Another three-game slate today as Bowl season moves right along. Getting into the thick of it with the Semifinal Saturday on deck. Here is a quick look at the slate today:
1:30 PM - Music City Bowl - Auburn (-3.5) vs. Purdue - Total: 56.5
S&P+ Auburn: Offense: 47; Rush: 81; Pass: 58 // Defense: 18; Rush: 20: Pass: 16
S&P+ Purdue: Defense: 82; Rush: 55: Pass: 80 // Offense: 16; Rush: 29; Pass: 24
5:30 PM - Camping World Bowl - Syracuse (-3.0) vs. West Virginia - Total: 66.0
S&P+ Syracuse: Offense: 44; Rush: 45; Pass: 60 // Defense: 60; Rush: 58: Pass: 58
S&P+ West Virginia: Defense: 81; Rush: 86: Pass: 60 // Offense: 6; Rush: 35; Pass: 12
9:00 PM - Alamo Bowl - Washington State (-2.5) vs. Iowa State - Total: 57.5
S&P+ Washington State: Offense: 14; Rush: 53; Pass: 45 // Defense: 50; Rush: 96: Pass: 22
S&P+ Iowa State: Defense: 31; Rush: 34: Pass: 23 // Offense: 77; Rush: 107; Pass: 33
Before looking too closely at these matchups, we need to realize that some players aren’t playing in these games. The West Virginia offense has been slimmed down with no all-everything QB Will Grier and WR Gary Jennings Jr. The Mountaineers are also missing OT Yodny Cajuste, leaving for the NFL early as well. That’s a decimated offense and it will be fun/interesting to see how they go without some of their stars.
The Purdue offense vs. Auburn defense will be fun to watch. It doesn’t breed too much confidence in Purdue players. Though, we aren’t shying away from freshman Rondale Moore in really any matchup. The guy is just that dynamic. Auburn’s offense should be just good enough to move it on Purdue’s middle-of-the-pack defensive unit. Freshman RB JaTarvious Whitlow appears ready to take the reigns as the top back in the offense. He had 19 carries and a couple of catches in their last game against Alabama. Because he’s the future, they would probably like to see the most of him. QB Jarret Stidham is playing in his last true professional showcase as he is headed to the NFL after the season. You’d think he’d like to impress in this one so there is a little motivation to do so.
More on that Camping World Bowl, which has the highest total of 66 but is way down since the news of some WVU players sitting out. We don’t know much about the Mountaineers QB situation after Grier but it is noted that both Jack Allison and converted WR Trey Lowe III could both get their opportunities. That’s enough for us to avoid at all costs. RB’s Martell Pettaway and Kennedy McCoy are going to split carries and either could find the end zone multiple times. Both are in play. McCoy finished hot with five touchdowns in the last three games, but both saw plenty of touches against Oklahoma in their last game. WR’s David Sills V and Marcus Simms will not have to compete with Gary Jennings Jr. for targets, but there is the uncertainty at quarterback looming. This gives us pause - though, could also create a buying opportunity. Syracuse is not a bad defensive team - certainly improved from the past. However, that down ACC might have something to do with that. Purdue’s QB David Blough should have plenty of opportunities, but faces a stout defense, as do the Boiler runners. Moore is the lone play for me on the Purdue side - if you are willing to pay that price.
Syracuse QB Eric Dungey is a dual-threat player with tons of upside but always remains one hit away from the sidelines. He’s been banged up and taken too many hits over the years to fully trust outside of tournament lineups. Like WVU, the Orange have a split down the middle at running back with Dontae Strickland and Moe Neal. Again, both are worth a play in this one, but, know that there is risk on the other side. This is exactly why playing multiple lineups is the best policy. The “go to” receiver here is currently Sean Riley after a disappointing campaign from Devin C. Butler, who many in fantasy circles thought would take over for a great tandem before him (Ervin Philips and Steve Ishmael). I can’t trust anybody else in the receiving corps, but if you are playing a tournament, throw in big-play guy Jamal Custis.
Finally, in the Alamo Bowl, I have the feeling that this underrated Iowa State defense is going to at least slow down Gardner Minshew and the Washington State offense. Certainly not a popular opinion, but that’s how you get away from the norm. Sure, Minshew is still a top play, but probably not for what it will cost you. RB James Williams and Max Borghi should both see work. Williams is a great play because of his involvement in the passing game. Davontaveon Martin is the best bet in the passing game, but this is corps is littered with GPP options and cash fillers in Calvin Jackson Jr., Dezmon Patmon and/or Kyle Sweet. On the Iowa State side, freshman QB Brock Purdy has impressed since taking over for the oft-concussed Kyle Kempt. He has a top target in Hakeem Butler and a great running back in David Montgomery. All of these players are “in play” based on their salaries.
Lineup Time!
Going with Dungey (crossing fingers on health) and Purdy at QB and S-FLEX. Whitlow is just $4,700 and a solid value as our first RB. Get Rondale Moore in there at $7,700 as the first WR. That leaves us with $5,625 per player for four more spots. Throw Calvin Jackson Jr. in there at FLEX for a value play to earn more cash to spend elsewhere. Fitting James Williams in as the other RB and Hakeem Butler at the No. 2 WR leaves us with $4,800 for the final receiver. Perfect! Marcus Simms it is!
QB - Eric Dungey - $8,100
RB - JaTarvious Whitlow - $4,700
RB - James Williams - $7,500
WR - Hakeem Butler - $6,500
WR - Rondale Moore - $7,700
WR - Marcus Simms - $4,800
Flex - Calvin Jackson Jr. - $3,700
S-Flex - Brock Purdy - $7,000