With Christmas time over, it’s time to focus on the opening of the 2012 New Year.
But prior to the new year, we have plenty more college football bowl games to invest in.
Here are the top match-ups from the bowl games played between December 27th-30th.
California (7-5) at #24 Texas (7-5)
Cal
Zach Maynard, QB
Maynard has had his ups and downs in 2011, but against this secondary, I’ll pass.
Texas has done a nice job against opponents in the passing game. Look for Maynard to get contained rather well.
Isi Sofele/C.J. Anderson, RB
Sofele is the yardage back, and Anderson has been more of the goal line back.
Both backs get a fair amount of carries, but determining which one will go off is impossible.
Just stay away from either.
Keenan Allen, WR
It’s not impossible for Allen to have a great game as he is a very talented receiver.
But it’s also not probable for him to have a fantasy relevant game, not to mention he’s a bit expensive this week.
Team Defense
If there is something to invest in from Cal this week, it could be the defense.
Texas plans to rotate both David Ash and Case McCoy in the games frequently.
Both quarterbacks are turnover prone, and Cal could capitalize on those turnovers.
This defense is a sleeper this week.
Texas
David Ash/Case McCoy, QB
I’ll pass on either QB for now.
Both quarterbacks have a tendency to make mistakes and turn the ball over, and neither is truly reliable.
Malcolm Brown/Joe Bergeron, RB
If you want to invest in running backs, this is the way to go.
Both backs are healthy now, and with Foswhitt Whitaker (knee) out, they will both see heavy carries.
My money is on Bergeron to out-produce Brown, but either back could go off, if not both.
Jaxon Shipley, WR
Shipley has shown excellent flashes in his freshman season, but overall he has scored just three touchdowns on the season and had two 100+ yard games.
His quarterbacks aren’t helping him out to be fantasy relevant and it may be best to avoid him for this game.
Team Defense
I really like this defense to have a solid game against a Cal offense that has potential, but still lack consistency.
I think the game will be scored in the 20-30 point range for each team, but both defenses will also be able to force turnovers and have the potential for defensive scores.
Florida State (8-4) at Notre Dame (8-4)
Florida State
E.J. Manuel, QB
Manuel has a nice match-up against a Notre Dame secondary that leaves a bit to be desired.
He doesn’t usually put up huge numbers, but 200+ yards and maybe a rushing touchdown isn’t out of the question.
Devonta Freeman, RB
Freeman has had some success on the ground in 2011 rotating in and out of the lineup for FSU.
He’s the go to guy in the red zone, and should be able to get into the end zone.
Rashad Greene, WR
Greene is healthy and should be a solid match-up this week.
I’m buying into him with his price very cheap this week and facing a secondary that needs work.
Notre Dame
Tommy Rees, QB
Rees is due for a tough game. In his first season starting for the Irish, he’s had his share of success and struggles.
Against a fast Florida State defense, Rees is not a viable fantasy option.
Cierre Wood, RB
With Jonas Gray (knee) out for the season, Wood will get the majority of the carries.
He has nice goal line ability, but the FSU rush defense is giving up less than three yards a carry to opposing backs.
I’ll pass.
Michael Floyd, WR
Floyd is a legit receiver and a likely first round pick. He has the size advantage over the FSU secondary, but they are quite fast and they will get good pressure on Rees.
Floyd is risky because of his quarterback play. There are better options.
Washington (7-5) at #12 Baylor (9-3)
Washington
Keith Price, QB
Price has an excellent match-up this week against a Baylor defense that gives up way too many points every week.
Price is young and will have his turnovers, but he can also score. He’s a cheap investment.
Chris Polk, RB
Polk is a legit, dominate running back with an exceptional match-up.
He’s expensive, but he will be worth it this week against this Baylor defense.
Jermaine Kearse, WR
Kearse is a risky investment, but he’s cheap.
I sound like a broken record, but the match-up is very worthy of a start for him.
Austin Sefarian-Jenkins, TE
One of the most valued tight ends in fantasy football returns this week and should be a solid option here.
ASJ is a red zone option and should have a solid day here.
Baylor
Robert Griffin III, QB
Griffin is a no brainer. It doesn’t matter the cost, just grab him.
Terrance Ganaway, RB
Ganaway will be one of the most expensive backs this week.
He can be hit or miss, but has been very hot as of late.
Invest this match-up.
Kendall Wright, WR
With RGIII throwing him the ball, he’s a perfect investment.
Terrance Williams, WR
Williams is still a very solid option against a weak Washington secondary.
Williams won’t see a ton of receptions, but he’s usually good for a touchdown.
Tevin Reese, WR
Reese is a slightly risky investment.
Despite being on a high powered offense, he has been known to disappear in games.
He’s a cheap risk, and well worth it, however.
Iowa (7-5) at #14 Oklahoma (9-3)
Iowa
James Vandenberg, QB
Vandenberg has had a respectable year after replacing current Kansas City Chiefs backup Ricky Stanzi.
Still, this match-up against a fast Oklahoma defense isn’t favorable.
Marcus Coker, RB
Coker is a goal line machine, but this week he will likely struggle.
I’m not optimistic about 100 yards for Coker, but he should at least get into the end zone.
He’s a bit expensive, however, and likely isn’t worth the risk.
Marvin McNutt, WR
McNutt should still have a reasonable game, but don’t invest if the price isn’t in your budget.
I wouldn’t reach for him with the likely struggles of the Iowa offense, but it’s not impossible for him to still have a respectable game.
Oklahoma
Landry Jones, QB
Jones has been useless in his last few weeks thanks to the “Belldozer” package with Blake Bell.
The match-up is great for Jones, but there’s no guarantee that he will get anything more than excellent yardage, not to mention he’s short two wide receivers and possibly a running back.
He’s quite risky this time around.
Blake Bell, QB
Bell is risky because there is no guarantee that he will get touchdowns.
However, in his last five games, he has 10 rushing touchdowns.
The risk is the fact that he will rush for no more than 30 yards and you’d have to hope for strictly touchdowns. I’ll pass.
Roy Finch, RB
There’s a small chance that Finch could draw a suspension from the NCAA for a misdemeanor on December 8th.
It’s looking unlikely, but whether he is or not, I’m passing.
Finch has the ability to be a top running back in the NCAA, but he didn’t show much in November, and he’s too risky.
Kenny Stills, WR
Expect Kenny Stills to see quite a few targets this week in the Insight Bowl.
Jaz Reynolds (kidney) isn’t expected to play, and we all know that Ryan Broyles is out for the season.
Stills is just about the only receiver left in Oklahoma.
Team Defense
Oklahoma’s defense is a great investment this week, despite Ronnell Lewis likely missing the game.
They still have enough depth and speed on the defense to shut down Iowa’s young offense.
This is an excellent investment.
Follow Us!