Category: College Football

Some of these 16 stats from Week 9 are just for trivia, but most are good to know as you look at fantasy trends/leaders across the season or for specific positions or teams. Since teams have played such an uneven number of games, this week I have a few conference-specific stats.

Ohio State QB Justin Fields has accounted for as many TDs this season, 7 (6 passing, 1 rushing) as he has incompletions this season, 48/55 passing, 87.3%.

The only Big Ten QB to pass for 300+ yards in each of their team’s first two games this season? – Rocky Lombardi, Michigan State. He passed for 323-3 last weekend after throwing for 319-3 in the season opener.

Prior to last weekend there had been five 200-yard receiving games, then in week 9 there were five total – UNC’s Dyami Brown (11/240-3), Nevada’s Romeo Doubs (6/211-1), San Jose State’s Bailey Gaither (10/208-1), Ole Miss’ Elijah Moore (14/238-3), and Alabama’s DeVonta Smith (11/203-4). Smith was the first player this season to have 200 yards and 4 TDs receiving in a game.

Last weekend San Jose St WR Bailey Gaither had 10/208-1 receiving, while Nevada’s Romeo Doubs had 6/211-1. They are the only two Mountain West receivers to have two 100 yard receiving games this season.

Seven QBs are averaging 10 yards a passing attempt this season – Mac Jones, Alabama (12.4), Graham Mertz, Wisconsin (11.8), Zach Wilson, BYU (11.2), Justin Fields, Ohio State (10.8), Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina (10.7), Sam Howell, UNC (10.5), and Spencer Rattler, Oklahoma (10.0). Because you were wondering, Dillon Gabriel, Kyle Trask, and Trevor Lawrence are all averaging 9.6.

Since volume is huge in fantasy (you are going to get at least one stat a week about rushing attempts) – only four players have four games with 20+ rushing attempts – Spencer Brown (UAB), Breece Hall (Iowa State), Chuba Hubbard (Oklahoma State), and Asher O’Hara (MTSU).

How are Memphis receivers doing since WR Damonte Coxie opted out? Memphis WR Calvin Austin has been thriving in his last 3 games – 9/151-2, 6/184-1, 7/121-0 for an average of 7.3/152-1 a game.

Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa had 26/35-394-3 passing and 8/64-2 rushing in week 9. He was the first player to reach 390-3 and 50-2 this season, with only 2 players hitting those stats in a game last season – Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA) and Brick Purdy (Iowa State).

Only two players in the nation are averaging 150 rushing yards a game – Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota (173.5) and Breece Hall, Iowa State (150.17). Ibrahim set the season high for rushing attempts with 41/207-4 last weekend, and is one of only two players in the nation averaging more than 25 attempts a game (33.5), Xazavian Valladay, Wyoming is next averaging 27 a game.

Elijah Moore, Ole Miss had 14/238-3 receiving last weekend. Moore is the only receiver in the nation with 4 games of 10 receptions and 100 yards this season. Jaelon Darden (North Texas), Marlon Williams (UCF), and DeVonta Smith (Alabama) all have 3.

North Carolina QB Sam Howell threw for 23/28-444-4, an 82% completion rate, in a 44-41 loss to Virginia on Saturday. A stat-line of 400-4-80% in a loss had only happened two other times since 2000, Luke Falk, Washington State (2016) and Giovanni Vizza, North Texas (2007).

Arkansas WR Treylon Burks caught 7/117-2 last weekend. Only four SEC receivers have 3 or more 100+ yard receiving games this season, the other three are Elijah Moore & Jaylen Waddle with 4 apiece, and Burks and DeVonta Smith with 3 each.

Nevada QB Carson Strong threw for 21/27-350-2 in week 9. Including games going back into last season, Strong has thrown for 350+ yards in his last 4 games, for an average of 380.75 yards passing a game.

Mississippi State passed for 146 yards last weekend, the lowest ever for a Mike Leach-coached team. In 19 years Leach’s teams had been held to less than 200 yards passing only 3 times. (credit Ben Portnoy). Not to pile on, but Alabama WR DeVonta Smith had 203 receiving yards Saturday against Miss. State, more than Miss. State’s total yards (200).

Only one Mountain West player had 100+ yard rushing games in each of their first two games so far this season – Greg Bell, San Diego State rushed for 22/157-1 last week after putting up 19/111-1 in the opener.

The Big 12 QB averaging the most passing attempts per game? West Virginia’s Jarret Doege is averaging 38.7, next is Texas’ Sam Ehlinger with 36.5, and third is Baylor’s Charlie Brewer with 35.3.

Bonus Stat – 47 QBs have 1000 yards passing this season, but only one has not thrown an interception, Sam Hartman of Wake Forest. Interestingly, in the 1000 yard passing club Hartman is tied with two others for the fewest TDs thrown with 4, Connor Bazelak (Missouri) and Gavin Hardison (UTEP).

I break down the injury news from this past weekend with notes on each player who may have been dealing with injuries.

A few notes about this list, being on it does not for sure mean a player is “injured”, but rather:

• They may have missed the game due to a known injury (ok, this does mean they are injured)
• They may have gone out of the game due to injury and not returned (sometimes with an official announcement from the team)
• They may have left the game but returned, or at least attempted to return (sometimes these guys end up banged up enough to miss future games)
• They may have had a vague twitter mention about possibly being injured or leaving a game, so it’s something on my radar

I’ll continue to post any updates I see during the week, those will be added to daily updates as well as the injury database.

If you are aware of a fantasy-relevant injury from this weekend that you don’t see here (or don’t see listed in the database), or think anything shared here is incomplete, please tag me on twitter with a link and let me know, thanks!

List of Potential Injury News from Saturday Oct. 31 (alphabetical by last name):

• QB Jack Abraham, Southern Miss – after missing a game was back in action this week but left in the 2nd quarter after taking a hard hit at the end of a QB run and fumbling, he was seen sitting on the bench with a towel over his head and went to the locker room and did not return to the game. In postgame a coach quote was “I saw him after, and I think he is going to be fine.”
• RB Tyler Allgeier, BYU – lost his helmet on a tackle in the first half, went to the medical tent and missed some time but eventually returned to action
• QB Brennan Armstrong, Virginia – late in the fourth quarter he limped off the field with help after taking a hit on a QB run with a possible left leg injury, did not return. In postgame he was pictured leading locker room celebrations, so possibly a good sign.
• QB Hank Bachmeier, Boise State – after not being seen warming up pregame it was shared that he had not traveled with the team and Jack Sears would start, there is speculation it could be covid-related but the team didn’t share further updates
• QB KJ Costello, Mississippi State – took what appeared to be a knee to the helmet in the 2nd quarter and went to the locker room and did not return to the game, in postgame he was described as “still being checked out”
• WR Sam Crawford, Tulsa – left the game in the 2nd quarter and went to the locker room, I don’t believe he returned (Friday)
• QB Haaziq Daniels, Air Force – left in the first quarter after being hit at the end of a run with a possible left shoulder/collarbone injury, went to the locker room and did not return to action
• QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas – in the fourth quarter he left the game limping off with what a reporter described in a postgame article as an ankle injury
• TE Miller Forristall, Alabama – appeared to aggravate a shoulder injury in the 2nd half, described as “a little nicked up” in postgame
• RB George Holani, Boise State – injured in the first quarter with a possible knee injury and did not return, a coach quote postgame said they “think he will be ok”
• RB Keaontay Ingram, Texas – an injury in the first quarter sent him to the medical tent, was out the rest of the game, in postgame it was described as a sprained ankle
• TE Beau Johnson, Georgia Southern – left the game in the first quarter with a left leg injury, was able to walk off but went to the medical tent and was announced to be out for the rest of the game, he was later seen with crutches and a boot on the sideline (Thursday)
• RB Josh Johnson, Louisiana Monroe – suffered an apparent hamstring injury in the first half, was seen working with a trainer on the sideline but was not able to return
• TE Jackson Lanam, Texas State – limped off the field with help after a short catch, was said in postgame that he will get an MRI
• WR Riley Lees, Northwestern – in the first quarter appeared to be hurt after an incomplete pass and was later ruled out with an upper body injury, the team shared that he was injured in practice Thursday and tried to go Saturday, described as day to day
• RB John Lovett, Baylor – injured in the first quarter after a possible shot to the head (?), he went to the locker room and did not return to action with what was described as an upper body injury
• RB Jo’quavious Marks, Mississippi State – in the 4th quarter he was wrapped up on a tackle and his head appeared to hit the ground, was slowly walked to the locker room
• TE Briley Moore, Kansas State – injured in the 2nd quarter, the team shared that his back locked up and they couldn’t get it loosened up, did not sound serious to a reporter
• QB Brandon Peters, Illinois – there were some rumors of covid issues at the end of the week at Illinois and on Saturday morning the team revealed that Peters had tested positive and would be out 21 days in covid protocols
• WR Alec Pierce, Cincinnati – left in the 2nd quarter with a possible left shoulder injury, went to the medical tent and locker room, was ruled out and seen with his arm in a sling on the sideline
• QB Matt Robinson, Illinois – was a surprise starter with Brandon Peters out, but was injured in the first half with what may be a right ankle injury, he went to the locker room and was ruled out for the second half
• QB Anthony Russo, Temple – did not practice last week due to an injury to his throwing shoulder last weekend, was described as a gametime decision by the team but did not suit up, in postgame the coach shared it is too soon to tell when he will be able to return
• WR Jah’Marae Sheread, Texas State – did not play, in postgame it was shared he was injured in practice on Tuesday but is hopeful to play next week
• WR Marquez Stevenson, Houston – in the first quarter he left the game limping and went to the locker room, he came back out to the sideline not in uniform with his left foot in a boot, he did get X-rays but the team had no immediate update
• WR Tyquan Thornton, Baylor – there was a report that he was “dinged up” on a kickoff return and would be out the rest of the game
• QB Gunnar Watson, Troy – after suffering an injury to his ribs area last weekend there was little comment from the team, but a reporter near the end of the week said a source said Watson was not expected to play which proved correct, Jacob Free had a big game as his replacement
• WR Marlon Williams, UCF – in the first half he was down in the end zone after a pass but was able to walk off, he did miss some time but then returned to action

These updates are a mix of inactives, players who returned to action, QB starters, and some simple injury updates (but not all). Look for a separate post later today (Sunday) with in-depth Saturday injury news.

List of Updates from October 31 (unless noted):

QBs: In the biggest QB news Saturday Hank Bachmeier (Boise State) and Brandon Peters (Illinois) did not play, as Peters is out 21 days with a positive covid test. Anthony Russo (Temple) and Gunnar Watson (Troy) did not suit up Saturday with injuries.

• Jack Abraham, Southern Miss – returned to action, injured
• Holton Ahlers, East Carolina – returned to action (Friday)
• Hank Bachmeier, Boise State – did not travel (covid?)
• Trad Beatty, Temple – started, shared time
• Myles Brennan, LSU – did not play
• KJ Costello, Miss State – started, injured
• TJ Finley, LSU – started
• Jacob Free, Troy – started
• Joey Gatewood, Kentucky – started
• Tristan Gebbia, Oregon State – named starter for opener
• Tyler Johnston, UAB – played but did not start
• Emory Jones, Florida – played in mop-up time
• Trevor Lawrence, Clemson – out, will not be able to play next week against Notre Dame either
• Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina – started
• Re-al Mitchell, Temple – wasn’t seen in early warmups, but did play in reserve
• Brandon Peters, Illinois – covid positive, out 21 days
• Matt Robinson, Illinois – started, injured
• Anthony Russo, Temple – did not play (shoulder)
• Jack Sears, Boise State – started
• Kevaris Thomas, Western Kentucky – did not play (injury)
• DJ Uiagalelei, Clemson – started
• Gunnar Watson, Troy – out
• Tate Whatley, Southern Miss – unavailable
• Isaiah Williams, Illinois – unavailable, covid protocol
• Terry Wilson, Kentucky – did not play

RBs: Ja’Veon Marlow (Vanderbilt) was announced to be suspended for a violation of team rules, while Toa Taua (Nevada) and SaRodorick Thompson (Texas Tech) were in action. Sean Tucker (Syracuse) and King Doerue (Purdue) were unable to play this weekend with injuries. Kavosiey Smoke (Kentucky) returned to action on Saturday after missing games with a rib injury.

• Breden Brady, UTSA – returned to action
• Mulbah Car, Houston – returned to action
• Marcus Crowley, Ohio State – unavailable
• Emari Demercado, TCU – returned to action
• King Doerue, Purdue – unavailable
• Trestan Ebner, Baylor – played
• David Ellis, Indiana – inactive
• BJ Emmons, FAU – did not play (injury)
• Tayon Fleet-Davis, Maryland – unavailable (Friday)
• Jamious Griffin, Georgia Tech – not available
• Hassan Hall, Louisville – unavailable
• Timothy Jackson, Air Force – out
• Amare Jones, Tulane – returned to action
• Johnnie Lang, Iowa State – returned to action
• John Lovett, Baylor – played but injured early
• Ja’Veon Marlow, Vanderbilt – suspended for violation of team rules
• Demetrius Mauney, East Carolina – unavailable, covid protocol (Friday)
• Kenny McIntosh, Georgia – unavailable
• Chez Mellusi, Clemson – unavailable
• Marcel Murray, Arkansas State – out again
• Raymond, Niro, Northwestern – active
• Darius Pinnix, East Carolina – returned to action (Friday)
• Kadin Remsberg – Air Force – out
• Danny Smith, Boise State – unavailable
• Kavosiey Smoke, Kentucky – returned to action
• Rhamdondre Stevenson, Oklahoma – played
• Josh Stoner, Air Force – played
• Titus Swen, Wyoming – unavailable (Friday)
• Toa Taua, Nevada – played
• Corey Taylor, Tulsa – did not play (Friday)
• SaRodorick Thompson, Texas Tech – played
• Chadarius Townsend, Texas Tech – played
• Sean Tucker, Syracuse – did not dress
• Ronnie Walker, Virginia – available, did not play (that I’m aware)
• Jaylen Warren, Utah State – did not play
• Xavier White, Texas Tech – not dressed
• TK Wilkerson, Tulsa – returned to action (Friday)
• RB Anthony Williams, Michigan St – not dressed
• DJ Williams, Auburn – warmed up, did not play (that I’m aware)
• Miyan Williams, Ohio State – available

WRs & TEs: In the more high profile receiver news, Danny Gray (SMU) was a surprise scratch, and Rondale Moore (Purdue) was again out. Gunner Romney (BYU) returned from a hamstring injury, Taj Harris (Syracuse) played after being suspended last week, and Tim Jones (Southern Miss) returned after a long layoff with a hamstring issue. Chris Olave (Ohio State) was back after injury last week, while Elijah Cooks (Nevada) was not able to go, and George Pickens (Georgia) did not travel.

• Lawrence Arnold, Kansas – unavailable
• Jared Atkinson, Baylor – returned to action
• Jose Barbon, Temple – covid protocol
• Devin Boddie, Vanderbilt – did not play
• James Bostic, Vanderbilt – played
• Maliq Carr, Purdue – not in warmups
• KeSean Carter, Texas Tech – played
• Elijah Cooks, Nevada – not dressed
• Beau Corrales, UNC – not dressed
• Brayden Cosper, BYU – not dressed
• Lavel Davis, Virginia – did not play
• TE Dylan Deveney, Georgia Tech – available
• TE Nick Eubanks, Michigan – played
• Danny Gray, SMU – did not play
• Jaylen Harris, Ohio State – unavailable
• Smoke Harris, Louisiana Tech – returned to action
• Taj Harris, Syracuse – played after suspension game
• Jsi Hatfield, East Carolina – returned to action (Friday)
• Berkeley Holman, Northwestern – inactive
• TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe, Illinois – season debut
• Shedrick Jackson, Auburn – not dressed
• JJ Jefferson, Northwestern – inactive
• Hezekiah Jones, Texas A&M – season debut
• Tim Jones, Southern Miss – returns to action
• Kerby Joseph, Illinois – unavailable
• Jordan Kress, New Mexico – played
• TE Bruno Labelle, Cinci – unavailable (knee)
• Frank Ladson, Clemson – did not play (hip), expected back next week
• TE Jack Luavasa, Kansas – unavailable
• McLane Mannix, Texas Tech – dressed, DNP
• Miles Marshall, Indiana – inactive
• TE David Martin-Robinson, Temple – out, covid protocol
• Cornelius McCoy, Georgia State – out
• Tarique Milton, Iowa State – did not travel
• Rondale Moore, Purdue – unavailable
• Tre Mosley, Michigan State – dressed, DNP (that I’m aware)
• Laress Nelson, Michigan State – not dressed
• Tre Nixon, UCF – did not play
• Obi Obialo, Oklahoma – dressed
• Chris Olave, Ohio State – played
• TE Daniel Parker, Missouri – did not travel
• Henry Pearson, App State – back in action
• AT Perry, Wake Forest – did not play
• George Pickens, Georgia – did not travel
• Dalton Rigdon, Texas Tech – not dressed
• Gunner Romney, BYU – back in action
• Savon Scarver, Utah State – played
• Brenden Schooler, Texas – not dressed
• Jah’Marae Sheread, Texas State – did not play (injury)
• Trevon Sidney, Illinois – unavailable
• TJ Simmons, West Virginia – returned to action
• James Sosinski, Kansas – unavailable
• JD Spielman, TCU – unavailable
• TE Khameron Taylor, Indiana – inactive
• TE Carl Tucker, Alabama – played
• TJ Vasher, Texas Tech – not dressed
• Jalen Virgil, App State – did not play
• Dayton Wade, Western Kentucky – unavailable (lower leg)
• Takulve Williams, Kansas – unavailable
• TE Brayden Willis, Oklahoma – not dressed

On Thursday a relative unknown QB from Clemson named Trevor Lawrence tested positive for COVID and was confirmed to be out this weekend. Kentucky QB Terry Wilson was also declared out giving Joey Gatewood the start. Notre Dame WR Braden Lenzy will be out 2-4 weeks with a hamstring injury. Colorado State WR Dante Wright did not play Thursday night due to covid contact tracing.

On Friday Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall was announced to be expected to play on Saturday. Reports came out that Troy QB Gunnar Watson is not expected to play after his injury last weekend, and that Oklahoma WR Charleston Rambo is not expected to play due to covid protocols. Colorado named QB Sam Noyer its starter for next week.

List of Injuries & Updates from October 29-30:

QBs:

• Todd Centeio, Colorado State – started Thursday night
• Central Michigan – David Moore not yet cleared by NCAA after suspension, Daniel Richardson will start if no update on Moore
• Cade Fortin, South Florida – has not practiced this week, may be able to return next week, does not need surgery
• Joey Gatewood, Kentucky – will start this week
• Trevor Lawrence, Clemson – tests positive for COVID and will not play this weekend
• Katravis Marsh, South Florida – back in practice after concussion
• Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina – is expected to be available this weekend
• Sam Noyer, Colorado – announced as QB1
• Kenny Pickett, Pitt – status unclear for game next week (off this week)
• Tyrrell Pigrome, Western Kentucky – starting this week
• Anthony Russo, Temple – did not practice Thursday, will be a gametime decision
• Kevaris Thomas, Western Kentucky – out this week due to injury
• Gunnar Watson, Troy – reportedly not expected to play
• Terry Wilson, Kentucky – out Saturday, wrist

RBs:

• Jaylon Bester, Miami (OH) – out to begin season
• Darius Bracy, Central Michigan – moving from DB to RB
• Shadrick Byrd, Iowa – enters transfer portal
• David Ellis, Indiana – no update yet, will announce before game (lower leg)
• Pat Garwo, Boston College – had surgery Wednesday, hopeful to return for final 2 games
• Deondrick Glass, Oklahoma State – enters transfer portal
• Jamious Griffin, Georgia Tech – not on Above the Line chart
• Martell Irby, UCLA – back at practice after missing time
• Vavae Malepeai, USC – has begun individual work in practice, hamstring
• Jahmon McClendon, UCLA – enters transfer portal
• Kadin Remsberg, Air Force – reports he will miss a minimum of 3 weeks with upper body injury suffered last weekend
• Tyre Shelton, Miami (OH) – out for season
• Markese Stepp, USC – was dealing with a mid-foot sprain but is back practicing
• Joshua Stoner, Air Force – unclear if has cleared covid protocols
• Western Michigan – expects RB by committee – Sean Tyler, Jaxson Kincaide & La’Darius Jefferson (still waiting on waiver)

WRs & TEs:

• Trejan Bridges, Oklahoma – reports he will miss Saturday’s game due to covid protocols
• Gary Bryant, USC – expected to play in opener
• Beau Corrales, North Carolina – on his instagram last weekend he used the phrase “ready to attack rehab”, haven’t seen any official team updates other than that he needs to be evaluated, but this doesn’t sound promising for a quick return
• Ethan Fernea, UCLA – required to sit out only the season opening game for eligibility reasons related to a redshirt season
• TE Andrew Homer, Miami (OH) – out for season
• Tevailance Hunt, TCU – enters transfer portal
• Zachari Jackson, Louisiana-Monroe – enters transfer portal
• TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah – eligible after transfer from U. of San Diego
• Braden Lenzy, Notre Dame – out 2-4 weeks with hamstring injury
• David Martin-Robinson, Temple – out this weekend due to covid contact tracing protocols
• Miles Marshall, Indiana – no update yet, will announce pregame (concussion protocol)
• TE Cam McCormick, Oregon – has not been practicing
• Ty McCullouch, Colorado State – unavailable Thursday night due to covid contact tracing
• Chris Olave, Ohio State – has had a “good, strong week of practice”, on Friday morning was not on unavailable list, meaning he should be active this weekend
• Charleston Rambo, Oklahoma – reports he will miss Saturday’s game due to covid protocols
• TE Spencer Webb, Oregon – not been practicing, not miss a “significant amount of time”
• Dante Wright, Colorado State – unavailable Thursday night due to covid contact tracing

On Wednesday LSU made it sound like QB Myles Brennan will likely be out again this weekend, while Temple QB Anthony Russo missed practice again. Mississippi State essentially confirmed that RB Kylin Hill has opted out, as well as that WR Tyrell Shavers will transfer.

List of Injuries & Updates from October 28:

QBs:

• Holton Ahlers, East Carolina – confirmed to be back this week after clearing covid protocols
• Myles Brennan, LSU – has not practiced yet this week, likely will not play this weekend, hopes to have him back for Nov. 14 Alabama game, won’t play him at less than 100% – sounds like they’ll sit him this week, let him heal in the off week and be back for Bama, TJ Finley expected to start again
• Anthony Russo, Temple – still unable to practice Wednesday with throwing shoulder issue

RBs:

• Brenden Brady, UTSA – will return from injury this week
• BJ Emmons, Florida Atlantic – questionable this week (ankle)
• Tayon Fleet-Davis, Maryland – status still unclear due to off the field issues
• Kylin Hill, Miss State – Mike Leach essentially confirms Hill’s opt out to prepare for the NFL draft
• Larry McCammon, Florida Atlantic – out this week (ankle)
• Charles McClelland, Cincinnati – had knee surgery today
• Darius Pinnix, East Carolina – will be back this week after clearing covid protocols
• Toa Taua, Nevada – likely returning from covid protocols, hopeful and a “good chance” he will be able to play this weekend
• DJ Williams, Auburn – was banged up last weekend, sounds questionable for this week

WRs & TEs:

• TE James Bomba, Miami (OH) – suspended indefinitely following arrest for misdemeanor charges for a fight at a fraternity house
• Elijah Cooks, Nevada – still recovering from shoulder injury, has not yet been ruled out this week
• Calif Gossett, Louisiana – on the depth chart this week after dealing with an Achilles injury most of the season so far and apparently seeing action last week (that I missed, had no receiving stats)
• Jordan Kress, New Mexico – had covid, diagnosed with myocarditis (may have existed pre-covid), cleared to play Monday, available this weekend in a limited role (was not on depth chart)
• TE Artayvious Lynn, TCU – out for the season
• Maurice Massey, Missouri – enters transfer portal after receiving being removed from the team for legal/disciplinary reasons
• George Pickens, Georgia – dinged up but has been practicing, should be fine
• Zane Pope, Fresno State – last weekend he shared a video that said he will be out a few games but hopes to return before the season is over
• Stephon Robinson, Kansas – had surgery, out at least 3 weeks (from Saturday postgame)
• TE Juan Rodriguez, Fresno State – out for the season as he will get knee surgery
• Tyrell Shavers, Miss State – will transfer

Following are the fantasy-relevant starting depth charts released by the teams, along with any notes and last year’s stats, for FBS teams playing their FIRST games of the season October 29-31.

• Teams are in alphabetical order on the date they play.
• Starters on depth chart are listed, for full charts see posts on twitter
• Stats listed are from 2019

Thursday October 29:

Colorado State depth chart:

• QB: Patrick O’Brien (2803-13) OR Todd Centeio (444-5 – Temple) OR Justice McCoy (20-0) – recent quote from team that O’Brien had missed some time in preseason camp “through no fault of his own”, reports Thursday morning were that Centeio is expected to start
• RB: Marcus McElroy (370-3)
• WRs: Nate Craig-Myers (23/329), Dante Wright (57/805), EJ Scott (15/255)
• TE: Trey McBride (45/560)

Saturday October 31:

New Mexico depth chart:

• QB: Tevaka Tuioti (1460-7)
• RB: Bryson Carroll (536-2)
• WRs: Andrew Erickson, Emmanuel Logan-Greene (19/193), Elijah Queen
• TE: Marcus Williams (26/428)

On Tuesday Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz was confirmed out with a second positive covid test, and Penn State RB Noah Cain was shared to be out for the rest of the season with his injury in the season opener. North Texas QB Jason Bean is now QB1 on the depth chart after his big game before the off week, and Southern Miss QB Jack Abraham returned to practice after contracting Covid.

Kentucky QB Terry Wilson and Purdue WR Rondale Moore both were reported to not have been practicing (so far) this week, with reports that Wilson is not expected to play this week.

List of Injuries & Updates from October 27:

QBs:

• Jack Abraham, Southern Miss – returned to practice Tuesday after being out with covid, expects to play Saturday
• Jason Bean, North Texas – QB1 on depth chart
• Jalen Mayden, Miss State – enters transfer portal
• Graham Mertz, Wisconsin – second positive Covid test, enters 21 day protocol
• Anthony Russo, Temple – did not practice Tuesday, hopeful to practice on Wednesday, team did not announce results of MRI on throwing shoulder
• Danny Vanden Boom, Wisconsin – potential starter this week
• Terry Wilson, Kentucky – did not practice again today, reports that the injury is to his throwing hand and he is unlikely to play Saturday

RBs:

• Oscar Adaway, North Texas – not on depth chart
• Noah Cain, Penn State – out for the rest of the season after injury Saturday
• Kylin Hill, Miss State – not expected to play again this season, likely prep for NFL draft
• Ja’Veon Marlow, Vanderbilt – not on depth chart but practiced Tuesday
• Charles McClelland, Cincinnati – likely to need surgery (knee)
• Kenny McIntosh, Georgia – hopeful to play Saturday

WRs & TEs:

• Max Cooper, Iowa – will be back this week after injury last week
• Shedrick Jackson, Auburn – questionable “at best” this week
• TE Bruno Labelle, Cincinnati – day to day with knee injury
• Dimitri Mitsopoulos, Miami (OH) – enters transfer portal
• Rondale Moore, Purdue – WR coach says Moore has been out when asked if he’d been practicing
• Tre Mosley, Michigan State – day to day with leg injury
• Chris Olave, Ohio State – will continue to be evaluated this week, his teammates were quoted as saying they think he will play

I take a look at some key stats & fantasy takeaways that stood out for 12 different teams last weekend, since the Big Ten and Mountain West kicked off last weekend, all 12 takeaways will come from those conferences this week. The “Stat to Know” from each team is bolded, as well as players who are mentioned.

Fantasy Takeaways from Week 8 (teams listed in alphabetical order):

Hawaii – QB Chevan Cordeiro did more with his legs than expected, passing for 20/30-229-0 and rushing for 13/116-2. We are used to seeing Hawaii QBs with more production through the air, but the rushing made up for it this week. RB Miles Reed had good volume with 21/109-0. The top two WRs were who you’d expect – Jared Smart (7/89-0) and Rico Bussey (8/86-0). Basically Hawaii did everything we thought they would other than Cordeiro rushing for more TDs than he passed for (he ran for 40/212-3 last season), but you have to assume the QB/WR passing TDs will come.

Illinois – It’s often not easy playing Wisconsin, and the stats showed it. QB Brandon Peters had almost as many rushing yards as passing yards, 8/19-87 in the air and 7/75 on the ground. Peters has twice as many yards as the next leading rusher Mike Epstein (8/36). The receiver stats were all ugly, but WR Josh Imatorbhebhe was targeted 10 times, with no one else at more than 3.

Maryland – expectations aren’t high for this Maryland team, but losing 43-3 to Northwestern was eye-opening, so what went wrong? QB Taulia Tagovailoa threw for 14/25-94, 0 TDs and 3 interceptions (and rushed for negative yards), while in relief QB Lance LeGendre was 4/4-49 yards. Tagovailoa is QB1 on the depth chart this week. RB Jake Funk got the start and ran for 6/35. No receiver had more than 43 yards, with hyped freshman Rakim Jarrett having 1 catch for 1 yard on 4 targets. For right now I’d avoid them altogether, perhaps with the hope that they might develop enough of a passing game where someone like WR Dontay Demus (4/41 on 7 targets) might be a consistent primary receiver.

Michigan – A lot to like from QB Joe Milton who passed for 15/22-225-1 and ran for 8/52-1. The RBs shared carries as Hassan Haskins had an impressive 6/82-2, while Zach Charbonnet rushed for 4/70-1. To note is Haskins had a long run of 66 yards, while Charbonnet’s was 70, so the explosive runs were the majority of their output. WR Ronnie Bell had the top game pulling in 4/74-0. Milton and Bell both look like plays, and it’s too early the assess the top two RBs who only had 10 carries between them, although that in itself is an assessment (in a semi-blowout game).

Michigan State – Rocky Lombardi not surprisingly won the starting QB job, and passed for 31/44-319-3. The big surprise was that RB Elijah Collins did not start (only had 9 attempts for 3 yards), with RB Connor Heyward actually starting (7/18-0), but RB Jordon Simmons actually got the most work (14/43-0). No RB averaged more than 3.1 yards/carry, but there were some coach quotes that made it sound like they’ll go with whoever is looking the best, so Collins body of work from last season (222/988-5) doesn’t seem worth much now. WR Jayden Reed (11/128-2) and WR Jalen Nailor (6/84-1) both had 12 targets, which has my attention.

Nebraska – playing against Ohio State is a tough data point to evaluate, but it was interesting that their two leading rushers were both QBs, Adrian Martinez with 12/77-1 on the ground, and Luke McCaffrey with 9/87-0. Martinez threw 15 passes to 5 for McCaffrey. RB Dedrick Mills who was hoped to be the bell-cow this season, ran for 10/33-1, which hopefully will improve against non-Ohio State opponents. WR Wan’Dale Robinson was the only notable receiver, with 6/49-0 on 6 targets, with no other player getting more than 2 targets (and one of those was TE Jack Stoll who was injured). My initial takeaway here is basically one of disinterest in dual-threat QBs sharing time, with hope for Mills and Robinson against lesser foes.

Ohio State – QB Justin Fields was his brilliant self, so instead let’s evaluate the two-headed RB battle and the WRs. RB Master Teague put up 12/41-2, while RB Trey Sermon had 11/55-0 with one reception for 7 yards, basically a wash other than the TDs (which obviously matter). The standout WRs were Garrett Wilson 7/129-1 and WR Chris Olave 6/104-0. Perhaps most interesting is each was targeted 7 times, with no other player getting more than 2.

Penn State – QB Sean Clifford picked up where he left off last season with 24/238-3 in the air and a team-leading 17/119-1 on the ground. RB Noah Cain was injured (for the season) after only 3 carries, so RB Devyn Ford (20/69-1) and RB Keyvone Lee (6/35-0) were next in line. The top receivers were WR Jahan Dotson (4/94-1) and TE Pat Freiermuth (7/60-1). Of note here is that Clifford only had 3 less carries than the top RB. As a point of comparison, in 2019 Clifford had 116 carries to team leader Journey Brown’s 129. In 2019 Clifford only averaged 3.5 a carry, but he still called his own number a lot.

Rutgers – So who were the stars in the surprising 38-27 win over Michigan State? The weird reply is there really weren’t any big offensive standouts. RB Isaih Pacheco had an average day on the ground per carry (19/61), but rushed for 2 TDs as well as caught 5 balls for 37 yards. QB Noah Vedral in his first start for Rutgers had an alright game with 18/29-169-1 passing and 9/24-1 rushing. WRs Aron Cruickshank (4/43) and Bo Melton (4/50) led the way. Pacheco getting 24 touches is my top takeaway here.

San Diego State – The opener was all about the run game as RB Greg Bell (19/111-1) and RB Kaegun Williams 10/84-0 looked strong. QB Carson Baker was only 12/25-137-1, a concerning less than 50% completion rate. No receiver had more than 2 catches or 33 yards. For comparison, last year’s passing leader was QB Ryan Agnew who averaged 205 passing yards/game with 14 passing TDs in 12 games, while no receiver had more than 58 catches or 691 yards.

San Jose State – QB Nick Starkel got the start and had a solid 22/29-226-2 TD performance, I like the efficiency. RB was a disappointment as Kairee Robinson rushed for 12/31. WR Bailey Gaither had 8/110 receiving on 13 targets. Last year’s other standouts this week – Tre Walker (4/38, 4 targets) and Isaiah Hamilton (1/6, 1 target). We all know that WRs can rise and fall from game to game, but 13 targets for Gaither to a combined 5 for Walker/Hamilton is my major takeaway.

UNLV – QB Max Gilliam was the surprise starter 13/21-105-1 but put up a mediocre statline. QB Kenyon Oblad (last year’s starter much of the season) had 2/4 for 2 yards passing, while QB Justin Rogers had 2/4 for -1 yards passing. RB Charles Williams rushed for 20/80-0. No receiver had more than 44 yards (Steve Jenkins), but the real storyline here is that some receivers were mysteriously absent including Randal Grimes (44/696-7 last season) and Mekhi Stevenson (Covid-related issues in the receiver room perhaps?), so it’s hard to measure how much impact missing some receivers had on the game. Until things get sorted out here the RB Williams seems to be a reliable play.

Sunday brought more news than usual as Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz had an initial positive COVID test, and reports that Baylor RBs John Lovett and Trestan Ebner were opting out of the season, but on Monday morning both Baylor RBs were said to still be with the team after a coach conversation with the players.

On Monday we learned Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall is not expected to play this week, while East Carolina QB Holton Ahlers will play. Miss State RB Kylin Hill is still unavailable, WR Danny Gray (SMU) should be good to play this week, but WR Lavel Davis (Virginia) is expected to be out again.

List of Injuries & Updates from October 26 (or from Sunday where noted):

QBs:

• Jack Abraham, Southern Miss – status unclear for game this week
• Holton Ahlers, East Carolina – cleared and returned to practice
• Myles Brennan, LSU – will practice this week, will see if can get to 100% by Saturday
• Sean Chambers, Wyoming – is out, a chance he could return later this season
• Jalon Daniels, Kansas – sounds like the starter going forward the rest of the season
• Kentucky – QB1 Terry Wilson OR Joey Gatewood
• Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina – not expected to be available for Saturday
• Graham Mertz, Wisconsin – reported to have tested positive for Covid (Sunday)
• Miss State – KJ Costello & Will Rogers sharing first team practice reps
• Anthony Russo, Temple – will get MRI on shoulder
• Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland – QB1 on depth chart, no OR
• Western Kentucky – Tyrrell Pigrome likely to get more first-team reps this week as he is in better condition health-wise than Kevaris Thomas
• Tate Whatley, Southern Miss – took hard hit at end of game last weekend, status unclear
• Eli Williams, TCU – enters transfer portal
• Terry Wilson, Kentucky – likely not practice Monday due to a minor injury
• Chase Wolf, Wisconsin – not at practice on Monday, reported to have tested positive for Covid

RBs:

• Mulbah Car, Houston – hopefully ready to play this week (DNP Saturday)
• King Doerue, Purdue – sounds hopeful but still questionable this week
• Trestan Ebner, Baylor – reports on Sunday that he is opting out of the season refuted by team on Monday
• David Ellis, Indiana – lower leg injury, hopeful to return soon
• BJ Emmons, FAU – still rehabbing ankle
• Pat Garwo, Boston College – is waiting on MRI results to determine practice status this week (Sunday)
• Kylin Hill, Miss State – still unavailable
• John Lovett, Baylor – reports on Sunday that he is opting out of the season, but then Monday reports that he had decided to stay with the team
• Ja’veon Marlow, Vanderbilt – Coach Mason says the team should get its key players back this week, which presumably includes Marlow – not a firm comment without specific players listed, but promising
• Larry McCammon, FAU – waiting on MRI results after injury last weekend
• Kenny McIntosh, Georgia – hopeful to practice Monday
• Marcel Murray, Arkansas State – described as day to day
• Darius Pinnix, East Carolina – on the depth chart this week after missing last game with covid protocols
• Rhamondre Stevenson, Oklahoma – team will not confirm is he has been cleared of suspension having sat out required 6 games
• Titus Swen, Wyoming – dealing with covid protocols
• Toa Taua, Nevada – implied to have tested positive for Covid
• SaRodorick Thompson, Texas Tech – hopeful to return this week
• Ronnie Walker, Virginia – hopeful to play this Saturday
• Xavier White, Texas Tech – hopeful to return this week
• TJ Wisham, Louisiana – out due to wrist surgery

WRs & TEs:

• Trejan Bridges, Oklahoma – team will not confirm is he has been cleared of suspension having sat out required 6 games
• Elijah Cooks, Nevada – sore after injury last weekend, status not determined
• Beau Corrales, UNC – will be evaluated this week
• Lavel Davis, Virginia – expected to be out again this week
• John Dunmore, Penn State – enters transfer portal
• Danny Gray, SMU – practicing and is expected to play
• Taj Harris, Syracuse – no update from the team on his status
• TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe, Illinois – game notes say he did not play last weekend due to injury but is good to go this week
• Hezekiah Jones, Texas A&M – hopeful to play this week
• Braden Lenzy, Notre Dame – not at full strength, sounds like team may hold him out until he is 100%
• Miles Marshall, Indiana – in concussion protocol
• TE David Martin-Robinson, Temple – still in covid protocol
• Maurice Massey, Missouri – has been dismissed from team for a violation of team rules/legal charges (had already opted out)
• Rondale Moore, Purdue – will be evaluated end of the week
• TE Darius Pittman, Temple – out with ankle injury
• Gunner Romney, BYU – remains questionable
• TE Dalvin Smith, Western Kentucky – out for season after breaking leg last weekend
• TE Jack Stoll, Nebraska – no definitive update from team, but answer made it sound like he could be out a while