College Football Chalenge-week 3 picks

September 8, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Denard Robinson (16) runs the ball during the second half against the Air Force Falcons at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

College Football had some serious upsets on Saturday with Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Nebraska all losing games they were supposed to win. It was also a volatile week in college football challenge with performances fluctuating dramatically from week one.

Last week, “Zach has the best entry” had the highest score in our Fantasy CPR group (info to join here). He took over the early lead in the group standings and sits just outside the top 10% of all the entries. My entry slid a bit finishing just above average thanks to an injury to my receiver Jared Abbrederis and a rough week for Stepfan Taylor. I’m in 74th percentile with 317 points coming into week 3.

As the season goes on, it becomes a little easier to see trends since we have more statistical data. Heading into week three, there are some great options that made our picks this week. The problem and the fun of college football is that things don’t always go according to the script; just ask the Razorbacks.

Here’s my picks for this week:

Quarterback

Denard Robinson-Michigan: Denard follows up his 49 point performance last week as the Wolverines welcome UMass to the big house. UMass is in its first FBS season and so far has given up 37 points to UConn and 45 in Indiana. Robinson should have another field day as he runs and throws to the end zone. Remember rushing TD’s are worth 6 challenge points while throwing TD’s are only 4 so grabbing QB’s who rush for touchdowns can pay off.

Taylor Martinez-Nebraska: Many owners are bailing on Martinez who struggled last week against the UCLA Bruins. Now’s not the time to head a different direction, in my opinion, as the Huskers welcome Arkansas State to Lincoln on Saturday. The Red Wolves are giving up 42.5 points per game thanks mostly to getting trounced week one by Oregon 57-34. Look for Martinez to have a big rushing/throwing day against the week D or Arkansas State.

Running Back

September 8, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Kenjon Barner (24) raise his hand following a touchdown in the second half against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

Kenjon Barner-Oregon: Barner stormed to 201 yards and three touchdows against Frenso State last week and Saturday the Ducks host Tennessee Tech. TTU is undefeated but have faced Hampton and North Greenville who don’t quite have talents like Barner. He’s becoming the focus of Chip Kelly’s remade offense in Oregon and should be in store for another big game Saturday afternoon.

Marcus Lattimore-South Carolina: Lattimore and the Gamecocks will host the UAB Blazers Saturday night. South Carolina cruised past East Carolina last week and Lattimore didn’t get many touches, but he should play a bigger role this weekend. UAB has only played one game in which they gave up 204 yards rushing and three TD’s to Shawn Southward of Troy. Their rush defense is a mess and Lattimore should run wild in Columbia.

Wide Receiver

Robert Woods-USC: Both Woods and Marqise Lee continue to be solid picks for the Trojans. Woods has a pair of TDs in each of his first two games and will be involved in one of the more exciting games of the weekend as the Trojans travel to Stanford. It’ll be a great game to watch and look for Woods to continue to perform in the Saturday night showcase.

Marcus Sales-Syracuse: Syracuse hosts Stony Brook after opening with tough losses to Northwestern and USC. Sales has scored 18 and 22 challenge points as he and Ryan Nassib continue to develop a solid rapport. He’s been over 100 yards in both of the Orange’s first two games and don’t expect that to change as Syracuse moves forward without receiver Jeremiah Kobena.

September 8, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Jalen Mills (28) intercepts a pass in front of Washington Huskies wide receiver Kevin Smith (8) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Washington 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Team Defense

LSU: The Tigers host the Idaho Vandals  who have scored just 16 points in their first two games against Eastern Washington and Bowling Green. Don’t expect many points allowed and the Tigers make plays on defense.

Team Kickers

Kansas St.: The Wildcats have been in double digits in both their first two games and this week host North Texas who has gave up 41 points to LSU week one. The Mean Green should give K-State opportunities to kick for points on Saturday.