It was another wild week throughout the SEC Conference and College Football in general as we continue the march towards the playoffs and bowl season. There’s a ton of ground to cover for the SEC as 13 of the 14 teams in the conference were in action. Let’s get right to it, starting with the SEC’s biggest threat for a national title.
Alabama @ Mississippi State
Game Recap: Alabama used the familiar formula of Derrick Henry’s rushing prowess and a dominant defense to roll to a 31-6 victory.
Key Players: Alabama - Jake Coker turned in another efficient if unspectacular performance. He completed 15 of 25 for 144 yards, one score and one pick. Coker also chipped in six yards on the ground. Derick Henry turned in another dominating performance as he carried the ball 22 times for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Calvin Ridley was the top receiving target on the day as he caught five balls for 76 yards and a score.
Mississippi State: Alabama was the first team to hold Dak Prescott in check and out of the end zone this season. Prescott threw for 100 yards and a pick and also ran for 14 yards. The Bulldogs as a whole were only able to muster 89 rushing yards, led by Brandon Holloway’s 34 yards. Holloway also caught three passes for 31 yards. Fred Ross led all receivers with eight catches for 114 yards.
Key Injuries: Mississippi State WR De’Runnya Wilson suffered a neck injury and left the game in the fourth quarter, but it is not believed to be serious. Alabama RB Kenyan Drake suffered a fractured arm while trying to make a special teams tackle.
Players to Watch: Alabama – The Crimson Tide welcome Charleston Southern to town this Saturday. It will not be close and it should be over before halftime. That being said, Henry is squarely in the mix for the Heisman and this is a great opportunity to pad his stats. He’ll be an attractive target for DFS, but his large salary will present some risk for what will likely not be a full game’s workload. Coker just doesn’t do enough for DFS purposes to be on the radar, but Ridley remains a solid target for your lineups.
Mississippi State: The Bulldogs have a tough matchup at Arkansas up next. It’s hard to imagine Prescott being held in check for a second consecutive week, but Arkansas has been playing its best football of the season and just handily defeated LSU. Let Prescott’s salary for this week be your guide. If he comes in at a discount due to this week’s performance, he could be a solid target. If he remains at the top of the salary scale, there may be better options for your lineups. Bulldog running backs can safely be avoided. Monitor the news for any updates on Wilson. If he’s out, Ross moves into the role of top receiving option.
Arkansas @ LSU
Game Recap: After winning a high-scoring shootout last week, Arkansas switched things up and relied on defense and a powerful running game to defeat LSU 31-14.
Key Players: Arkansas - Brandon Allen put forth an efficient performance but didn’t have the eye-popping stats of a week ago. He completed nine of 16 for 141 yards, one score and one pick. The running game ruled the day for the Razorbacks as the team combined for 299 yards and three scores, led by Alex Collins, who ran for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Jared Cornelius chipped in 89 combined yards and a trip to the end zone. Dominique Reed paced the receivers with three catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.
LSU: The Tigers were held in check for a second consecutive week. Brandon Harris threw for 271 yards, one score and one pick and failed to get the offense in gear. Leonard Fournette carried the ball 19 times for 91 yards and a score, as teams are beginning to stack the box in order to mitigate any potential damage. Malachi Dupre was the top receiving option as he caught eight passes for 109 yards and a touchdown.
Key Injuries: None.
Players to Watch: Arkansas – The Razorbacks travel to Mississippi State this week and are becoming a bit unpredictable – although quite productive – on offense. The Bulldogs were just torched by Alabama’s Derick Henry, which could point to the running game and a heavy dose of Collins. However, if Prescott and the Bulldogs get back on track, the passing game could be unleashed. In short, lean towards Collins as the top option, but keep Allen and the passing game in mind as a GPP option on 2 QB sites.
LSU: The Tigers have lost two straight and have a tough matchup at Ole Miss up next. Fournette has been relatively held in check over the past two weeks and will be looking to keep his Heisman hopes alive. Teams have begun stacking the box to hold him in check as much as possible, so we may not see any more dominating performances this season. That being said, if his price becomes discounted due to the recent downtick, don’t hesitate to jump on him as he could explode at a moment’s notice. Harris and the passing game deserve GPP consideration for 2 QB sites.
Florida @ South Carolina
Game Recap: Florida controlled the game clock and held the South Carolina offense in check as it cruised to a 24-14 victory that was not as close as the score would indicate.
Key Players: Florida – Treon Harris did just enough on offense and didn’t allow his mistakes to come back and haunt him. He completed 19 of 33 for 256 yards, one touchdown and two picks and chipped in 16 yards on the ground. Kelvin Taylor had another strong game by carrying the ball 20 times for 105 yards and a score and adding on one catch for 15 yards. Antonio Galloway led Gator receivers with five catches for 60 yards, while Jordan Calloway hauled in two catches for 49 yards and a score.
South Carolina: The Gamecocks couldn’t get anything going offensively until it was too late as both of their scores came in the fourth quarter when the game was well at hand. Perry Orth threw for 163 yards, one score and two picks. Pharoh Cooper showed off his versatility by completing one pass for 17 yards and a score, rushing for 16 yards and hauling in three passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. Brandon Wilds was held in check throughout the game and only contributed 28 combined yards. Jerell Adams was the Gamecocks leading receiver with four catches for 46 yards.
Key Injuries: None.
Players to Watch: Florida – The Gators have a matchup with Florida Atlantic up next on the docket for what basically amounts to a tuneup for the regular season finale against Florida State. Taylor deserves consideration as he should have his way on Saturday, but the blowout risk is high and he may not see a full workload. The passing game has not been a viable DFS option for most weeks and should probably be avoided for a potential blowout.
South Carolina: The Gamecocks will look to get back on track when they welcome the Citadel to town. Wilds and Cooper should be able to stuff the stat sheet on Saturday against a lesser opponent. The remainder of the team can likely be avoided for DFS purposes, but whoever starts at quarterback this week could be considered as a low cost GPP flier on 2 QB sites.
Georgia @ Auburn
Game Recap: Defense and special teams made the difference as both teams received lackluster quarterback performances during Georgia’s 20-13 victory.
Key Players: Georgia – Greyson Lambert completed 12 of 17 but only produced 97 yards while doing so and failed to find the end zone. The Bulldogs combined for 146 rushing yards and a score, led by Sony Michel’s 77 yards and Isaiah McKenzie’s 26 yards and a score. Christian Payne and Malcolm Mitchell tied for the team lead in receiving yards with 20 yards apiece.
Auburn: Jeremy Johnson and Sean White both saw time at quarterback, but neither one was very productive. The duo combined to complete 15 of 27 for 62 yards and a pick. Jovon Robinson had another solid rushing performance with 12 carries for 93 yards. Peyton Barber chipped in 72 yards on 13 carries. Marcus Davis was the leading receiver with eight catches for 31 yards.
Key Injuries: None.
Players to Watch: Georgia – The Bulldogs have a matchup with Georgia Southern up next. Michel remains the top option from the Bulldogs for DFS purposes as the team should continue to employ a run-heavy attack. The passing game has simply not been productive enough to be considered a viable option and would simply be a contrarian selection for GPP purposes.
Auburn: Auburn welcomes Idaho to town this Saturday. The Tigers will be able to put some points on the board, but questions abound at every position. It’s unclear if the committee approach will continue at quarterback. If a clear starter is named, they could be considered for 2 QB sites. Robinson has been the more productive back over the past few games, but Barber is still seeing his fair share of carries. Louis remains the top receiving option.
Kentucky @ Vanderbilt
Game Recap: Vanderbilt squeaked out a close 21-17 victory behind a solid defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack.
Key Players: Kentucky – Patrick Towles and Drew Barker both saw time behind center on Saturday. The duo combined for 127 yards, one score and two picks. Both quarterbacks also chipped in an identical 26 yards rushing. Stanley Williams returned to early-season form as he carried the ball 13 times for 115 yards. Jeff Badet’s two catches for 50 yards was enough to qualify him as the leading receiver.
Vanderbilt: Freshman Kyle Shurmur was given the start and turned in efficient performance. He completed 13 of 26 for 166 yards and two scores. Ralph Webb carried the ball 33 times for 113 yards and also caught three passes for 13 yards. Caleb Scott was the top receiving option with three catches for 87 yards and a score. Kyle Anderton was on the other end of Shurmur’s other touchdown pass.
Key Injuries: None.
Players to Watch: Kentucky – The Wildcats travel to Charlotte this week and Drew Barker has already been named the starter. The team should be able to pad their stats nicely against the 2-8 team, but there are probably better options than the Wildcats passing game. Williams should be an excellent play this week, but be cognizant of blowout risk.
Vanderbilt: The Commodores have a home date with Texas A&M up next on the docket. After starting the season 5-0, A&M has lost three of its last five to sit at 7-3 on the year. It should be an interesting matchup for the Commodores who will be looking for their second straight win. Webb deserves consideration, but you can probably safely pass on the rest of the Commodores.
West Carolina @ Texas A&M
Game Recap: It was close at the half but the Aggies kicked it into high gear after halftime to cruise to a 41-17 victory.
Key Players: Despite throwing two picks, Kyler Murray put forth a solid effort. Murray threw for 191 yards and three scores and also chipped in 50 yards on the ground. Kyle Allen saw time at quarterback in relief of Murray and threw for 88 yards and a score. Tra Carson had another solid day of running by carrying the ball 17 times for 109 yards and a score. Christian Kirk led all receivers with nine catches for 122 yards and two scores.
Key Injuries: WR Ricky Seals-Jones exited the game with an ankle injury and did not return. WRs Speedy Noil and Josh Reynolds were suspended for Saturday’s game. QB Kyler Murray was banged up in Saturday’s game and there are whispers that he may have suffered a concussion.
Players to Watch: The Aggies travel to Vanderbilt on Saturday and will face a tough defensive test. That being said, the Aggies offense still has to be considered. Monitor reports for any news on Murray. If he can’t go, expect Allen to get the nod. Carson remains a steady and reliable performer, both on the field and for DFS. Kirk had another impressive game last week and remains the top receiving option.
North Texas @ Tennessee
Game Recap: The game didn’t play out as expected as it was the Volunteers defense – and not the offense – that put forth the dominant performance to defeat North Texas 24-0.
Key Players: Joshua Dobbs and the Volunteers didn’t produce the expected offensive fireworks but their 24 points were more than enough to dispose of North Texas. Dobbs completed 15 of 23 for 136 yards and a pick and also ran for three yards. Alvin Kamara ran for two scores and contributed 132 combined yards. Jalen Hurd had 95 combined yards and a touchdown. Josh Malone was the leading receiver with four catches for 38 yards.
Key Injuries: None.
Players to Watch: Tennessee hits the road on Saturday to face off with a tough defensive team in Missouri. Mississippi State was able to drop 31 on Missouri two weeks ago, so production is not out of the question. Dobbs, Hurd and Kamara are the only viable options, but are probably best left as GPP options.
BYU @ Missouri
Game Recap: In the wake of a rollercoaster of a week at the university, Missouri put together on of their finest performances of the season and pulled out an emotional 20-16 victory.
Key Players: Freshman Drew Lock had the finest performance of his young career in leading the Tigers to victory. Lock completed 19 of 28 for 244 yards, one touchdown and a pick and also chipped in 26 yards on the ground. Russell Hansbrough also had his best game of the season in the victory as he carried the ball 26 times for 117 yards. Nate Brown was the leading receiver with five catches for 65 yards, while J’Mon Moore chipped in three catches for 49 yards and a score.
Key Injuries: None.
Players to Watch: Missouri welcomes Tennessee to town on Saturday and it will be interesting to see if the emotion from Saturday carries over into the remainder of the season. While Lock had a decent day this past week, the Tigers offense does not inspire a ton of confidence for DFS purposes. You could consider him as a GPP dart throw on 2 QB sites. Expect a heavy workload for Hansbrough again, who could make for an interesting lower-cost target.
Other SEC Teams: Ole Miss had the week off.
