Category: College Football

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On Tuesday came the injury news that Charlotte QB Chris Reynolds is out indefinitely with an upper body injury. Dom Shoffner will get the start at QB for Charlotte.

In more QB injury news, UAB’s Tyler Johnston is also out indefinitely with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, Bryson Lucero is likely next in line.

List of Injuries & Updates from September 15:

QBs:

• JT Daniels, Georgia – not yet medically cleared but still hopeful
• Frank Harris, UTSA – QB1 on depth chart, no more OR at top spot
• Tyler Johnston, UAB – out indefinitely with injury to non-throwing shoulder, Bryson Lucero is the presumable replacement
• D’Wan Mathis, Georgia – got first team scrimmage snaps
• Brady McBride, Texas State – back at practice but status unclear in regards to COVID protocols
• Chubba Purdy, Florida State – making progress, hoped to be back at practice soon
• Chris Reynolds, Charlotte – out indefinitely with an upper body injury, Dom Shoffner will start in his absence
• Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati – QB1 on depth chart as expected
• Desmond Trotter, South Alabama – dealing with shoulder injury suffered in season opener and aggravated last weekend

RBs:

• App State – Cam Peoples and Marcus Williams doing drills in non-contact jerseys (the original tweet was deleted, which is always a little curious, especially if it could have been at the request of the team?)
• Charlotte – Tre Harbison now listed first with OR Aaron McAllister. McAllister was listed as RB1 last week
• Darrian Felix, South Florida – played through a tight hamstring last weekend
• Gerald Green, Georgia Southern – expected back this week
• Anthony Watkins, Tulsa – receives waiver for eligibility after transfer from Missouri

WRs & TEs:

• Darion Anderson, Georgia Southern – expected back this week
• Isaiah Bolden, Florida State – former DB enters transfer portal
• TE Lucas Krull, Pitt – expected back this week
• Taysir Mack, Pitt – expected back this week
• DJ Matthews, Florida State – enters transfer portal
• TE Henry Pearson, App State – may have been missing from practice, not seen by a reporter
• TE Carson Welch, SMU – entered the transfer portal, quit the team August 17th

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In Monday injury news Texas WR Jordan Whittington was revealed to be out 3-4 weeks as he’ll have surgery to repair a meniscus tear. Notre Dame WR Ben Skowronek is also likely out this weekend with a hamstring issue. Kansas WR Stephon Robinson is also expected back this week.

Liberty QB Malik Willis was named the starter for their debut this weekend, while Boston College has the OR between QBs Phil Jukovec/Dennis Grosel.

List of Injuries & Updates from September 14:

QBs:

• Boston College – Phil Jurkovec OR Dennis Grosel on depth chart
• Cornelious Brown, Georgia State – QB1 on depth chart
• Matthew Downing, TCU – has been out the last 10 days
• Max Duggan, TCU – not cleared as he deals with diagnosed heart issue
• Cade Fortin, South Florida – no timeline for return specified
• James Foster, Texas A&M – re-enters transfer portal
• Devin Leary, NC State – QB1 on depth chart (as previously named)
• Clifton McDowell, Louisiana – enters transfer portal
• McKenzie Milton, UCF – out this weekend and at least first few games of the season
• Nick Tronti, Florida Atlantic – named starter
• Clayton Tune, Houston – confirmed as starter
• Gunnar Watson, Troy – QB1 on depth chart (as previously announced)
• Malik Willis, Liberty announced as starter, the depth chart listed him with an OR with Chris Ferguson

RBs:

• FB Forest McKee, UTEP – likely out for season after injury last weekend, getting an MRI
• Elijah Mitchell, Louisiana – fine after getting banged up late in game

WRs & TEs:

• Zakhari Franklin, UTSA – expected back soon (missed last weekend)
• Braden Lenzy, Notre Dame – expected to be 100% Tuesday
• Liberty WRs all expected to “give it a go” – CJ Yarbrough, Noah Frith, DJ Stubbs, CJ Daniels have all missed time or dealt with injuries
• TE Jack Luavasa, Kansas – should be back available today
• Stephon Robinson, Kansas – should be back available today
• Ben Skowronek, Notre Dame – likely out this week with hamstring injury
• Jordan Whittington, Texas – surgery to repair small tear in meniscus, out 3-4 weeks

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Everyone knows Sam Ehlinger & Spencer Rattler had big games, but not everyone is able to dig into every single box score each weekend, so I’ll do it for you this week, looking at some key stats & fantasy takeaways that stood out for each FBS team last weekend. The “Stat to Know” is bolded, as well as players who are mentioned.

(Teams listed in alphabetical order)

Appalachian State – The running game was the highlight as RB Camerun Peoples rushed for 13/102-1 (despite missing some time), RB Marcus Williams had 14/117-1, while RB Daetrich Harrington had 15/60-2. While from a fantasy perspective it’s a little challenging to navigate 3 productive RBs on one team, any of these guys are worth a look until/if a leader emerges.

Arkansas State – WR Jonathan “Jay” Adams was a stud, you saw the highlights all day Saturday. On Saturday he had 8/98-3 receiving, and while WR Dahu Green didn’t dress, no reason to think Adams won’t be a primary target all year, whether Bonner or Hatcher is at QB (still not a fan of the shared time).

Army – RB Jakobi Buchanan rushed for 11/106-2 after only putting up 9/33-0 in Army’s first game. QB Christian Anderson led the team in carries with 21 (95 yards) despite missing some time. You know Army is going to run the ball, but with carries being inconsistent from week to week so far, the QB is the safest bet.

Charlotte – RB Tre Harbison was listed as RB2 on the depth chart but rushed for 17/87-1 as compared to the listed RB1 Aaron McAllister who had 2/16-0. Harbison looks like the guy going forward.

Clemson – WR Amari Rodgers emerged as the top receiver in this game, grabbing 5 catches for 90 yards. TE Braden Galloway was next, going 5/60-0. No other receivers had more than 3 targets.

Coastal Carolina – QB Grayson McCall unexpectedly got the start over Bryce Carpenter and Fred Payton. McCall was an effective 11/18-133 with 3 TDs in the air, and ran for 11/73 and 2 TDs. It looks like it is now his job to lose.

Duke – New QB Chase Brice (Clemson transfer) had a tough first opponent in Notre Dame, but still threw for 20/37-259-0. While the completion percentage needs to improve, the yards per completion was solid (12.95). He also attempted 10 runs, although for only 16 yards and 1 TD.

Florida State – Despite high hopes under a new coach, QB James Blackman was mediocre, passing for 23/43-198-1. The RB position had been listed with an OR, but La’Damian Webb got 13 carries (39 yards) to only 6 carries for Jashaun Corbin (18 yards). Both had an awful 3 yard average, but my lean is to Webb because of the higher workload.

Georgia Southern – This is again the QB Shai Werts show. RB Wesley Kennedy was out, which took away one running threat, but Werts passed for 7/13-53-1 and ran for 14/155-1. They barely beat Campbell, which is worrisome even with 30+ players out.

Georgia Tech – It leaked out the day before the game that QB Jeff Sims would be getting his first start. Sims showed something a QB Georgia Tech hasn’t seen in a long time, throwing for 24/35-277-1, while also rushing for 13/64-0. The 24 completions was the most by a GT QB since 2003 (credit @MFlynnGT). Grab Sims now.

Iowa State – QB Brock Purdy simply had a bad game after an outstanding season last year. He threw for 16/35-145-0. Completing less than 50% of your passes against a non-con opponent while the running game was still successful (RB Breece Hall 20/103-1) is concerning.

Kansas – QBs Thomas MacVittie and Miles Kendrick were listed a co-starters, but MacVittie left with an injury after passing for an uninspiring 5/9-20. Kendrick was a solid 15/24-156 with 2 TDs. To be honest I’d avoid this QB situation for now until we learn more about MacVittie’s injury, and instead run out their WRs (or RB Pooka Williams if his Saturday injury proves to be minor).

Kansas State – While not huge totals, RB Deuce Vaughn (5 foot 5, 168 lbs) rushed for 12/47-1 and caught one ball for 24 yards, he is one to watch although doubtful he can be the primary ballcarrier. But the standout to me amongst a receiving corps missing several players was WR Chabastin Taylor, 4/98-0, a very nice 24.5 average. Taylor only had 161 receiving yards last season, so it will be interesting to see what happens when some other WRs (Youngblood, Gill) return.

Louisiana – Despite a great win over Iowa State, no one really stood out on the stat sheet (other than special teams) with the exception of WR Peter LeBlanc, who had 5/82-1. The next top receiver only had 22 yards, and LeBlanc had more than half the team’s passing yards total.

Louisiana-Monroe – A poor showing all-around as they only scored 7 points. New QB Colby Suits was efficient, going 14/19-148-1. His top target was TE Josh Pederson, 5/56-0 on 7 targets.

Louisville – QB Micale Cunningham again has a strong stable of WRs at his disposal, and while Tutu Atwell (7/78) and Dez Fitzpatrick (4/110-1) had good performances, Braden Smith also stood out with a 4/110-0 game. Smith was only targeted 4 times compared to 8 for the other two, so it will have to be seen how the ball is spread around in the future.

Miami – they killed it on the ground rushing for 337 yards as a team, but the real story of the game were the expectations around the performance of QB D’Eriq King in his first game for The U. He had 141-1 passing with 12/83-1 rushing. His passing numbers were average, but he looked electric when tucking the ball and running. For historical reference, 141 yards passing is his 17th highest passing total in college, while 83 yards rushing tied for his 8th highest total. So basically he has a lot more upside as he settles into the Miami offense.

North Carolina – A balanced effort from the highly-talented offense. Perhaps the most curious stat of the game to me was WR Dyami Brown was 6/94-0 on 9 targets, while WR Dazz Newsome was 2/25-0 on only 3 targets. Too early to draw any real conclusions, but it does have my attention.

Notre Dame – RB Kyren Williams was awesome in his first game at RB1, rushing for 19/112-2 and catching 2 balls for 93 yards (although targeted 6 times). As Notre Dame looks for WRs to emerge and/or get healthy, Williams may be the primary option on offense.

Oklahoma – You already know new QB Spencer Rattler looked fantastic (14/18-290-4), but what about the RBs? News came out earlier in the day that Marcus Major would likely start with TJ Pledger likely out. Unfortunately Major had a subpar day against a bad Missouri State team, rushing for 11/31-0. Seth McGowan was the leader on the ground, going for 9/61-1.

Pitt – They destroyed Austin Peay, 55-0, with many starters only playing part of the game and the 3rd and 4th quarters shortened to 10 minutes. Despite missing some receiving options, QB Kenny Pickett was his usual reliable self, passing for 14/20-277-1. The backfield may be RB by committee, and the blowout didn’t give any clarity to that.

South Alabama – There is a lack of clarity whether QB Desmond Trotter may have been nursing an injury, but he threw only 8 passes, while Chance Lovertich relieved him and threw for 18/27-262-2. WRs Kawaan Baker & Jalen Tolbert both had over 100 yards receiving, keeping Tolbert on a hot streak the past 3 games.

South Florida – Jordan McCloud was part of a 3-man QB rotation, perhaps in part to Citadel being the opponent, but only passed for 11/16-68-1, not inspiring with a 6 yard average per completion. RBs Johnny Ford (9/71) and Kelley Joiner (8/87) both looked solid splitting carries.

Syracuse – They looked terrible against UNC. WR Taj Harris had 5/64 receiving, but was targeted 15 times, 10 more than any other player on the team.

Texas – You already know QB Sam Ehlinger went for 426-5, and none of the RBs stood out. But at WR Joshua Moore was 6/127-1, while Michigan transfer Tarik Black had 5/80-1. With Jordan Whittington out 3-4 weeks with an injury, it is time for each of those guys to solidify their roles.

Texas State – QB Tyler Vitt returned after missing the first game under COVID protocols, and replaced QB Brady McBride who was out Saturday for COVID reasons. Vitt passed for 26/40-346 and 4 TDs. The question will be who will start (or will they split time) whenever the team has both QBs available at the same time.

Texas Tech – After an early-season injury last year, QB Alan Bowman was back producing the numbers you are used to seeing from a Texas Tech QB, passing for 38/52-430-2. The Tech defense allowed Houston Baptist to pass for a ridiculous 566 yards, which may mean that Bowman will need to air it out all season long just to overcome the defense.

Tulane – What was a crowded Tulane backfield the past few years now appears to belong to RB Tyjae Spears. Spears rushed for 11/105-0 on Saturday, with 2/30 receiving.

UAB – As I mentioned last week, UAB again shared QB snaps (although some came in the 4th when the game was out of reach). QB Tyler Johnston went 15/24-150-1 passes while backup QB Bryson Lucero looked much more pedestrian against tougher competition, going 4/11-55 (as compared to 7/9-83 last week). Two weeks is enough to draw some conclusions, and the shared QB snaps would scare me away from either of these guys until things change.

UTEP – RB Deion Hankins had a breakout 100+ yard performance in his first game against Stephen F Austin, but against Texas was only able to rush for 11/34, a 3.1 average.

UTSA – RB Sincere McCormick and QB Frank Harris both had big games. McCormick had 29/197-1, a strong 6.8 average with that many carries. While Harris’ passing numbers were average, 23/39-161-1 (a lot of short safe passes for only a 7 yard average per completion), he ran for 11/51 with 3 TDs. Harris is a true dual-threat who should continue to produce big stats.

Wake Forest – With almost a complete turnover of the WR corps, this was my area of interest for this game. 3 players rose to the top in game 1, with Taylor Morin being the clear leader, grabbing 9/93-1. Also of note were Jaquarii Roberson (4/92) and Donavon Greene (3/76).

West Virginia – Even against an overmatched opponent (EKU), QB Jarret Doege had an impressive line – throwing 19/25-228-3. Regardless of opponent, completing 76% of your passes shows an offense that is running crisply as well as good reading of defense.

Western Kentucky – As I’ve said before, not all stats to know are good – RB Gaej Walker curiously struggled, with a very rough 9 carries for 19 yards and a TD. New QB Tyrrell Pigrome (Maryland transfer) kept to his running ways, with 17/68 on the ground, and 10/23-129-1 in the air.

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I break down the injury news from this past weekend with notes on each player who may have been dealing with injuries. One unique aspect to this year, team’s aren’t listing why guys are missing games if they issue an inactive list, could be COVID/injury/something else.

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 Sept. 12 (unless noted):

• Christian Anderson, QB Army – left game, was replaced by QB Jemel Jones for a bit, ended up returning and finishing with 21/95-2 rushing, in post-game the coach said he was fine
• Lyn-J Dixon, RB Clemson – was cleared and ready to go, but postgame comments sound like he was held out as a precaution
• Johnny Ford, RB South Florida – left the game limping off, was seen riding a bike on the sideline
• Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Georgia Tech – was working out with the RBs pregame but when he came back out to the field was not dressed out, the team listed him as unavailable before kickoff
• Cam’Ron Harris, RB Miami (Thursday game) – left the game late, was able to jog off, was interviewed in post game and said he was fine
• Sam Hartman, QB Wake Forest – left the game, was cleared, returned – finished 11/21-182 passing
• Charlie Kolar, TE Iowa State – was announced pregame he would not play due to a lower body injury, was later described as “day to day”
• Braden Lenzy, WR Notre Dame – did not play, after the game the coaching staff replied that he was “available”, some speculation he may have been nursing a tweaked hamstring
• Thomas MacVittie, QB Kansas – left in third quarter with possible shoulder/arm injury and did not return
• Marcel Murray, RB Arkansas State – missed the first game, team said he was expected to return this week, but then a late-week article from a reporter basically said they hadn’t gotten confirmation either way about whether he would be in action, did not end up playing Saturday – unclear if injury related or something else
• Camerun Peoples, RB Appalachian State – left the game early, missed several series I believe, returned and got carries, finished with 13/102-1 on the ground
• Ben Skowronek, WR Notre Dame – left the game in the first half with a leg injury, the team later officially shared he was out for the game
• Tamorrion Terry, WR Florida State – left game walking off on his own power, returned to action
• Skylar Thompson, QB Kansas State – left the game but returned, in postgame coaches said he was “dinged up” which limited his running game, finished with 259-2 in the air
• Desmond Trotter, QB South Alabama – shared time with QB Chance Lovertich. Lovertich threw 27 passes to 8 for Trotter. I saw one sportswriter who said the coaching staff said it was strategic, but the writer thought they saw Trotter possibly favoring his shoulder
• Shai Werts, QB Georgia Southern – left game for a spell, was checked out and returned, finished with 155 rushing yards
• Jordan Whittington, WR Texas – left the game, team reported he was out for the game with a knee injury, X-rays were normal, MRI on Sunday
• Pooka Williams, RB Kansas – appears like he left the game then tried to return but was limited as he split carries with Velton Gardner, postgame comment from Les Miles was that “He has a nick. I think he’ll be back relatively quickly.”

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Saturday basically felt pretty chaotic as a number of teams had extensive lists of players who were inactive/not dressed, then add in West Virginia who suspended 11 players. Most of the updates in this post are those who were inactive, with a few exceptions. Most teams did not state why players did not play (COVID/injury/etc), they either put out a list or reporters saw who wasn’t there/wasn’t dressed out.

Not every skill position player who was inactive is listed, I’ve tried to focus the list in a bit to represent those who may have some fantasy significance, although that is challenging prior to the first game of the season for many teams. Look for a separate post later today (Sunday) with Saturday injury news.

In non game-news, it sounds like QB KJ Costello is the likely starter at Mississippi State, and former QB Garrett Shrader has begun getting work at WR.

List of Updates from September 12:

QBs:

• KJ Costello, Mississippi State – would be the starter if team played today
• Cade Fortin, South Florida – not in warmups
• Brady McBride, Texas State – out, COVID protocols
• Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina – got the surprising start after either Fred Payton or Bryce Carpenter were expected to get the nod. I saw Payton playing on special teams, so I know McCall wasn’t getting the start solely because of unavailability of other options.
• Garrett Shrader, Mississippi State – has been practicing a slot WR
• Justin Tomlin, Georgia Southern – inactive

RBs: The most notable RBs who were inactive Saturday were Jahmyr Gibbs (Ga Tech), Wesley Kennedy (Ga Southern), Marcel Murray (Arkansas State – out again), and TJ Pledger (Oklahoma)

• Isaiah Azubuike, Arkansas State – out
• Quinton Cooley, Wake Forest – inactive
• Michel Dukes, Clemson – out today
• Jahmyr Gibbs, Georgia Tech – warmed up but then didn’t dress
• Gerald Green, Georgia Southern – inactive
• Wesley Kennedy, Georgia Southern – inactive
• Chez Mellusi, Clemson – out today
• Marcel Murray, Arkansas State – out today
• TJ Pledger, Oklahoma – inactive
• Xavier White, Texas Tech – not dressed

WRs & TEs: The most notable receivers out today were Dahu Green (Arkansas State), Taysir Mack (Pitt), Obi Obialo (Oklahoma), Stephon Robinson (Kansas) & TJ Simmons (West Virginia), although you could argue a couple other receivers could also be listed.

• Darion Anderson, Georgia Southern – inactive
• TE TJ Banks, West Virginia – suspended
• Dexter Carter, Georgia Southern – inactive
• Leroy Deshazor, Arkansas State – out
• Zack Dobson, West Virginia – suspended
• Isaiah Esdale, West Virginia – suspended
• Coye Fairman, Memphis – opts out of season
• Zakhari Franklin, UTSA – not dressed out?
• Kenny Frazier, Texas State – out, COVID protocols
• Wykeen Gill, Kansas State – out today
• Dahu Green, Arkansas State – out today
• Justin Harris, Georgia Southern – inactive
• Dylan Jantz, Texas State – out, COVID protocols
• TE Beau Johnson, Georgia Southern – inactive
• TE Lucas Krull, Pitt – not dressed
• TE Jack Luavasa, Kansas – not dressed
• Taysir Mack, Pitt – not dressed
• McLane Mannix, Texas Tech – not dressed
• Obi Obialo, Oklahoma – inactive
• TE Mike O’Laughlin, West Virginia – suspended
• Seth Porter, Kansas State – out today
• Myles Price, Texas Tech – not dressed
• Stephon Robinson, Kansas – not dressed
• TJ Simmons, West Virginia – suspended
• Emil Smith, Georgia Southern – inactive
• JJ Sparkman, Texas Tech – not dressed
• Drake Stoops, Oklahoma – inactive
• Jared Wayne, Pitt – dressed, DNP (?)
• Landry Weber, Kansas State – out today
• Darion Williamson, Florida State – not dressed
• TE Brayden Willis, Oklahoma – inactive
• Joshua Youngblood, Kansas State – inactive

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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 between Thursday Sept. 10 through Saturday Sept. 12th.

• Teams are in alphabetical order on the date they play.
• Starters on depth chart are listed, for full charts see posts on twitter
• Post will be continually updated as more depth charts are released
• Stats listed are from 2019
• Charts/Notes only included for FBS teams

Thursday September 10th:

Miami depth chart:

• QB: D’Eriq King (663-6, 55-6 – HOU)
• RB: Cam’Ron Harris (576-5)
• WRs: Dee Wiggins (20/335), Mark Pope (18/266), Mike Harley (38/485)
• TE: Brevin Jordan (35/495) OR Will Mallory (16/293)

Friday September 11th:

TCU – Postponed

Saturday September 12th:

Appalachian State depth chart:

• QB: Zac Thomas (2718-28, 440-7)
• RB: Marcus Williams (652-5) OR Daetrich Harrington (319-2) OR Camerun Peoples (3/23)
• WRs: Thomas Hennigan (61/773), Malik Williams (55/598), Jalen Virgil (24/383)
• TE: Henry Pearson (8/75)

Baylor depth chart (postponed):

• QB: Charlie Brewer (3161-21, 344-11)
• RB: John Lovett (655-5) OR Trestan Ebner (250-3, 24/317)
• WRs: RJ Sneed (42/437), Gavin Holmes, Tyquan Thornton (45/782)
• TE: Ben Sims (2/5)

Charlotte depth chart:

• QB: Chris Reynolds (2564-22, 791-6)
• RB: Aaron McAllister (380-5)
• WRs: Victor Tucker (52/909), Cameron Dollar (41/599), Micaleous Elder (21/266)
• TE: Ryan Carriere (1/7), Christian Roberson (5/64)

Clemson depth chart:

• QB: Trevor Lawrence (3665-36)
• RB: Travis Etienne (1614-19)
• WRs: Joseph Ngata (17/240), Amari Rodgers (30/426), Cornell Powell (15/122)
• TE: Braden Galloway (2/60)

Coastal Carolina depth chart:

• QB: Bryce Carpenter (927-8) OR Fred Payton (1421-12)
• RBs: CJ Marable (1085-11), Shermari Jones
• WRs: Aaron Bedgood (8/76), Deon Fountain (2/11), Jaivon Heiligh (46/497)
• TE: Isaiah Likely (32/431)

Duke depth chart:

• QB: Chase Brice (581-4)
• RB: Deon Jackson (641-6)
• WRs: Jake Bobo (10/122), Jalon Calhoun(46/420), Damond Philyaw-Johnson (2/31)
• TE: Noah Gray (51/392)

Florida State depth chart:

• QB: James Blackman (2339-17)
• RB: Jashaun Corbin (137-1, TAMU) OR La’Damian Webb
• WRs: Tamorrion Terry (60/1188), Warren Thompson (6/91), Keyshawn Helton (17/239)
• TE: Camren McDonald (6/43)

Georgia Southern depth chart:

• QB: Shai Werts (799-9, 733-5)
• RB: Wesley Kennedy (824-11) AND DJ King (804-8)
• WRs: Emil Smith, Darion Anderson (4/116), Malik Murray (20/195)
• TE: Beau Johnson

Georgia Tech “Above the Line” chart, no starters listed, anyone could play, all players on chart are listed below (were listed in order by jersey number):

• QB: James Graham (1164-12), Jeff Sims (reports Friday night are that Sims will start), Jordan Yates (38-0), Tucker Gleason
• RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Jamious Griffin (125-0), Jordan Mason (899-7), Dontae Smith (65-0)
• WRs: Jalen Camp (7/134), Ahmarean Brown (21/396), Marquez Ezzard, Adonicas Sanders (19/249(, Malachi Carter (16/240), Peje Harris (1/4), Josh Biancato (2/53)
• TE: Dylan Leonard (2/6), Dylan Deveney (6/48), Billy Ward

Iowa State depth chart:

• QB: Brock Purdy (3982-27, 249-8)
• RB: Breece Hall (897-9)
• WRs: Tarique Milton (35/722), Xavier Hutchinson, Sean Shaw (15/231)
• F: Dylan Soehner (7/107)
• TE: Charlie Kolar (51/697) OR Chase Allen (17/167) OR Easton Dean

Kansas depth chart:

• QB: Thomas MacVittie OR Miles Kendrick
• RB: Pooka Williams (1061-3)
• WRs: Andrew Parchment (65/831), Kwamie Lassiter (34/352), Stephon Robinson (45/727)
• TE: Jack Luavasa (6/46)

Kansas State depth chart:

• QB: Skylar Thompson (2315-12, 405-11)
• RB: Harry Trotter (263-3)
• FB: Mason Barta
• WRs: Malik Knowles (27-397), Wykeen Gill (16/273) OR Joshua Youngblood (9/73)
• TE: Nick Lenners (13/163) OR Briley Moore

Louisiana depth chart:

• QB: Levi Lewis (3050-26)
• RB: Elijah Mitchell (1147-16) OR Trey Ragas (820-11) OR Chris Smith (334-4)
• WRs: Dontae Fleming, Jalen Williams (21/279), Peter LeBlanc (28/344)
• TE: Johnny Lumpkin OR Hunter Bergeron (3/29), Pearse Migl (6/77)

Louisiana Monroe depth chart:

• QB: Colby Suits (69-0) starter, Jeremy Hunt will also play
• RB: Josh Johnson (1298-11)
• WRs: Jonathan Hodoh (38/453), Perry Carter (15/305), Malik Jackson (11/83), Jahquan Bloomfield (3/50)
• TE: Josh Pederson (43/567)

Louisiana Tech depth chart (postponed):

• QB: Aaron Allen (446-3) OR Luke Anthony
• RB: Justin Henderson (1062-15)
• FB: Jacob Adams
• WRs: Adrian Hardy (42/534), Griffin Hebert (30/537), Isaiah Graham (21/398), Cee Jay Powell (43/488) OR Smoke Harris (47/348)

Louisville depth chart (PROJECTED since I haven’t seen a team release, info below taken from depth chart in team media guide):

• QB: Micale Cunningham (2061-22, 482-6)
• RB: Javian Hawkins (1525-9)
• WRs: Tutu Atwell (69/1272), Dez Fitzpatrick (35/635), Justin Marshall (6/135)
• TE: Marshon Ford (20/292)

North Carolina depth chart:

• QB: Sam Howell (3641-38)
• RB: Michael Carter (1003-3)
• WRs: Dyami Brown (51/1034), Dazz Newsome (72/1018), Beau Corrales (40/575)
• TE: Garrett Walston (9/76)

Notre Dame depth chart:

• QB: Ian Book (3034-34)
• RB: Kyren Williams (4/26)
• WRs: Ben Skowronek (12/141 – NW), Avery Davis (10/124), Javon McKinley (11/268)
• TE: Brock Wright (2/45)

Oklahoma depth chart:

• QB: Spencer Rattler (81-1)
• RB: TJ Pledger (65-1)
• H: Austin Stogner (7/66) OR Brayden Willis (11/168) OR Jeremiah Hall (16/169)
• WRs: Theo Wease (8/136) OR Theo Howard (51/677 – 2018 UCLA) OR Trejean Bridges (7/82 -susp), Obi Obialo (18/244 – Marshall), Charleston Rambo (43/743)

Oklahoma State depth chart (game delayed to Sept 19):

• QB: Spencer Sanders (2065-16, 628-2)
• RB: Chuba Hubbard (2094-21)
• WRs: Tylan Wallace (53/903), Dillon Stoner (52/599), Brandon Johnson (23/491)
• CWs (TE/FB hybrid): Jelani Woods, Logan Carter (5/15)

Pitt depth chart:

• QB: Kenny Pickett (3098-13)
• RB: AJ Davis (530-4) – but team has said to expect a rotation
• WRs: Shocky Jacques-Louis (23/348), Taysir Mack (63/736) OR Jared Wayne (18/261), Jordan Addison
• TE: Lucas Krull (3/33 – Florida transfer)

South Florida depth chart:

• QB: Jordan McCloud (1429-12)
• RB: Kelley Joiner (364-0)
• WRs: DeVontres Odoms-Dukes (4/59) OR Latrell Williams, Bryce Miller (21/232), Randall St. Felix (22/261)
• TE: Mitchell Brinkman (34/445 – N. Ill)

Syracuse depth chart:

• QB: Tommy DeVito (2360-19)
• RB: Jawhar Jordan (105-1)
• WRs: Taj Harris (37/559), Nykeim Johnson (19/99), Anthony Queeley
• TE: Aaron Hackett (23/205)

Texas depth chart:

• QB: Sam Ehlinger (3663-32)
• RB: Keaontay Ingram (853-7, 29/242)
• WRs: Tarik Black (25/323 – Mich), Jake Smith (25/274) out with injury – Jordan Whittington next on DC (2/17), Joshua Moore (7/53 – 2018)
• TE: Cade Brewer (11/159)

Texas Tech depth chart:

• QB: Alan Bowman (1020-6)
• RB: SaRodorick Thompson (765-12, 39/154)
• WRs: Erik Ezukanma (42/664), Dalton Rigdon (34/486) OR KeSean Carter (27/303), TJ Vasher (42/515)
• TE: Travis Koontz (10/152)

Tulane depth chart:

• QB: Keon Howard (208-2)
• RB: Tyjae Spears (192-1)
• WRs: Duece Watts, Jacob Robertson (9/74), Jaetavian Toles (13/160)
• TE: Will Wallace (4/52) OR Tyrick James (19/283)

Tulsa depth chart (game delayed to Sept 19)

UTSA depth chart:

• QB: Josh Adkins (2588-14, NMSU) OR Frank Harris (486-3) OR Lowell Narcisse (1226-8, 492-4) OR Jordan Weeks (451-2)- team has said they won’t announce until gametime, I saw one sportswriter say they would give ZERO hints who would be starting – do a little research then do with that what you will
• RB: Sincere McCormick (983-8)
• WRs: Joshua Cephus (8/153), De’Corian Clark 91/5) OR Zakhari Franklin (38/491), Brennon Dingle OR Sheldon Jones (31/259)
• TE: Leroy Watson (4/56)

Wake Forest depth chart:

• QB: Sam Hartman (830-4)
• RB: Christian Beal-Smith (304-2) OR Kenneth Walker (579-4)
• WRs: Donavon Greene (13/249), AT Perry (4/62)OR Nolan Grouix, Jaquarii Roberson (6/80) OR Taylor Morin
• TE: Brandon Chapman (11/100)

West Virginia depth chart:

• QB: Jarret Doege (818-7)
• RB: Leddie Brown (367-1)
• WRs: Bryce Ford-Wheaton (12/201), Winston Wright (19/97), Sam James (69/677), TJ Simmons (35/455)
• TE: TJ Banks OR Mike O’Laughlin (6/24)

Western Kentucky “depth chart” – team’s game notes had a roster listed in numerical order by position with probable starters bolded, doesn’t even make a full line-up – use at your own risk!:

• QB: Tyrrell Pigrome (719-3 – MD) – was actually announced as starter
• RB: Gaej Walker (1208-8)
• WRs: Jahcour Pearson (76/804) – only 1 WR bolded as probable starter
• TE: Joshua Simon (30/430)

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One game is a small sample size, but it’s not too early to see some key stats and trends that stood out for each FBS team last weekend. The “Stat to Know” is bolded, for right now they are pretty straight-forward, as more games are played we’ll start to offer more and deeper stat comparisons between teams and seasons.

Central Arkansas (FCS) @ UAB:

UAB – The play of QB Bryson Lucero (7/9, 83 yards, 1 TD) was the biggest surprise in this game. Lucero looked like he was getting scheduled series, and you have to keep in mind this was against an overmatched FCS opponent, but one has to wonder if he may eat into starting QB Tyler Johnston‘s stats continually this season.

South Alabama @ Southern Miss:

South Alabama – The passing game was the highlight here. QB Desmond Trotter went for 16/27-299-2 while WR Jalen Tolbert had 6/169-2. In addition Trotter rushed 9 times for 41 yards. In 7 games last year Trotter rushed for 61/197-0, only a 3.2 average, so he may not be a true dual threat, but if he can get into the end zone on the ground a few times this year his fantasy value would really jump. Tolbert finished last season with a 5/144-4 game, giving him 313 yards & 6 TDs in his last 2 games combined, so I’d buy stock in him now.

Southern Miss – The listed RB starter, Don Ragsdale rushed 7 times for 7 yards but did get a TD. RBs Frank Gore (12/32) and Kevin Perkins (8/30) both got more rushes than Ragsdale, so this could either be a committee (the team said to expect a rotation before the game) or potentially see Gore move up the depth chart, although no one had a sparkling average.

Eastern Kentucky (FCS) @ Marshall:

Marshall – This was a breakout game for QB Grant Wells as he threw for 16/23-307-4 in around 3 quarters of play (yes against an FCS team, but looked comfortable and poised with some crisp passes). The 4 TD passes were to 4 different players, but TE Xavier Gaines (3/49-1) is worth a look in fantasy leagues.

MTSU @ Army:

MTSU – Unfortunately not all stats to know are good, QB Asher O’Hara, who was a dual threat last season, was held to 9/14-46-0 & 2 interceptions passing, and 10/18-0 on the ground. While some of this was credit to the Army defense as well as the Army offense controlling time of possession, some may be a result of lacking a supporting running game. After passing for 2616-20 and rushing for 1058-9 last season, it’s WAY too early to give up on O’Hara, but it should put the radar up a bit.

Army – FB Sandon McCoy rushed for 15/50-3. Last year McCoy had 576 yards rushing but 10 TDs, so he is in line to be a goal-line TD vulture again. RB Tyrell Robinson also stood out, a small speedy back who had 9/94-0 on the day.

SMU & Texas State:

SMU – RB TJ McDaniel had 27 carries for 130 yards and 1 TD. Ulysses Bentley went for 11/49-2, but dealt with cramps later in the game. While SMU is currently most known for its passing game, 27 touches for McDaniel even when Shane Buechele throws for 367 yards shows both a commitment to the running game and confidence in McDaniel. It is worth watching if Bentley begins to share more of the load.

Texas State – QB Brady McBride had a solid debut game, but the RBs drew my attention. Brock Sturges went for 14/95-1, while Calvin Hill had 13/105-0. From a fantasy perspective you’d prefer one to rise to the top, but Sturges averaged 6.8 yards a carry, while Hill averaged 8.1, both very impressive.

Houston Baptist (FCS) @ North Texas:

North Texas – It was the first time in team history to have over 300 team rushing yards & 300 team passing yards (credit – @ZacBabb), but much of that was due to their opponent as well as their own porous defense. QB Jason Bean got the start, passing for 11/18-217-3 & rushing for 3/48-1, while QB Austin Aune was 6/11-111-1, 5/10-0. The QB situation was an OR, but in my opinion Bean did enough to remain the starter, especially with the strong rushing numbers, although the rotation may continue.

Should also mention that UNT RB Oscar Adaway rushed for 5/118-2, but against a stronger opponent I expect RBs Siggers and Torrey to remain the top options.

Arkansas State @ Memphis

Arkansas State – QBs Logan Bonner and Layne Hatcher entered the game with an OR on the depth chart, with Bonner being the named starter. Unfortunately neither impressed – Bonner threw for 14/23-133-1 with 2 INTs, while Hatcher threw for 13/20-166-0, with neither rushing for positive yardage. I’m not the biggest fan of QB rotations, and when each is a similar type QB I start to question the rationale. Each is talented and has produced in the past, and against lesser opponents should fare better, but a game like this makes both less than appealing for fantasy purposes.

Memphis – We know what to expect from QB Brady White & WR Damonte Coxie, but the standout of the passing game was TE Sean Dykes, who had 10/137-2 on the game. For fantasy leagues that is a must-grab TE.

The big question coming into this game is who would replace RB Kenneth Gainwell (opted out)? The load was split between Dreke Clark 20/105-1 & Kylan Watkins 14/52-0, with the clear advantage going to Clark, although he posted nothing in the receiving department. Memphis usually has a RB worth owning, so I’d grab Clark if available.

Stephen F. Austin (FCS) @ UTEP:

UTEP – RB Deion Hankins had a very nice game totaling 17/113-2 on the ground, but it was WR Jacob Cowing’s stats that most stood out to me. Cowing was targeted 11 times and had 7 catches for 116 yards, more than twice as many yards as the next receiver. QB Gavin Hardison may already be developing a go-to receiver.

BYU @ Navy (Monday):

BYU – This game was ugly, as Navy just didn’t look ready to play, but nonetheless that meant some big stats for BYU. While Zach Wilson looked good in his return from injury, RB Tyler Allgeier ran for 14/132-2, for a 9.4 average. Gunner Romney also looked like Wilson’s go-to target, pulling in 4/134-1, while the next top receiver had 38 yards.

Navy – Navy never got anything going as BYU controlled the line of scrimmage. The ugly stat to know of the game was new QB Dalen Morris rushing 7 times for 2 total yards. It simply looks like it’s going to take Navy a while to get to speed, so hopefully an off week before facing Tulane can get the triple option back on track.

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(continually updated)

On Wednesday the Oklahoma depth chart came out, and RB TJ Pledger and WR Obi Obialo were two notable starters. Virginia Tech QB Hendon Hooker was also named starter. In injury news, Texas WR Jake Smith was revealed to have injured his hamstring in practice, and is out on Saturday.

On Thursday came the news that Texas A&M WR Jhamon Ausbon may have missed some time with the team, and while coaches say he is still part of the team, the situation seems uncertain. BYU RB Jackson McChesney was also ruled out for the year with a foot injury.

Friday brought the news that Missouri QB Taylor Powell will transfer, as will Navy QB Perry Olsen. Memphis is also dealing with a COVID outbreak with at least 20 positive tests, their next game is Sept. 18th against Houston. Jeff Sims is expected to get the start at QB for Georgia Tech tomorrow, beating out James Graham among others.

List of Injuries & Updates from September 9, 10 & 11:

QBs:

• Mikele Colasurdo, Georgia State – after previously announcing he was sitting out after a myocarditis diagnosis, he has now been cleared to resume football activities
• James Foster, Texas A&M – reports he has withdrawn from the transfer portal
• Hendon Hooker, Virginia Tech – will start the opener Braxton Burmeister will also play
• Sam Howell, UNC – QB1
• Levi Lewis, Louisiana – listed as starter
• Tate Martell, Miami – suspended for game Thursday
• Perry Olsen, Navy – intends to transfer
• Taylor Powell, Missouri – plans to transfer, removed from online roster
• Brock Purdy, Iowa State – QB1
• Jeff Sims, Georgia Tech – expected to start on Saturday

RBs:

• Robert Burns, Miami – back in action, got some carries in the 4th quarter of Thursday night game
• Sione Finau, BYU – cleared to resume practicing but not yet games
• Cam’Ron Harris, Miami – in postgame says he was feeling good after he left the game early walking off on own power with possible leg injury
• Jakyle Holmes, ULM – not on dress list for Saturday
• Larry McCammon, Florida Atlantic – active in practice after turned ankle in late August scrimmage
• Jackson McChesney, BYU – out for season with foot injury
• Kendall Milton, Georgia – dealing with hamstring injury
• TJ Pledger, Oklahoma – RB1 on depth chart
• Jay’veon Sunday, Washington – had foot/leg surgery

WRs & TEs:

• Jhamon Ausbon, Texas A&M – with team and on the roster, implication from coach that he may have taken some time away, this should be monitored
• CJ Fletcher, ULM – not on dress list for Saturday
• Zach Jackson, ULM – not on dress list for Saturday
• TE Neal Johnson, Louisiana – out this weekend for disciplinary reasons
• Dakereon Joyner, South Carolina – has missed time with undisclosed injury but has been back this week
• Obi Obialo, Oklahoma – Marshall transfer listed as a starting WR
• Jaden Payoute, Virginia Tech – out indefinitely after leg surgery
• Justin Shorter, Florida – reports his waiver for eligibility has been granted after transfer from Penn State
• TE Blake Smith, Texas A&M – out for season with knee injury
• Jake Smith, Texas – hamstring injury, reports are that the injury is minor but he is confirmed out this weekend as a precaution, but will be able to play Sept 26th
• Khmari Thompson, Illinois – eligible after transfer from Missouri

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On Tuesday the Louisiana Tech depth chart showed the QB1 to be either Aaron Allen OR Luke Anthony (game against Baylor was later postponed). Word also leaked out that South Florida QB Jordan McCloud is expected to start.

Texas State had some players return from quarantine including QB Tyler Vitt, and LSU confirmed who their likely starting WRs & TE will be (listed below).

List of Injuries & Updates from September 8:

QBs:

• Georgia Tech – doesn’t plan to announce starter until gametime
• Sam Hartman, Wake Forest – QB1
• Louisiana Tech – Aaron Allen OR Luke Anthony on depth chart
• Jordan McCloud, South Florida – expected to start, team will publicly announce Thursday
• UTSA – starting QB a 4-way OR on the depth chart – Josh Adkins, Frank Harris, Lowell Narcisee & Jordan Weeks
• Vanderbilt – Ken Seals and Mike Wright seem to be in lead to start at QB
• Tyler Vitt, Texas State – back at practice after COVID protocols

RBs:

• LSU RB co-starters – Chris Curry, John Emery, Tyrion Davis-Price
• Kentrail Moran, New Mexico – plans to grad transfer
• Rhamondre Stevenson, Oklahoma – remains suspended
• Quardraiz Wadley, UTEP – to opt out of season as he continues to deal with injuries

WRs & TEs:

• Trejan Bridges, Oklahoma – remains suspended
• TE Seth Caillouet, Texas State – back at practice after COVID protocols
• TE Jackson Lanam, Texas State – back at practice after COVID protocols
• Elijah Lilly, New Mexico – plans to grad transfer
• LSU – Terrace Marshall, Racey McMath, Kayshon Boutte, TE Arik Gilbert expected to start
• TE Tre McKitty, Georgia – minor knee procedure, hopeful for season opener but not certain
• Koy Moore, LSU – dealing with hamstring issue
• Joseph Ngata, Clemson – ready after missing much of fall camp
• Jaden Payoute, Virginia Tech – may have ankle injury
• Jacquez Sloan, Western Kentucky – enters transfer portal
• Kobay White, Boston College – has returned to practice
• Julon Williams, UTSA – eligible after transfer from Houston

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Monday was depth chart day for many teams whose first game is this weekend (separate post with fantasy depth charts for this week coming soon). No real surprises amongst QB starters, a few teams still maintaining an “OR” – Kansas & Coastal Carolina. FAU WR John Mitchell was announced to be out for the season with a knee injury.

Southern Miss head coach Jay Hopson also resigned on Monday.

List of Injuries & Updates from September 7:

QBs (FYI – Every time a team announces it’s QB1 or first reveals the QB starter on a depth chart I list it):

• David Baldwin-Griffin, App State – opts out
• Ian Book, Notre Dame – confirmed as starter
• Alan Bowman, Texas Tech – named starter
• Charlie Brewer, Baylor – QB1
• Coastal Carolina – Bryce Carpenter OR Fred Payton
• Tommy DeVito, Syracuse – starter
• Sam Ehlinger, Texas – QB1
• Jaren Hall, BYU – did not dress for game
• Kansas – Thomas MacVittie OR Miles Kendrick
• Trevor Lawrence, Clemson, QB1
• Kenny Pickett, Pitt – QB1 on depth chart
• Chris Reynolds, Charlotte – QB1
• Spencer Sanders, Oklahoma State – named QB1
• Colby Suits, Louisiana-Monroe – will start, Jeremy Hunt will also play
• Zac Thomas, App State – starter
• Skylar Thompson, Kansas State – starter
• Shai Werts, Georgia Southern, QB1 on depth chart

RBs:

• Abdul Adams, Syracuse – not on depth chart, likely confirming has opted out
• Raykwon Anderson, App State – opts out
• Frank Boyd, Liberty – foot injury
• Devin Darrington, Virginia – will grad transfer from Harvard, plans to join in 2021
• Joe Ervin, Kansas State – not on week 1 roster
• Cameron Fleming, Memphis – injury updates expected from team after leaving game Saturday
• Thomas Grayson, Kansas State – not on week 1 roster
• Jarveon Howard, Syracuse – not on depth chart, likely confirming has opted out
• Marcel Murray, Arkansas State – expected back this week
• Deneric Prince, Tulsa – receives waiver for eligibility after transfer from Texas A&M
• Quardraiz Wadley, UTEP – out with toe injury, no timetable

WRs & TEs:

• Brandius Batiste, Louisiana-Monroe – opts out
• CJ Daniels, Liberty – sprained MCL
• Kelvontay Dixon, Texas – doubtful for weekend
• Isaiah Epps, Kentucky – played in scrimmage after foot injury last year
• Kody Epps, BYU – not working out before game, may not have travelled
• Noah Frith, Liberty, foot, expected for opener
• TE Trevor Hobbs, Liberty – torn PCL
• John Mitchell, Florida Atlantic – will miss season with knee injury
• DJ Stubbs, Liberty – ankle, probable for opener
• Kassidy Woods, Washington State – enters transfer portal after previously opting out