Big Ten Fantasy - Week 3

Quarterback

Week Winner: Trace McSorley, Penn State v. Kent State

If you’re on this site, you should be decently familiar with the Kent State team. AJ Bush took advantage of the undermanned Kent State defense, rushing for 100+, mostly in the 2nd half. McSorley is an equally dangerous runner, and should rush for 60+ on the ground, and score at least one touchdown with his legs. McSorley hasn’t had a huge passing day yet, but should be able to get going with his plethora of weapons. Prediction - 75 yards rushing, 1 TD, 240 passing yards, 2 TDs.

Bench ‘Em: Alex Hornibrook, Wisconsin v. BYU

Game Manager is such a rotten description for a quarterback, and Hornibrook is going to fight that moniker his entire career. The BYU defense is battle tested against P-5 competition, holding Arizona and Cal to 23 and 21 respectively. While the Wisconsin offense is much better than either of those at the line of scrimmage, Hornibrook isn’t going to wow anyone in the BYU secondary.

Keep And Eye On: Shea Patterson, Michigan v. SMU

Patterson only needed 11 completions to throw three touchdowns in last week’s blowout of Western Michigan. If Jim Harbaugh really wants to push the envelope this weekend, Patterson could throw for four or five touchdowns.

Running Back

Week Winner: Steve Scott, Indiana v. Ball State

Steve Scott pretty much came out of nowhere. I don’t have Scott in any of my redraft Big Ten leagues - but alas, the kid picked up where past Indiana backs like Tevin Coleman and Jordan Howard left off. Scott is 2nd in the Big Ten in rushing, and the Hoosiers are playing Ball State this weekend with a 58.5 over/under. Prediction - 165 yards, 2 TDs.

Bench ‘Em: DJ Knox, Purdue v. Missouri

Besides for crazy Rondale Moore plays (and we’ll get to him later), Knox has been the Purdue offense to this point. I expect Missouri to take a lead in the game, and Purdue to have to play from behind. Expect the rushing attempts to be kept to a minimum.

Keep And Eye On: Toren Young, Iowa v. Northern Iowa

Someone is going to emerge from this crowded backfield, and Young is the most likely candidate. The Iowa backfield has been a generous offering for Big Ten Fantasy, but usually there is one guy that stands out, look for Young to emerge.

Wide Receiver

Week Winner: Rondale Moore, Purdue v. Missouri

In what’s sure to be a shootout, Moore’s likely to have a say in the Boilermaker point total. Missouri is going to put up a lot of points in this one, but the spread is only 6. If Vegas thinks it’s going to be a one score game, someone from Purdue is going to have to keep them close. Prediction - 3 carries, 40 yards, 5 receptions 110 yards 1 TD

Bench ‘Em: A.J. Taylor, Wisconsin v. BYU

Taylor is leading the Big Ten in receiving yards through two games, but I’m figuring his teammates to get more involved, and Hornibrook to do a better job spreading it around.

Keep And Eye On: KJ Hamler, Penn State v. Kent State

Hamler was one of James Franklin’s prized recruits from last season, and the kids awesome. Hamler has the ability to stretch the field, but also make people miss in space, a trait that’s surely lacking on the Penn State offense.

Tight End

Week Winner: Noah Fant, Iowa v. Northern Iowa

I’m not exactly copying and pasting, because I want to make a note that Noah Fant hasn’t had his breakout game yet. It’s coming, and it might be this week against Northern Iowa. Either way, this is your weekly TE1. Prediction - 5 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD.

Bench ‘Em: Louis Dorsey, Illinois v. South Florida

Hopefully this is the last week to keep Dorsey on the bench, I’m looking forward to his unleashing in the Illinois offense. There are multiple instances of Dorsey opportunities being squandered in the first couple weeks.

Keep And Eye On: Sean McKeon, Michigan v. SMU

The 6-8 McKeon broke through last week with a tall guy touchdown. As Shea Patterson becomes more comfortable in the offense, McKeon should see ample opportunities to high point targets in the end zone.

Defense of the Week - Iowa v. Northern Iowa.

Little brother has given Ferentz and the Hawkeyes a tough game before, but after choking off Matt Campbell and Iowa State last week, Iowa might not let little brother score a touchdown.

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