.
Syracuse vs North Carolina
Syracuse (25.25 TT) –
Offense – Dino Babers returns for his fifth season as head coach of Syracuse. Babers hired Sterlin Gilbert to coordinate the offense. Gilbert already has familiarity with Babers and runs the same veer-and-shoot offense that Syracuse is known for. Last year, Syracuse ran 80.5 plays per game (4th) and passed the ball 47.46-percent of the time (68th). Syracuse returns four offensive line starters after one of the worst performances in college football last year. This group allowed their quarterbacks to get sacked 40 times. Will it improve with experience or is this group lacking talent?
Tommy DeVito ($6,300) – The 6-2, 221-pound Tommy DeVito returns for his second year as Syracuse’s full-time starter. He isn’t much of a dual threat, logging 105 career rushing yards. Last year, he ended with negative rushing yards four times, while eclipsing 20 yards on five occasions. He eclipsed 300 yards passing twice and 250 yards on five occasions. He should improve this year with a better offensive line.
Jawhar Jordan ($6,200) – Moe Neal is gone. Jarveon Howard and Abdul Adams both opted out, leaving Jawhar Jordan as the main running back. Jordan rushed for 105 yards on 15 carries last year. Jordan is 5-9, 172-pounds and profiles as a change-of-pace back. This could be a solid role after DeVito targeted Neal, Adams, and Howard 31, 15 and 10 times respectively last year.
Markenzy Pierre ($4,900) – With a shallow running back room Markenzy Pierre looks like the primary backup. He only carried five times last year, but he stands 5-11, 216-pounds.
Taj Harris ($5,600) – Harris’ 61 targets finished second on the team. He notched 37 catches for 559 yards on this volume. He stands 6-2, 164-pounds.
Nykeim Johnson ($4,900) – Johnson’s 26 targets finished fifth on the team. He recorded 19 catches for 99 yards. He stands 5-8, 170-pounds. Johnson dealt with numerous injuries last year, but he should thrive in the slot and he is pretty good play here.
Anthony Queeley ($4,100) – Queeley is a 6-2, 193-pounds red-shirt senior, who has never recorded a stat for Syracuse. He is a special teamer, who Syracuse listed with the first team.
Aaron Hackett ($3,800) – Hackett will function as Syracuse’s primary tight end. Last year, he saw 27 targets in this role.
Defense – They’re running a new defense under Tony White, which will be a 3-3-5. That’s probably what they’d run anyway against North Carolina. This new defense essentially just plays a safety/linebacker hybrid which is very common in college football. Syracuse is returning two corners, one safety, and one defensive lineman. They’re replacing all three linebackers, two members of their defensive line, and two defensive backs. This looks problematic against a loaded North Carolina offense.
North Carolina (40.25 TT)
Offense – Mack Brown returned as North Carolina’s head coach last year and did not disappoint. However, the offensive resurgence likely had more to do with Phil Longo’s air raid concepts. Longo’s offense ran 78.3 plays per game (8th) and passed 48.19-percent of the time. They also racked up 31.2 points per game (39th). North Carolina also returns four starters on the offensive line, despite losing fourth-round draft pick Charlie Heck.
Sam Howell ($8,900) – The 6-1, 225-pound sophomore sensation should feast here. He threw for 3,641 yards and 38 touchdowns last year. However, he doesn’t offer any dual threat ability after rushing for 35 total yards last year. Still, Howell is strong bet for the 300-yard bonus after reaching that mark six times last year. The matchup and returning weapons work in his favor.
Michael Carter ($6,500) – 2019’s leading rusher, Carter tallied 177 carries for 1,0003 yards, along with 21 receptions for 154 yards. Carter is 5-8, 199-pounds and remains the favorite for work here. However, this backfield will be a 60:40 split of something close.
Javonte Williams ($5,600) – 2019’s second-leading rusher, Williams notched 166 carries for 993 yards and 17 receptions for 176 yards. Williams stands 5-10, 220-pounds and will carry the ball a lot here as well. Both runners are viable in the highest totaled game on our slate.
Dyami Brown ($6,900) – Brown plays primarily on the outside and saw 83 targets in this offense last year. He is the big play threat after notching 51 catches for 1,034 yards and 12 scores. He averaged 20.3 yards per reception.
Dazz Newsome ($7,900) – Newsome is the returning slot man for UNC after seeing 99 targets last year. Newsome is the safer play with 72 catches for 1,018 yards and ten scores. Both are phenomenal plays here, but give me the extra $1,000 by going to Brown.
Beau Corrales ($5,000) – Corrales functions as North Carolina’s third receiver and saw 66 targets last year. Corrales secured 40 balls for 575 yards. He is a cheap attachment to Sam Howell here.
Garrett Walston ($3,800) – Walston only saw 16 targets last year, but he is listed as UNC’s starting tight end. He caught nine balls for 76 yards and stands 6-4, 240-pounds. He is a bargain bin play for those stacking the Tar Heels.
Defense – North Carolina returns one of three defensive linemen, three of four linebackers, including first team all-ACC selection Chazz Surratt. Last year, six defensive backs combined for 50 games missed due to injuries, but this is still a big weakness. Three defensive backs opted out of the season and Myles Dorn graduated (83 tackles). However, they still have four defensive backs with significant playing experience in Trey Morrison, Myles Wolfolk, Patrice Rene, and Strom Duck. Wolfolk and Rene in particular started the season before injuries took them.
Louisiana Lafayette vs Iowa State
Louisiana Lafayette (22.75 TT) –
Offense – Billy Napier remains the head coach after Lafayette went 11-3 last year. Rob Sale also enters his third season as offensive coordinator for the Cajuns. Lafayette ran 71.6 plays per game last year (60th) and passed the ball 42.96-percent of the time (91st). This Cajuns team returns eight starters on offense. However, they replace two starters on the offensive line in Robert Hunt and Kevin Dotson.
Levi Lewis ($6,100) – Lewis completed 64.3-percent of his passes for 3,050 yards, 26 touchdown and only four interceptions last year. He is a decent dual threat with 195 rushing yards last year. Louisiana likes to keep him under control though with easy reads. He only bested 300 yards on one occasion last year and he isn’t near the top of this slate in projected pass attempts. He stands just 5-10, 184-pounds.
Elijah Mitchell ($5,900) – Mitchell led the Cajuns in rushing with 1,147 yards and 16 scores. He also mixed in 10 receptions. He stands 5-11, 218-pounds and now has two straight seasons over 985 rushing yards. He also caught 20 passes in 2018 for 349 yards, so this dude has a complete skillset. He is a decent play here.
Trey Ragas ($5,200) – Ragas finished as the team’s third-leading rusher with 820 yards on 116 carries. He also carries 207 times for 1,181 yards in 2018. He added 25 receptions that year, so he is another complete back in this offense. Raymond Calais is out of the picture, so Ragas should play a larger role in the offense. Ragas stands 5-10, 230-pounds.
Chris Smith ($3,700) – Smith is listed as the third-string back. He carried 32 times for 334 yards last year. That is an absurd 10.4 yards per carry. Smith stands 5-9, 194-pounds.
Note – Jamal Bell, Cassius Allen and Calif Gossett are out for the season with injuries. Ja’Marcus Bradley and Jarrod Jackson both graduated, leaving an unproven stable of receivers.
Dontae Fleming ($4,000) – Fleming stands 6-1, 167-pounds as an incoming freshman atop this Cajuns’ depth chart. He is a three-star prospect and the number 229 receiver in the 2020 class. He is going to start at X-Receiver.
Peter LeBlanc ($4,400) – LeBlanc received 33 targets last year and ranked fourth in receiving with 344 yards on 28 catches. LeBlanc stands 6-2, 190-pounds and likely functions as the top receiver here. He put up a 118-yard game against App State, but otherwise only cleared 33 yards on one other occasion.
Jalen Williams ($4,700) – Williams received 28 targets last year and ranked fifth in receiving with 279 yards on 21 catches. Williams stands 6-3, 218-pounds and looks like an outside receiver here. LeBlanc is the stronger play.
Johnny Lumpkin ($3,200) – Lumpkin missed all of 2019 with an injury, but he caught six passes for 67 yards in 2018. He is set to start at tight end and probably not an option under any circumstance.
Defense – Louisiana returns six starters on defense. They get back their top edge rusher in Joe Dillon. Eric Garror is an experienced corner and safety Percy Butler returns the second-most tackles from 2019. However, I still doubt Iowa State has trouble moving the ball with all of these newcomers on defense.
Iowa State (34.25 TT)
Offense – Matt Campbell remains Iowa State’s head coach, with Tom Manning coordinating the offense for his second season. Last year, Iowa State passed 55.64-percent of the time (17th) and ran 68.8 plays per game (87th). The offensive line returns two full-time starters from last year and the other three positions are listed with OR’s on the depth chart. I don’t know if this is Campbell pulling a fast one or if these are legitimate positional battles.
Brock Purdy ($7,300) – Iowa State’s returning starting quarterback, Purdy averaged 36.2 pass attempts per game last year. He threw for 3,982 yards and 27 scores on this heavy volume. He also provides dual threat ability with 249 yards on the ground last year. Back in 2018, Purdy rushed for 308 yards as well. Purdy stands 6-1, 212-pounds and remains one of the top price adjusted quarterback plays on the entire slate.
Breece Hall ($7,000) – Iowa State’s leading rusher as a freshman, Breece Hall turned 186 carries into 897 yards, while adding 23 receptions for 252 yards. Standing 6-1, 215-pounds, Hall looks like one of the few three-down backs on this slate. He should see solid volume in this contest. The backup job behind him is unsettled, but probably doesn’t see a ton of work here.
Tarique Milton ($6,400) – Iowa State’s slot receiver. He was the second-leading receiver on the team with 35 catches for 722 yards. He did this with the fourth-most targets on the team (53). He averaged 20.6 yards per reception. Milton stands just 5-10, 188-pounds.
Xavier Hutchinson ($4,900) – Hutchinson is a big 6-3, 207-pound JUCO transfer. He chose Iowa State over Oklahoma, Nebraska, and a few others. Hutchinson is expected to start at the X-Receiver after he received immense praise this offseason.
Sean Shaw ($5,400) – Iowa State’s Z-Receiver, Shaw saw just 22 targets in a rotational role last year. He caught 15 passes for 231 yards. Shaw stands 6-6, 212-pounds.
Charlie Kolar ($4,500) – Iowa State’s stud tight end, Kolar finished with 71 targets (third-most) and 697 receiving yards on 51 catches. This yardage ranked third on the team. Kolar stands 6-6, 257-pounds and remains one of the top mismatches on the field. He is worth a look as a bargain player.
Defense – Iowa State returns every starter on their defense except at the defensive tackle position and at STAR (safety/linebacker hybrid). This defense was solid overall last year, allowing 229.9 passing yards per game (61st) and 148.3 rushing yards per game (50th).
Louisiana Monroe vs Army
Louisiana Monroe (19.25 TT)
Offense – Matt Viator remains the head coach of Louisiana-Monroe. This team is in shambles after it already had a Covid outbreak and their defensive coordinator resigned 10 days before the season. Luckily, their offensive coaching staff remains mostly intact. Last year, they ran 74.1 plays per game (29th) and threw the ball 48.96-percent of the time (54th). They also return all five starting offensive linemen, which should help an already strong rushing attack.
Colby Suits ($5,500) – Louisiana-Monroe is starting Colby Suits, but they are also going to play Jeremy Hunt. Caleb Evans graduated leaving a large void in this offense. Evans rushed for 794 yards, elevating his value. Suits was recruited as a pocket passer, so there isn’t much interest here.
Josh Johnson ($7,100) – Johnson led this team in rushing with 201 carries and 1,298 yards. He also snagged 13 receptions. Johnson stands 5-9, 215-pounds and remains the most reliable piece of this offense after numerous injuries and opt outs.
Isaiah Phillips ($4,300) – Phillips was the team’s fourth-leading rusher last year with 28 carries for 102 yards. Phillips is 5-7, 185-pounds and should find a role as a change of pace back. However, Johnson remains the bell-cow back in this offense.
Jahquan Bloomfield ($3,000) – Bloomfield saw 4 targets in this offense last year. He plays the versatile W-receiver position. He recorded just 3 catches for 50 yards last year, but he stands 6-1, 183-pounds.
Malik Jackson ($3,200) – Jackson saw 13 targets in this offense last year. He will be team’s primary slot. He only had 11 catches for 83 yards last year. Jackson stands 5-8, 172-pounds.
Jonathan Hodoh ($4,700) – Hodoh saw 57 targets in this offense last year as the team’s X-receiver. He reeled in 38 catches for 453 yards. Hodoh stands 6-0, 207-pounds.
Perry Carter ($3,500) – Carter saw 20 targets in this offense last year. He should slide in as the team’s Z-receiver. Last year, he reeled in 15 catches for 305 yards, with 20.3 yards per reception. Carter stands 5-8, 175-pounds.
Josh Pederson ($5,800) – He tied for a team-leading 61 targets last year. He notched 43 catches for 567 yards and 9 scores as the team’s tight end. Pederson stands 6-5, 232-pounds and will function as the team’s primary receiving threat.
Defense – ULM isn’t suited to stop a team like Army. Their strength is their secondary where they return all five starting defensive backs. They’ll be missing defensive lineman Ty Shelby and starting a pair of sophomores first time starters. They also had starting senior linebacker Rashaad Harding opt out.
Army – (35.25 TT)
Offense – Jeff Monken is the head coach and he has a lot of experience with the triple option from his time at Navy and Georgia Southern. Army should continue their slow pace, triple option style of football. They only return two starting offensive linemen. Jabari Laws is still recovering from offseason surgery as well, so Christian Anderson gets the nod here as the starting QB.
Christian Anderson ($8,100) – Anderson rushed 10 times for 51 yards and a score in Army’s opener. Anderson only played sparingly last year in relief for Kelvin Hopkins and Jabari Laws. He rushed for 429 yards on 67 carries (6.7 yards per carry). He stands 6-1, 195-pounds and should offer decent upside as a rusher here, despite the slow pace of the game.
Sandon McCoy ($6,300) – McCoy rushed 15 times for 50 yards and three scores in Army’s opener. He led the RB room with 27 snaps. McCoy is a 5-11, 230-pound full back, but don’t be fooled. Army smashed opponents with their fullbacks and they score a lot of touchdowns. Last year, McCoy notched 134 carries for 576 yards and 10 scores.
Artice Hobbs ($4,100) – Hobby carried five times for 28 yards in Army’s opener. Hobbs played some receiver last year, but he transitions back to slot back for Army this year. He is 5-9, 175 pounds and carries 28 times for 158 yards last year. He also caught 13 passes for 335 yards, so this is an explosive athlete. Volume is his main concern.
Brandon Walters ($3,000) – Walters did not receive any carries, but he played the second-most snaps at 23. The 5-11, 185 Brandon Walters is projected to play slot back again opposite Artice Hobbs. His backup is Braheam Murphy on the depth chart.
Tyrell Robinson ($3,400) – He is a freshman this year. He carried nine times for 94 yards after appearing on the team’s initial depth chart as just a kick/punt returner. He is 5-9, 180-pounds and fits the mold of a slot back. Robinson played the third-most snaps for running backs (16) and is now listed as the backup to Artice Hobbs at slot back.
Cade Barnard ($3,600) – Barnard played 15 snaps and logged three carries for six yards. Army still listed Barnard as the backup fullback for this contest, but his leash isn’t getting any longer. Not to be a film guy, but he doesn’t run with any finesse. He runs straight forward into the backs of his offensive linemen every time.
Jakobi Buchanan ($3,000) – He played 12 snaps and carried 9 times for 33 yards. Buchanan is the team’s third string full back ahead of this game. There is some intrigue to him at the minimum $3,000 price tag.
Anthony Adkins ($3,900) – He carried 4 times for 34 yards on 14 snaps. Adkins is a 6-1, 255-pound full back. He still didn’t crack the depth chart, with Army listing three full backs. Adkins isn’t in play.
Michael Roberts ($3,500) – Roberts caught one pass for 18 yards. He led Army with 28 snaps.
Isaiah Alston ($3,100) – He is a 6-4, 200-pound incoming freshman. He was listed as a starter on the depth chart. He played 20 snaps. Don’t play Army wide receivers anyway.
Camden Harrison ($3,000) – The 6-2, 208-pound Harrison led Army in receiving last year with 25 catches for 433 yards (17.3 yards per reception). He should lead the team in targets, but they throw about ten times per game. He didn’t play any snaps and he isn’t on the depth chart for Week 2.
Defense – This defense returned only four starters, but they looked impressive against Middle Tennessee State in a shutout victory. They only allowed 109 passing yards and 75 rushing yards against the impressive Asher O’Hara.
Duke vs Notre Dame
Duke (17 TT) –
Offense – David Cutcliffe remains the head coach of Duke and he will take over play calling again. Cutcliffe hasn’t called plays since the 2007 season, when he coached at Tennessee. Their former offensive coordinator, Roper, worked under Cufcliffe at various points in his career, so the offense shouldn’t shift too much. Last year, Duke ran 73.7 plays per game (38th) and passed 44.64-percent of the time (85th). That number probably increases with Clemson transfer Chase Brice entering the picture. Duke returns four starters along the offensive line and they also receive Stanford transfer Devery Hamilton. Hamilton started six games for Stanford in 2018, but suffered an injury last year.
Chase Brice ($5,300) – Brice is a 6-2, 235-pound Clemson transfer, who enters the picture at Duke as a former three-star quarterback and the number-17 quarterback from the 2017 class. Brice has never thrown more than 85 passes in a season, but he threw for 581 yards last year in relief for Trevor Lawrence. He has solid rushing upside with 93 and 94 yards respectively in his first two years at Clemson. Those totals occurred on 16 and 14 rushing attempts (6.2 YPC).
Deon Jackson ($5,700) – Jackson led Duke’s backfield with 641 yards last year. He also added 21 receptions. He should continue to function as the primary back here. Duke did not boast a strong offensive line unit last year, but hopefully their experience helps Jackson here.
Mataeo Durant ($4,000) – Durant finished as Duke’s third-leading rusher last year, with 461 rushing yards. He also added 16 receptions. He is the change of pace back to Deon Jackson here.
Jake Bobo ($3,900) – Bobo recorded 30 targets last year, but he came on strong after not seeing a target in the first four weeks of the season. Bobo caught ten balls for 122 yards. He stands 6-4, 215-pounds and remains the starting X-receiver.
Jalon Calhoun ($5,700) – Calhoun recorded 60 targets for Duke last year, but he finished as the team’s leading receiver. He notched 46 catches for 420 yards. He stands 5-11, 190-pounds and was listed as the team’s starting slot receiver.
Damond Philyaw-Johnson ($3,300) –Johnson only saw four targets last year. He managed two receptions for 31 yards. He stands 6-1, 170-pounds. Duke listed Johnson as the team’s starting Z-receiver.
Noah Gray ($4,200) – Tight end Noah Gray led Duke in targets last year (68). He finished with 51 catches for 392 yards. He stands 6-4, 240-pounds.
Defense – Duke replaces all four starters along the defensive line. Duke usually only plays with two linebackers on the field, but both starters from last year are gone. Koby Quansah graduated and Brandon Hill opted out. Luckily Shaka Heyward started six games last year and provides some experience. However, the secondary returns four starters in Mark Gilber, Josh Blackwell, Leonard Johnson and Michael Carter.
Notre Dame (37.5 TT) –
Offense – Brian Kelly returns as head coach, of course. Offensive coordinator – Notre Dame fired Chip Long and promoted Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator this offseason. Of course, Rees is a former player who finished 23-8 as a starting QB under Kelly. Rees has coached QB’s with Notre Dame since 2017 and he notably developed former 3* Ian Book in to the suitable starter he is today. Notre Dame ran 69.5 plays per game last year (78th) and passed 47.6-percent of the time. They return three-year starting quarterback Ian Book, but they lose his top three pass catchers. Positively, Notre Dame returns all five starting offensive linemen, who combine for 109 career starts.
Ian Book ($8,700) – Book is a 6-0, 206-pound decorated passer from Notre Dame. Now entering his third year as the starting signal caller, Book threw for 3,034 yards, 34 touchdowns, and only six interceptions last year. However, he loses his top three receiving options. Still, his returning player have experience and he provides dual-threat ability after rushing for 546 yards last year. He is a solid cash game option.
Kyren Williams ($6,000) – Kyren Williams is a 5-9, 195-pound sophomore on Notre Dame’s roster. He only carried four times for 26 yards last year, but he won the starting job out of camp. “We’re not going to feature one back, but Kyren has done a great job”.
Note: The next four running backs were all listed with OR’s on the depth chart and should mix in. Outside of Tony Jones, who left, Notre Dame didn’t have a running back above 48 carries last year.
Chris Tyree ($5,100) – Tyree is an incoming 5-9, 188-pound freshman. He is a four-star recruit and the number one overall all-purpose back in the country.
C’Bo Flemister ($3,400) – He carried 48 times for 162 yards.
Jafar Armstrong ($3,800) – He carried 46 times for 122 yards. He is a strong pass catching back with 13 receptions.
Jahmir Smith ($3,000) – He carried 42 times for 180 yards.
Ben Skowronek ($6,500) – The long-time Northwestern receiver Bennett Skowronek transferred for Notre Dame this offseason. He only played three games last year due to injury, but he posted back-to-back 644 and 562 receiving yard seasons for Northwestern’s atrocious offense in 2017 and 2018. He is 6-3, 224 and should play on the outside at the X position
Avery Davis ($5,000) – Davis caught 10 passes for 124 yards last year. Davis stands 5-11, 205-pounds and will man the slot.
Javon McKinley ($7,200) – McKinley caught 11 balls for 268 yards (24.4 yards per reception). McKinley stands 6-2, 215-pounds and will start at the Z-receiver position.
Note – most expected Braden Lenzy and Lawrence Keys to start at wide receiver. Both were listed as backups, but both should mix in for considerable playing time. They remain two of Notre Dame’s most explosive athletes. Currently, Lenzy backs up McKinley and Keys backs up Davis. It makes sense that Lenzy backs up McKinley. Both should function as field stretchers. Lenzy caught 11 balls for 254 yards (23.2 yards per reception, but he also rushed 13 times for 200 yards.
Brock Wright ($4,400) – Wright was listed as the team’s top tight end after securing just a pair of catches for 45 yards last year.
Defense – Notre Dame replaces a lot on their defensive line after losing Julian Okwara, Khalid Kareem, and Jamir Jones. They have just one returner with significant starting experience on the defensive line. They lose Asmar Bilal for linebackers, but they return two solid backers in Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. For defensive backs, they lose Troy Pride, Alohi Gilman, and Jalen Elliott. However, they return Tariq Bracy at corner who played a lot last year, along with stud safety Kyle Hamilton. Shaun Crawford also returns as a starter. He should play safety and mix into nickel coverage. They also received transfers from Nick McCloud and Isaiah Pryor. McCloud is a former captain and 11-game starter with NC State. Pryor started seven games for Ohio State in 2018 at safety.
Georgia Tech vs Florida State
Georgia Tech (20.5 TT)
Offense – Geoff Collins remains the head coach of Georgia Tech after transitioning away from the triple option last year. Dave Patenaude is back after arguably the toughest job in college football. He was tasked with taking a triple option roster and molding it into a traditional offense. Last year, Georgia Tech threw the ball 40.3-percent of the time (102nd) and ran 63.0 plays per game (130th), which ranked dead last in football. Patenaude comes from Temple though. In his final season calling plays for the Owls, he ran 74.6 plays per game (44th) and passed 47.7-percent of the time (59th). However, this team will have another obstacle to overcome, replacing three offensive linemen. Right tackle is a Vanderbilt transfer, who made 32 starts in his career in Devin Cochran. Right guard is a Tennessee transfer in Ryan Johnson, who started 19 games. Center Kenny Cooper got hurt last year, but he started 19 games in his career at Georgia Tech. Left guard is Jack DeFoor, who started nine games last year. Left tackle Zach Quinney started 21 games in his career. We should continue to see improvements from this Georgia Tech team this year.
James Graham ($5,800) –
Jeff Sims ($4,500) – Jeff Sims won the starting job at Georgia Tech, but his leash is questionable. He is a four-star prospect and the number ten dual threat quarterback from the incoming 2020 class. He is $4,500 and should immediately enter cash lineups.
Jordan Mason ($5,300) – Mason led Georgia Tech in rushing last year with 899 yards on 290 carries. Mason stands 6-1, 218-pounds and should lead this time share in touches unless another player absolutely dominates here.
Jamious Griffin ($3,800) – Griffin carried 37 times for 279 yards last year. Griffin stands 5-10, 218-pounds. He was a four-star running back and the number 25 running back from the 2019 class.
Jahmyr Gibbs ($3,500) – Gibbs will also mix into this backfield as an incoming freshman. He is 5-11, 201-pounds and remains the crown jewel of Georgia Tech’s recruiting class. He is a four-star prospect and the eighth-best running back in this class.
Jalen Camp ($4,200) – The 6-2, 220-pound veteran only appeared in four games last year before going down with injury. He has 7 catches for 134 yards in that span. He should start for Georgia Tech.
Ahmarean Brown ($4,700) – Brown led Georgia Tech in receiving as a freshman last year with 21 catches, 396 yards and seven scores on a team-leading 47 targets. He is 5-10, 170-pounsd and should play in the slot.
Malachi Carter ($4,000) – Carter caught 16 balls for 240 yards. He will mix in with Sanders. Carter stands 6-3, 200-pounds.
Adonicas Sanders ($3,500) – Sanders caught 19 balls for 249 yards. Sanders stands 6-1, 195-pounds. If I’m ranking this group, it goes Brown, Camp, Sanders, and Carter in that order.
Defense – Georgia Tech’s defense was horrible last year, but they return their top five tacklers and significant experience at all levels. They return most of their defensive line, both corners (who are long), and a pair of safeties with experience. This team overall is on the come up.
Florida State (32 TT)
Offense – Mike Norvell takes over as head coach here and he brings in Kenny Dillingham as offensive coordinator. Dillingham most recently coordinated the offensive side of the ball for Auburn and that offense ran 73 plays per game (46th) and passed 43.6-percent of the time. Florida State returns four linemen with significant starting experience. They now have their fourth offensive line coach of the last four year. Amid concerns with the strength and conditioning program, this unit should improve in 2020.
James Blackman ($6,500) – Blackman is the starter here after sharing time with Alex Hornibrook last year. Balckman completed 63-percent of his passes for 2,339 yards. He isn’t a dual threat, with -24 career rushing yards. He isn’t a terrible option against a Georgia Tech defense that returns a lot of player, but still doesn’t look great. He is 6-5, 190-pounds.
Jashaun Corbin ($6,800) – The 6-0, 220-pound Jashaun Corbin transfer to FSU from Texas A&M after getting hurt immediately in 2019. Corbin is a highly touted prospect, who just needs health to cooperate here. He should work as a focal point of the offense.
La’Damian Webb ($4,500) – Sophomore La’Damian Webb is listed as the backup on the depth chart at 5-8, 190-pounds. He might mix in, but this looks like Corbin’s job.
Tamorrion Terry ($7,800) – Florida State’s alpha receiver, Terry notched 60 catches for 1,188 yards and nine scores last year. Expect a heavy target share from the future NFL Draft pick. He is 6-4, 210-pounds and lightning fast.
Warren Thompson ($4,900) – Thomson only caught six balls for 91 yards last year, but Florida State has some depth issues with DJ Matthew expected to miss this game. He is 6-3, 201-pounds.
Keyshawn Helton ($4,100) – Helton caught 17 balls for 239 yards last year. He was a significant contributor prior to a season-ending injury with target counts of six and nine in his two final games. He is 5-9, 171-pounds and should play the slot.
Camren McDonald ($4,700) – McDonald should start at tight end after Tre McKitty transferred to Georgia.
Ontaria Wilson ($5,200) – Wilson caught 21 balls for 227 yards, but he was listed as a backup for opening day.
Defense – Florida State quietly has one of the top defenses in the country. They return most of their starters and have NFL talents like Marvin Wilson up front and Asante Samuel Jr. in the secondary. This could be tough for Georgia Tech.
Arkansas State vs Kansas State
Arkansas State (21 TT)
Logan Bonner ($5,700) – Bonner played 52 of 84 snaps last week. He was very bad, completing 60.9-percent of his passes for 133 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He isn’t a great play in the quarterback platoon. He is a pocket statue, but he averaged 294.6 passing yards per game last year.
Layne Hatcher ($5,500) – Hatcher played 32 of 84 snaps last week. Hatcher completed 65-percent of his passes for 166 yards. Hatcher is more of a dual threat, which we like for DFS. Both passers averaged north of 30 pass attempts per game. Unfortunately, neither can be trusted here outside of GPPs.
Jamal Jones ($4,000) – Jones got the start at running back with Marcel Murray missing the game. He carried 15 times for 64 yards. Jones is a 5-9, 193-pound change of pace back. He rushed 84 times for 375 yards last year. He should mix in for carries here, but Murray is the preferred play assuming full health
Marcel Murray ($5,400) – Murray should be back to full health this week. Murray is 5-11, 197-pounds. He led the team in rushing with 820 yards on 170 carries. He also led the team in 2018, with 860 yards. He offers pass catching ability with 16 and 15 receptions each of the last two years.
Dahu Green ($5,500) – Green played 77-percent of snaps and finished with nine targets. He racked up five catches for 99 yards on these targets. He originally transferred from Oklahoma, but he has missed so much time after sitting out a season and dealing with injuries. He caught five balls for 86 yards last year. He is 6-0, 183-pounds. He had season-ending injuries each of the past two years.
Jonathan Adams ($6,000) – Adams played 76-percent of snaps and finished with 10 targets. He finished with 62 catches for 851 yards as the team’s second-leading receiver last year. He is a pure perimeter receiver. He is 6-3, 220-pounds.
Brandon Bowling ($3,800) – Bowling played 67-percent of snaps last week and somehow didn’t register a target. Bowling played sparingly in the slot last year behind Kirk Merritt. He finished with 28 catches for 263 yards and a pair of scores. He is 5-9, 190-pounds and looks like a slot receiver.
Bubba Ogbebor ($4,000) – Ogbebor only played 22-percent of snaps. Despite seeing six targets, his playing time renders him impossible to play.
Reed Tyler ($3,200) – Tyler played 55-percent of snaps as Arkansas State’s primary tight end. He also caught three of five targets for 27 yards. He is a fine price-adjusted play and dart throw in this game.
Defense – This defense got waxed by Memphis on the ground. The Tigers rushed for 222 yards and then passed for 280 on top of it. Here’s a glimpse at the personnel for Arkansas State’s defense. Jarius Reimonenq started some games last year, but Samy Johnson is completely green at corner. They also return one safety in Antonio Fletcher. They return only one starting linebacker in Caleb Bonner. Jeffmario Brown played 303 snaps as an edge, but he wasn’t’ a huge factor. They return one starter on the defensive line in Forrest Merrill, but he only played five games last year. The edges consist of a JUCO transfer in Vidal Scott and rotational player Terry Hampton.
Kansas State (33 TT)
Offense – Chris Klieman enters his second season as Kansas State’s head coach. Courtney Messingham is also entering his second season with the program as the offensive coordinator. Both coaches come from North Dakota State. Kansas State passed the ball 39.13-percent of the time last year (114th) and ran 65.2 plays per game (124th). This was one of the least exciting offenses in all of football last year. This offense also has major questions with five completely new starters on the offensive line. They still have Evan Curl, who was an All-Big 12 contributor. Josh Rivas also graded out really well on the offensive line.
Skylar Thompson ($6,800) – Thompson returns as the starting quarterback after throwing for 2,315 yards last year. He is a dual threat with 405 yards rushing as well.
Harry Trotter ($5,500) – Kansas State lost their top two running backs in James Gilbert and Jordan Brown. Trotter rushed for 263 yards on 66 carries last year. Trotter is 5011, 202-pounds. This backfield expects to play out as a time share.
Tyler Burns ($3,900) – Burns enters the running back room second on the depth chart. He carries 26 times for 148 yards last year. Burns is 6-0, 217-pounds. He was listed with an or on the depth chart with Deuce Vaughn. It’s Trotter or bust here.
Malik Knowles ($6,100) – Knowles was the second-leading receiver here with 397 yards on 27 catches last year. He is too expensive.
Wykeen Gill ($5,300) – Gill was the third-leading receiver with 273 yards on 16 catches. He is also too expensive.
Nick Lenners ($3,700) – This team uses a fullback a decent amount, so third receiving options aren’t idea. Lenners had 163 yards on 13 catches.
Defense – The Kansas State defense was hit with a few opt outs and graduating player. This was particularly the case in the secondary, but they still have their top defensive end in Wyatt Hubert and honorable mention All-Big 12 returners in Elijah Sullivan at linebacker and AJ Parker at corner.
