Big Ten Fantasy - Week 2

Quarterback

Week Winner: Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State v. Rutgers

Ohio State has scored 56, 58, and 56 points in its last three games against Rutgers. Combine those ritualistic beatdowns with Dwayne Haskins 313 and 5 he hung on Oregon State in week 1 and you’ve got a monster to hang your fantasy hat on. Prediction - 45 yards rushing, 280 passing yards, 4 touchdowns.

Bench ‘Em: Peyton Ramsey, Indiana v. Virginia

Ramsey is a dangerous quarterback, and played pretty well in Indiana’s sneaky tough week 1 matchup against Florida International. Week 2 gets a little harder, as Bronco Mendenhall’s Virginia team is starting to grow up.

Keep An Eye On: Adrian Martinez, Nebraska v. Colorado

Nebraska’s first game against Akron was cancelled, so the big Martinez debut was ruined. I’m still keeping an eye on Lincoln, waiting to see if Scott Frost has his quarterback for the next four years. My feeling is Martinez legs make up for any jitters.

Running Back

Week Winner: Jeremy Larkin, Northwestern v. Duke

To avoid making running back a copy and paste situation, even though you can just pencil in Jonathan Taylor for 100+ and at least one touchdown, lets bank on Larkin following up last weeks awesome performance at Purdue with an equally impressive week 2. Larkin is an explosive back, capable of ripping off huge games like his 26 carry, 143 yard and 2 TD performance in game one. Prediction - 170 total yards, 2 TDs.

Bench ‘Em: Miles Sanders, Penn State v. Pittsburgh

I hope I don’t die on this hill, but I just don’t think Miles Sanders is very good. Maybe I just got spoiled watching Saquon Barkley, but Sanders desire to bounce his runs limits his effectiveness. Pitt’s D under the lights will be a stiffer test than Appalachian State.

Keep An Eye On: JK Dobbins, Ohio State v. Rutgers

Mike Weber stole the show in Week 1, similar to when Dobbins announced his arrival last year at Indiana. I’m figuring Dobbins has a big statistical bounce-back against Rutgers, where time wasting runs will be plentiful.

Wide Receiver

Week Winner: Stanley Morgan Jr., Nebraska v. Colorado

Morgan Jr.’s had to wait an extra week to see his huge target share, but it’s coming. Besides for being a polished route runner, Morgan Jr. will have plays designed to get the ball in his hands at or close to the line of scrimmage. 135 yards, 1 TD.

Bench ‘Em: Paris Campbell, Ohio State v. Rutgers

The Buckeyes probably won’t be airing it out like last week, and if they are, Campbell wasn’t the guy to own. I’m starting to think Campbell might be a great looking camp player that just doesn’t have the sand.

Keep An Eye On: Taivon Jacobs, Maryland v. Bowling Green

I like a lot of the Maryland players this week, but their no. 1 receiver should have his way with a poor Bowling Green secondary. He was a few steps away against Texas, and Bowling Green isn’t Texas.

Tight End

Week Winner: Noah Fanta, Iowa v. Iowa State

I’m going to copy and paste this into Week Winner every week. Prediction - 90 yards, 1 touchdown.

Bench ‘Em: Louis Dorsey, Illinois v. Western Illinois

With Mike Dudek out for the year, Dorsey is legitimately the only tight end that might make me reconsider my plan to copy and paste Noah Fant at Week Winner every week.

Keep An Eye On: Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin v. New Mexico

The freshman had 43 yards in his first game, and is a grandson of Athletic Director and Badger legend Barry Alvarez.

Defense of the Week - Michigan v. Western Michigan

Michigan’s defense had a bad first quarter against Notre Dame last Saturday, but managed to pull their collective act together and give their pathetic offense a chance. My guess is Rashan Gary, Devin Bush, and Chase Winovich didn’t have the kindest week of practice and Western Michigan is about to feel the brunt of it.

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