With the first (unofficial) weekend of college football in the books, it’s time to take a look at who stood out above the rest in their Week Zero matchups. Last year’s Week Zero game resulted in Davis Webb proving that he still had it after transferring from Texas Tech. It also revealed Chad Hansen as a true WR1 before the season began. Who stepped up this season? Let’s find out.
QB: Dru Brown, Hawaii
Fantasy Points Total: 32
Dru Brown was already on most fantasy owners’ radars after throwing for 2488 yards and 19 touchdowns last season while rushing for 306 yards and four touchdowns. After a rematch against the Minutemen, Brown looks to be the centerpiece of this Hawaii offense. Brown threw for 391 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing in for a score. Brown is owned in only 26% of leagues and with a weak defense, the Rainbow Warriors will need to rely heavily on Dru Brown against the high-scoring offenses of Colorado State, Wyoming, Nevada, and San Diego State.
Honorable Mention: Quinton Flowers USF, 29 Fpts
RB1: Cameron Scarlett, Stanford
Fantasy Point Total: 28.5
Making a prediction for Cameron Scarlett is rather difficult considering he scored three touchdowns as the second-string running back in a 62-7 blowout over Rice. Scarlett finished tied for second in carries with eight and broke away for 56 yards on his lone reception. With Bryce Love still in the picture as the lead back for the Cardinal, don’t jump the gun on Scarlett.
RB2: Bryce Love, Stanford
Fantasy Point Total: 24
[the_ad id=”384″]Bryce Love has been high on most fantasy draft boards after posting 866 total yards under Christian McCaffrey last season. Love showcased his talents by rushing for 176 of his total 180 yards in the first half of Stanford’s Week Zero matchup against Rice. Imagine if Love had gotten more than two carries in the second half. Fantasy owners understand his value, as he is owned in 97% of leagues, and it seems like Love will be the guy in Stanford this season. Love’s value may take a hit if Cameron Scarlett remains the go-to back in scoring situations, though.
Honorable Mentions: Marquis Young UMASS, 22.5; Ryan Nall Oregon State, 21.5; D’Earnest Johnson USF, 21
WR1: John Ursua, Hawaii
Fantasy Point Total: 33
John Ursua is currently sitting at 27% ownership, and if he’s sitting pretty in your league, snatch him up right now. Ursua caught 12 passes for an incredible total of 272 yards. Seriously. Ursua may be the gem of Week Zero, just as Chad Hansen was last season. And if he continues to see this many targets, he will be well worth the add. Hawaii is going to lean heavily on Dru Brown to win games, and John Ursua looks to be Brown’s favorite target. With that in mind, add Ursua or regret it.
WR2: Bailey Gaither, San Jose State
Fantasy Point Total: 25
In San Jose State’s 21-point loss to the USF Bulls on Saturday, Gaither managed to find the end zone twice while also racking up 100 receiving yards. Gaither seems to be the guy for the Spartans when Josh Love is the quarterback, but Montel Aaron seems to target Justin Holmes more heavily. As a result, the quarterback largely determines Gaither’s fantasy value. Monitor the San Jose State quarterback battle before pulling the trigger on Gaither.
WR3: Michael Gallup, Colorado State
Fantasy Point Total: 18.5
Gallup would have most likely been WR2 for Week Zero had he found the end zone. Gallup is owned in 100% of leagues in which he is available, and for good reason. Colorado State’s pass-heavy offense heavily favors Gallup, and his third round average draft spot shows how valuable he is. Gallup is in for another big season with Nick Stevens picking up right where he left off last season.
Honorable Mention: Andy Isabella, UMASS; Justin Holmes, San Jose State; Marquez Valdes-Scantling, USF
TE1: Adam Breneman, UMASS
Fantasy Point Total: 21.5
Adam Breneman is the No. 1 true tight end option in all fantasy leagues in which he is available, and for good reason. UMASS’ offense is incredibly pass-heavy, and Breneman is the No. 1 option yet again this season. Breneman finished the Week Zero game against Hawaii with nine receptions and 179 receiving yards. He may not have found the end zone, but a tight end that sees this much action can’t be ignored. Adam Breneman and Jaylen Samuels are a tier of their own for fantasy tight ends.
TE2: Colby Parkinson, Stanford
Fantasy Point Total: 17.5
Stanford has a long history of successful fantasy tight ends with Austin Hooper, Zach Ertz, and Coby Fleener. Colby Parkinson has established himself as the next man up for the Cardinal as well as one of Keller Chryst’s favorite red-zone targets. Parkinson may not have the receptions that fantasy owners like, as he reeled in only three balls in Stanford’s match against Rice, but he did find the end zone twice. His fantasy value seems to stem from touchdowns, which can be risky week to week, but Stanford tight ends have a good track record.
Honorable Mention: Noah Togiai, Oregon State; Metuisela ‘Unga, Hawaii
K: Wyatt Bryan, Colorado State
Fantasy Point Total: 16
Wyatt Bryan had a huge opening week for the Rams with seven extra points and three field goals. It is unlikely that Colorado State will find the end zone seven times on a week-to-week basis, but they will score often this season. Bryan also did not miss any kicks, which included an attempt from 40+ yards. Wyatt is a solid option if your team is in need of a kicker, but know that he will kick extra points more often than field goals.