Year of the Freshman QB???
We are only a third of the way through the season, and we have already seen five true freshmen win the starting job based on play, not injury. And it would be six if Tony Elliot wasn’t so allergic to FUN. Free Anthony Colandrea, you coward.
–Jaden Rashada (Arizona State) didn’t survive long behind that porous Sparky offensive line, but he showed promise with his ability to drive the ball downfield. He’s the only one on this list to win the job out of fall camp.
–Keyone Jenkins (FIU) flipped the script on an abysmal offense in short order for the Golden Panthers. He’s given some life to the FIU receivers and also provides a solid rushing floor.
–Dante Moore (UCLA) looked like a freshman at Rice-Eccles Stadium last week, but he’s shown great instincts and touch. It looks like Chip is still figuring out how to best scheme Moore’s skill set with his RPO system.
–McCae Hillstead (Utah State) took over for a struggling Cooper Legas and promptly sliced up a stingy Air Force defense and then proceeded to put up damn near FO-HUNDY on JMU in his first start.
–Jaylen Raynor (Arkansas State) took over after JT Shrout and Jaxon Dailey failed to score a TD in 2.5 games. He was electric all spring and wasted no time in his first start, scoring five TDs. His high school tape was glorious, and I’ve dubbed Raynor the “G5 Kyler Murray”.
Kyle Whittingham is the Clear Coach of the Year So Far
It isn’t even close, really. Utah remains undefeated and leads the country in wins against P5 opponents, having already beaten UCLA, Baylor, and Florida. Amazingly, they have done this without a single snap from their stud QB (Cam Rising) and TE (Brant Kuithe), as well as their starting center and multiple starters on the D-line. They also lost their backup QB a week before the season started and have seen RB Ja’Quinden Jackson and multiple starting receivers limited due to injuries. Imagine how good this team is going to be when they get healthy…
The Curious Case of Quinshon Judkins
The kid ain’t right, ya’ll. Yes, he was averaging over 16 PPG prior to the Bama matchup, but he’s seen a decline in his fantasy output each week. He’s averaging 3.5 YPC (5.7 in 2022), he’s forcing missed tackles at a lower rate, and his breakaway % is an abysmal 7.4% (47% in 2022). Whatever nagging injury he is dealing with is limiting his explosiveness. His bye week can’t come soon enough. Bench accordingly.
More Struggling Second-Year RBs
Judkins isn’t the only one. A couple in Norman, OK, have also been massive disappointments. After combining for over 200 yards in the bowl game against FSU, Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk have been (Marcus) major letdowns. Hell, they didn’t even get a snap in Week 4 vs. Cincy. Barnes has the vision of Stevie Wonder every time he carries the ball, so his struggles make sense. It seems obvious that Sawchuk and Tawee Walker are the best two RBs on the roster. But Demarco Murray and Jeff Lebby seem determined to get Marcus Major his reps. If I am going to toot my horn on Ashton Jeanty last week, it is only fair to admit failure this week on Sawchuk, whom I drafted EVERYWHERE.
In Case You Missed It
I don’t think people are talking enough about Lajohntay Wester and the season he has had so far. He has been a top 10 WR in PPR formats, but his volume has been incredible. He leads the nation in targets with 58 (14.5/week), but the level of competition makes this even more impressive. He has gone for 37 receptions and 346 yards the last three weeks against the likes of Clemson, Illinois, and a sneaky good Ohio defense. It doesn’t matter the QB…the Tom Herman slot wide receiver remains UNDEFEATED.
That’s a wrap for week 5, you degenerates. Good night, and good luck!
