We made it, folks. College Football is finally here. In the words of my four-year-old daughter, who recently came across the new Paw Patrol movie on DVR: “Rock and roll, BABY!” I couldn’t agree more, Liv.
For those new to The Pulse, here is how it works. It is basically a dive into Nate Marchese’s degenerate mind. A weekly CFF journal entry of sorts where I word vomit on five random topics that we all hope and pray are relevant and actionable to the College Fantasy Football world. So, here goes for Week Zero. Enjoy!
A Couple Bold Predictions
There is no better way to start 2024 than with some preposterously bold predictions. Here are a couple that come to mind that absolutely will not happen (probably).
–Cincinnati TE Joe Royer will finish as a top 3 TE. His hands are stickier than the underside of the table at a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party. He had four TDs (two of which went 40+ yards) in a fall scrimmage and was constantly praised by CJ Stroud as a standout during his time at OSU. Coach Satterfield often waxes poetically about Royer’s ability.
–Texas Tech WR Josh Kelly will finish as a top 5 CFF WR. He’s been swimming in compliments from the Tech staff since transferring in. He is assuming the once coveted Zach Kittley slot WR role. What if the Lubbock Laser (I’m going to keep forcing that nickname for Morton on you until it catches on) stays healthy, and the offense clicks?
The RB1 for a Top 10 CFF System Isn’t Being Drafted?
Cody Schrader, Tyler Badie, Jordan Mims, Jeremy McNichols, Darrynton Evans, Reggie Gallaspy, Nyheim Hines, Ronnie Rivers. You want the Drink + Kirby Moore starting RB experience. It is a fun ride. Trust me. Well, look no further than Nate Noel. Multiple Mizzou insiders have quietly indicated he has won the starting gig in Columbia.
Offensive Line Units with the Most Career Starts
I have found this stat to be a pretty good indicator of offensive success. The top five for 2023 were FSU, Louisville, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Texas Tech. Four of the five listed outperformed preseason win totals and CFF expectations. Texas Tech, despite being injury-ravaged at quarterback, was still able to produce a top-tier RB in part because of that OL. Missouri was just outside the top five.
The top five for 2024 are Ole Miss, Okie State, FSU, Louisville, and Purdue (wtf). Kentucky, Iowa, and Oregon are not far behind them. Tulane and Memphis have by far the most career OL starts among G5 programs.
My Fort Collins Obsession
One of my favorite towns to visit is Fort Collins, CO. Its beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery, gorgeous weather, biking, rock climbing/hiking, and one of the highest craft breweries per capita rates in the US make it perfect.
I’m also in love with its college football program – Colorado State. Tory Horton is my WR1, while BFN, Marshall, and Goffney are solid late-round values. Additionally, Armani Winfield and Jordan Ross are two of my favorite deep dynasty options. The Rams staff compared 6’8″ Jaxxon Warren to Cole Turner, a CFF TE legend. He and Vince Brown make a nice TE room.
CSU doubled its PPG from 13 to 26 last year. I expect this upward trajectory to continue in 2024, in year three under Norvell. Visit the town and draft its players.
Bonus Bold Prediction
–Aidan Chiles will be a top 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s not exactly CFF, but it’s still hotter than a fire ant. Athletic metrics be damned. My eyes tell me this kid is a baller and an absolute delight to listen to in interviews. I think the NFL decision-makers are going to love him.
Here’s to the start of the 2024 College Football season. Cheers!
