College Fantasy Update

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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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(Post will be continually updated throughout the week)

The early news this week was South Alabama’s Michael Flowers going public with his frustration that Western Michigan (where he transferred from & averaged 16.9 points last season) wasn’t cooperating and he had been denied an eligibility waiver.

Some transfer eligibility waivers were granted on Thursday, which also saw the news of Western Kentucky’s Charles Bassey returning from injury to full-contact drills with the team.

Also the bizarre news this week that Buffalo’s Malik Zachery was charged with assault in relation to the stabbing of Canisius’ Scott Hitchon, which somehow resulted from a pickup basketball game.

List of College Basketball Transfers, Updates & Injuries this week:

• Charles Bassey, Western Kentucky – fully cleared, participates in full-contact drills
• Reggie Chaney, Houston – eligible after transfer from Arkansas
• Danilo Djuricic, Harvard – enters transfer portal as grad transfer
• Michael Flowers, South Alabama – says eligibility waiver has been denied after transfer from Western Michigan
• Jervay Green, Pacific – eligible after transfer from Nebraska
• Scott Hitchon, Canisius – identified as player stabbed by Buffalo’s Malik Zachery, has been released from hospital
• Austin Hutcherson, Illinois – resumes workouts after back issues this summer
• Zach Kent, Delaware State – eligible after transfer from Tennessee
• Makur Maker, Howard – top recruit is reported to be eligible to play this season
• Grant Sherfield, Nevada – eligible after transfer from Wichita State
• Nike Sibande, Pitt – waiting on eligibility waiver after transfer from Miami (OH)
• Levi Stockard, VCU – eligible after transfer from Kansas State
• Malik Zachery, Buffalo – suspended indefinitely after being charged with assault in connection with the stabbing of a Canisius basketball player, Scott Hitchon

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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

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The news this week again centered around transfers being granted immediate eligibility to play this season, with Liam Robbins at Minnesota and Tyler Harris being eligible at Iowa State some of the biggest news from early in the week.

Brandon Williams also announced that he would be leaving Arizona to pursue professional opportunities.

List of College Basketball Transfers, Updates & Injuries this week:

• James Akinjo, Arizona – eligible after transfer from Georgetown
• Jamarius Burton, Texas Tech – waiver request in process
• Courtese Cooper, formerly of LSU, commits to transfer to Southern Utah after first committing to FIU
• Eric Curry, Minnesota – recovering from knee surgery, hopeful for start of season
• Jason Douglas-Stanley, Manhattan – eligible after transfer from George Mason
• Tykei Greene, Stony Brook – eligible after transfer from Manhattan
• Tyler Harris, Iowa State – eligible after transfer from Memphis
• Carlos “Scooby” Johnson, Butler – torn ACL, out season
• Mac McClung, Texas Tech – waiver request in process
• Nathan Mensah, San Diego State – expected to be cleared and ready for start of practice
• Julian Rishwain, San Francisco – eligible after transfer from Boston College
• Liam Robbins, Minnesota – eligible after transfer from Drake
• Klay Stall, Utah State – ruled medically ineligible to compete, career likely over
• Tai Strickland, Temple – had shoulder surgery, not expected to miss entire season
• Donnie Tillman, New Mexico State – eligible after transfer from UNLV
• Brandon Williams, Arizona – leaving school to pursue professional opportunities

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On Saturday we had both games & scrimmages which felt odd. Missouri had a number of players sit out their scrimmage with injuries, but none were shared as being significant at this time. Georgia QB JT Daniels is expected to be medically cleared by their opener. Saturday afternoon featured a scare with SMU WR Reggie Roberson being carted off the field, but he was able to return to the game. Arkansas State RB Marcel Murray didn’t suit up after being listed as questionable.

On Sunday Rice shared that it will not begin fall football practice until late September at the earliest, calling into question their early October (and possibly more) games. Duke named QB Chase Brice the starter.

List of Injuries & Updates from September 5-6:

QBs:

• Arkansas State – plans to keep playing both QBs
• Jason Bean, North Texas – started game after being listed with OR on depth chart with Austin Aune
• Chase Brice, Duke – the Clemson transfer was named starter
• JT Daniels, Georgia – expected to be medically cleared for opener, but not a certainty
• Jabari Laws, Army – announcers said he was “banged up” and not playing Saturday, Christian Anderson started (as was in the depth chart)
• D’Wan Mathis, Georgia – got first teams reps in practice along with JT Daniels
• South Carolina – Collin Hill and Ryan Hilinski competing, hope to name starter next week

RBs:

• Simi Bakare, Missouri – sat out scrimmage, hamstring
• Cameron Fleming, Memphis – left game with leg injury, no updates
• Jahmyl Jeter, Texas State – waiver for eligibility denied, team will appeal
• Marcel Murray, Arkansas State – did not play with thigh injury after being questionable this week
• ZaQuandre White, South Carolina – expected to return to practice Tuesday after hamstring issue
• Len’Neth Whitehead, Tennessee – recovering from foot injury, hopefully ready by end of year
• Elijah Young, Missouri – sat out scrimmage, shoulder

WRs & TEs:

• Jalen Brooks, South Carolina – no update on waiver for eligibility
• TE Matt Bushman, BYU – successful Achilles surgery
• Xavier Coleman, UAB – report is opting out
• Kevin Davis, UAB – report is opting out
• Markus Grossman, UAB – report is opting out
• Damon Hazelton, Missouri – sat out scrimmage, soft tissue
• Malcolm Johnson, Auburn – reclassifies, begins practicing
• Cordell Littlejohn, FAU – opts out of season
• Maurice Massey, Missouri – sat out scrimmage, knee
• Mike Pettway, Washington State – transfer portal
• Reggie Roberson, SMU – carted off field but returned to action, after game it was reported that he had been kicked in the foot but is fine