Just as we figured, USC has reloaded and started off hot. They look again like the dominant team in the PAC 10. We are very early into the season, so we will be keeping an eye on USC and let you know who from the Trojans can put up some big numbers for fantasy players. Also, Oregon looks to be in trouble. With LaGarette Blount out for the season, they will rely on a committee of running backs. Jeremiah Masoli will see an increase in production and remains a solid start. He’s passed for 284 yards (no passing touchdowns) and run for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Oregon plays 18th ranked Utah this week.
The top 5 PAC 10 players to watch this weekend:
1. Jahvid Best, RB CAL– Best has started his junior season in solid fashion as he is fourth overall in rushing yards in Division I at 281. Throw in four touchdowns and he’s a solid number one running back. He plays this week at Minnesota, who has given up 351 rushing yards in two games. Look for Best to have a strong game.
2. Nic Grigsby, RB Arizona– If you look at total yards, Grigsby has more than Best through the first two games. The Wildcats play this weekend at Iowa, so watch closely to see how Nic does. If he maintains anything near his last game- 207 yards on 15 carries, fantasy owners will be happy.
3. Jacquizz Rodgers, RB Oregon State– Quizz is back, averaging 134 yards per game and has scored 4 touchdowns. The Beavers play Cincinnati this weekend in a very exciting matchup that may be a shootout. Rodgers is a start in all leagues.
4. Jake Locker, QB Washington– Locker is the top rated quarterback in the conference so far. He’s got the experience and the arm- his team relies heavily upon him to make it happen. Locker’s passed for 574 yards and 5 touchdowns so far this season. This week the Huskies are taking on USC, and we’ll have to see how he handles playing against the best team in the PAC 10. Locker’s a good choice at the quarterback position for your fantasy team but this week may be the week his numbers decline a little.
5. James Rodgers, WR Oregon State– Rodgers, along with his little brother Jacquizz, will be playing Cincinnati this week in what promises to be a very exciting game. Rodgers has been solid so far this season with 2 touchdowns and averaging about 71 yards per game. He will be a big part of the offense this week as well, get him in your lineup.
A few other items to note: As we all know, LaGarette Blount is out for the season. We will be watching to see who steps up in his absence and how they perform for Oregon.
Matt Barkley (pictured left, thanks Icon SMI) is not doing too badly for himself. He ranks number 4 in the conference in total yards and we know he will pick up the production on scoring touchdowns (he’s thrown for one so far). Not too bad for a true freshman.
Also, I’m sure you noticed Rob Gronkowski has not played this season. He’s suffering from a back injury but he has practiced this week and may play. They should take it easy with him so wait to see how he does before you start him on your team. When healthy he’s a number one tight end.
PAC 10 game of the week:
USC at Washington- Great chance to see if Washington is for real and for USC to showcase all the talent they have. Could see some huge stats put up in this game. Look for Joe McKnight (205 yards and 2 touchdowns this season), and Stafon Johnson (4 touchdowns this season) to have big games. Matt Barkley should also get more opportunities to throw for touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Jake Locker may find it tough against the USC defense. Start him, but expect him to have a tough game. If Washington can keep it close it will be a huge step for the program.
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