While the nation watched Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee and USC all lose, Danielle and I celebrated our monthly date night at the Rent to watch the UConn-Temple game. We returned home in time to see the night games, and I began searching for players on the College Fantasy Football waiver wire.
While looking at game results and statistics, I had a revelation that might be hyperbole. The MAC offenses are back to assistant College Fantasy Football diehards setting weekly lineups for the remainder of the crusade. I am so happy! Over the past two weeks, seven times a MAC player has exceeded 100 yards rushing, a receiver or tight end has surpassed 100 yards in the air on seven occasions and four quarterbacks have passed for over 300 yards.
Many of the MAC competitors are available in CFF free agency pools and provide an exciting element to College Fantasy Football matchups when the Conference moves all its games to Tuesdays and Wednesdays in November (starting in Week 11). Four players from MAC programs are listed among the players below…MACaction is back!
Week 6 College Fantasy Football Waiver Wire
Quarterbacks
Kurtis Rourke, Indiana (Laub)
Fantrax Rostership: 42%
Total Fantasy Points: 170.5
FPPG: 28.5
PFF Grade: 90.1
Last week, I added Kurtis Rourke to the weekly waiver wire poll, and he collected only 19% of the votes…Madness by the College Fantasy Football Universe. What does Rourke and the Hoosiers have to do in order to wake up CFF managers? Indiana is undefeated under new coach Curt Cignetti, who coached the prolific offense at James Madison last year, and the coach once again has one of the best offensive units in the nation. The Hoosiers are ranked sixth in Total Offense (515.7 yards) and third in points per game (47.5).
In 2022, Rourke produced a memorable season while at Ohio under Cignetti’s guidance. He averaged 30.2 points per game with 3,256 passing yards, 249 rushing yards and 29 total touchdowns. Regrettably, he underperformed last year and transferred to Indiana to take over behind center in the offseason. He was only drafted onto 12% of CFF teams in the offseason.
On his new campus. Rourke is off to an incredible start this year. He is CFF QB13 after six games in the cream-and-crimson uniform. He has exceeded 30 Fantasy Points (FPs) in four of six games and recorded a 14-2 TD:INT Ratio. On the ground, he has scored twice on 21 carries. I’m a believer in coach Cignetti’s offensive scheme, and Rourke should not remain available in so many leagues any longer.
Notebook: “It’s awesome to be able to have such great athletes and playmakers all around. The receiver room is one of the deepest in the country. We have one of the best running back rooms in the country, and so put that together with the o-line and the way they’re playing and that’s why we’re able to put up so many points,” Rourke stated after the victory (iuhoosiers).
WHAT A TD. 🤯@key13williams | #IUFB | 📺: @BigTenNetwork pic.twitter.com/yn0ZHihWMR
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) October 5, 2024
Braylon Braxton, Marshall (Probasco)
Fantrax Rostership: 1%
Total Fantasy Points: 69.5
FPPG: 23.2
At this point of the season, CFF owners may be looking for some deep plays. Well, pay attention to what is happening at Marshall. Stone Earle had been the starter, but Braylon Braxton got the start in Week 6.
In my opinion, Earle had been playing pretty well. The broadcast mentioned Earle had an injured ankle, so that was why Braxton got the start. Let’s fast forward to a play in the second half: Braxton had his helmet ripped off and came off for a play. In comes Earle and the booth did not bat an eye at it, expecting Braxton to come back in which he did.
Formerly at Tulsa, Braxton was 8-of-14 for 129 yards and three touchdowns. He added 140 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, which was good for 50.45 FPs. The Thundering Herd have Georgia Southern on the docket next. Was the Braxton move gamesmanship for Appalachian State? Has there been a move at quarterback for Marshall? Something to monitor moving forward. If CFF diehards have room on their rosters and are struggling at quarterback, Braxton is a great speculative add.
Notebook: “I definitely have been staying ready. I got here in January and went through all spring with the guys, all fall with the guys, so it was really nothing new to me. I’ve been with these guys for the better part of eight months now,” Braxton stated after his five-touchdown performance (herdzone.com).
Honorable Mention Quarterbacks
- Hajj Malik Williams, UNLV
Fantrax Rostership: 22%
Total Fantasy Points: 90.4
FPPG: 22.6 - Tyler Huff, Jacksonville State
Fantrax Rostership: 14%
Total Fantasy Points: 147.4
FPPG: 29.5
PFF Grade: 78.1 - Hunter Watson, Sam Houston
Fantrax Rostership: 6%
Total Fantasy Points: 145.9
FPPG: 24.3
PFF Grade: 65.6
CFF Twitterverse on Fire!
Need help at quarterback in CFF? Who is the top signal caller on the waiver wire this week?
- Kevin Jennings, SMU: 27%
- Tyler Huff, Jacksonville State: 13%
- Hajj Malik Williams, UNLV: 57%
- Braylon Braxton, Marshall: 3%
Spin Cycle Hajj 🌪️
📺: FS1 pic.twitter.com/88cTlkT16b
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) October 5, 2024
Scholar’s Selection: Honestly, all four of the players listed above are worth putting on CFF rosters for the remainder of the season. Yet, if I needed one to help in the second half of the season, I am going to place a priority on Tyler Huff. We featured the Jacksonville State signal caller two weeks ago in the waiver wire column when he was only rostered on 5% of teams–He is currently on 15% of CFF teams.
“The answer is Hajj Malik Williams for me by a nose over Kevin Jennings and Tyler Huff.” @aceholesrule
“It has got to be Hajj Malik Williams. UNLV was good, but it seems Williams can take this squad to a different level.” @ProbascoLuke
Running Backs
Tawee Walker, Wisconsin (Volume Pigs)
Fantrax Rostership: 17%
Total Fantasy Points: 64.2
FPPG: 16.1
PFF Grade: 71.8
There is potentially large value to be had here in light of Chez Melusi’s announcement that he’d be stepping away from the program indefinitely. Tawee Walker took on the RB No. 1 role and handled himself well, scoring thrice on 19 carries, accounting for nearly 28 FPs. For those in need of a back, the Badgers’ runner is the name to target this week as he’s the most likely to be a sustainably productive asset.
Notebook: After the news of Melusi leaving, Walker stated “You just got to capitalize on your opportunities. Like last week, I think I was the third person to get the ball. I just capitalized on my opportunity just like DD (Darion Dupree) did on his carry. He got like two, three carries, but he had like twelve yards on his first carry. He capitalized on his opportunity,” (msn.com).
Ahmad Hardy, UL-Monroe (Probasco)
Fantrax Rostership: 9%
Total Fantasy Points: 63.7
FPPG: 12.7
PFF Grade: 80.3
I wrote about Ahmad Hardy last week in the College Fantasy Football: G5 Waiver Wire Rescues. Hardy continues to be a big part of this offense. Other than the game against Texas, he has seen 14 or more touches per game, and he has scored a touchdown in four of five games (Texas being the game he did not get a touchdown in). Hardy has accounted for 46% of the total rushes and 58% of the total rushing yardage for the Warhawks. If CFF owners are seeking help in their running back room, Hardy can get 16-19 touches for 80-90 yards and a touchdown per game.
Isaac Brown, Louisville (Laub)
Fantrax Rostership: 11%
Total Fantasy Points: 70.3
FPPG: 14.1
PFF Grade: 82.6
In order to win in CFB DFS, a player must know the entire player pool and consider the salary of anyone for lineups. Isaac Brown caught my eye against Notre Dame two weeks ago, and I identified him as a sleeper on the RotoGrinders CFB pregame lock show at only $4.3k. He scored well over 20 FPs on 117 rushing yards and five receptions for 44 yards,
Brown has led the Cardinals in rushing yards in back-to-back weeks after gaining 72 against the Fighting Irish. Over the past two weeks, he has been CFF RB21, manufacturing 40.6 FPs. A freshman, the 5’9” and 190 pounder was a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 19 running back in the nation from Florida. In high school, he was also a member of the 4×100 team that qualified for Florida’s 3A meet. Louisville has Virginia on deck followed by Miami, and Bruce can surely provide CFF teams with a needed bye-week replacement.
Notebook: After Brown rushed for over 100 yards in the season opener, coach Jeff Brohm commented: “It is great to see him do well. This is a true freshman who has worked really hard. He hasn’t missed a rep of practice, he never complains and puts in the work. He just has a great work ethic and mental makeup. Isaac’s natural ability is something we can’t teach: He is quick, fast and elusive.” (si.com).
Tre Stewart, Jacksonville State (Volume Pigs)
Fantrax Rostership: 6%
Total Fantasy Points:87.2
FPPG: 17.4
PFF Grade: 78.6
Stewart was mentioned in the other section a few weeks ago but then we all forgot about him over the BYE week. Stewart appears to have taken the mantle in regards to lead back duties for the Gamecocks, an offense that is averaging 22.4 seconds per play (10th in the FBS). He has seen 17, 16, and 24 carries in his last three appearances. This could be a big-time pickup down the stretch of the season but be warned—coach Rich Rodriguez is a wildcard when it comes to his personnel. CFF coaches will likely be burned eventually, it’s just a question of when.
Tre Stewart for the Touchdown!@treseanstewart8
📺CBS Sports Network#HardEdge | #EarnSuccess pic.twitter.com/Xn5dNJrnZb
— Jax State Football (@JaxStateFB) October 4, 2024
Honorable Mention Running Back
- Jaden Nixon, Western Michigan
Fantrax Rostership: 26%
Total Fantasy Points: 95.7
WFPPG: 19.1
PFF Grade: 79.8
CFF Twitterverse on Fire!
Backfield assistance is always in high demand: Who is the premier ball carrier on the CFF waiver wire this week?
- Tawee Walker, Wisconsin: 37%
- Jaden Nixon, Western Michigan: 15%
- Demond Claiborne, Wake Forest: 29%
- Isaac Brown, Louisville: 19%
Scholar’s Selection: While I highlighted Isaac Brown above, I will attempt to acquire Tawee Walker first. I love merging offensive schemes with opportunities, and Walker steps into a near idyllic spot in Madison, WI. The former Oklahoma Sooner is the odds on candidate to earn the majority of carries for the Badgers in the second half of the crusade.
“Demond Claiborne is a stud. If the Demon Deacons decide to Wake up, and realize he’s their number one resource, I’d expect big things.” @eliotmays
“Tawee Walker for me. With Chez Mellusi out, Walker will RUN wild! @aceholesrule
“I believe Demond Claiborne has become a key cog in this offense. Wake Forest is known for the passing game, but Claiborne has forced this staff to run the ball more so in 2024.” @ProbascoLuke
Wide Receivers
Jackson Meeks, Syracuse (Volume Pigs)
Fantrax Rostership: 4%
Targets: 36
Fantasy Points: 79.3
FPPG: 15.9
PFF Grade: 80.7
Please forgive me for not believing in Meeks last week given that he had seen a total of 13 targets in his first three outings prior to his 12-target bonanza on Sept. 28 vs. Holy Cross. Now, he has another double-digit target day versus a stronger opponent in UNLV, and he did well with his volume. His day was undoubtedly salvaged by a late touchdown catch, but that’s the kind of stuff that happens when you’re seeing 10-plus targets per game, so no fluke there. Syracuse gets an anemic North Carolina State team next.
Jerjuan Newton, Toledo (Laub)
Fantrax Rostership: 38%
Targets: 32
Fantasy Points: 89.9
FPPG: 18
PFF Grade: 83.4
Toledo has posted a 4-1 record and three-time captain Jerjuan Newton is the catalyst in the locker room and on the gridiron. The 5’11” and 192 pound senior is on pace to record career bests in nearly every pass-catching category. He has corralled 24 passes for 358 yards and five touchdowns. He is CFF WR47 for the campaign and has scored over 20 FPs in three games so far.
In the past two seasons, Newton performed at a high level on the gridiron collecting All-MAC honors. In 2022, he paced the club with 53 receptions and ranked nineteenth in the nation with nine touchdowns. Last year, Newton had a team-best 52 catches and 696 receiving yards and nine scores. The Rockets average 36.4 ppg. while compiling 375 yards per game, and Newton will continue to be fed targets as MAC games commence.
Notebook: “(Jerjuan Newton) walks with a purpose. He doesn’t say a whole lot. But when he says it, it carries a ton of weight because everybody knows that he’s a self-starter, and he’s internally motivated to be great,” coach Jason Candle said (Toledoblade.com)
Kenneth Womack, Western Michigan (Probasco)
Fantrax Rostership: 25%
Targets: 18
Fantasy Points: 24.1
FPPG: 12.1
Kenneth Womack is coming off an injury. He made his first appearance of the season for the Broncos in Week 5. He now has back-to-back nine target games with six and seven receptions respectively. In those two games, he has scored 10.3 and 13.8 FPs. How much of an impact has he made to the Broncos? After his return, he is averaging 32% of the Broncos’ receptions and 29% of the Broncos’ receiving yards. If in need of a safe floor for Week 7 and beyond, Kenneth Womack is the guy to acquire.
Honorable Mention Wide Receivers
- Javon Tracy, Miami, Ohio
Fantrax Rostership: 1%
Targets: 33
Fantasy Points: 57.8
FPPG: 11.6
PFF Grade: 64.5
CFF Twitterverse on Fire!
Who is the CFF wide receiver to acquire on the waiver wire after six games?
- A.J. Henning. Northwestern: 14%
- Noah Short, Army: 21%
- Jerjuan Newton, Toledo: 28%
- Jackson Meeks, Syracuse: 37%
Scholar’s Selection: It might surprise many readers, but I want to grab Noah Short. Army is undefeated, and Short is the team’s big playmaker. He averages 12.7 yards per attempt and 28.7 yards per catch. He also has scored a touchdown on 14% of his touches. I anticipate Short’s efficiency to continue for the Cadets in this explosive offense.
“Noah Short for me. He is always wide open!” @aceholesrule
“My vote goes to Jerjuan Newton. He’s a key role in this offense and with the combination of Tucker Gleason throwing the ball, and the ease of the remaining schedule, I expect he keeps racking up fantasy points.” @eliotmays
“Noah Short for me. Each week you think, ‘he can’t be that efficient again.’ Then each game, he crushes it!” @ProbascoLuke
CFF All-Americans: Week 6
- QB Braylon Braxton, Marshall: 49.1 points
- QB Eli Holstein, Pittsburgh: 46.8
- RB LeQuint Allen, Syracuse: 45.9
- RB Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh: 38
- WR Jalen Royals, Utah State: 42.1
- WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State: 34.1
- WR Jamaal Pritchett, South Alabama: 32.7
- TE Harold Fannin, Bowling Green: 32.2
- Flex Tre Stewart, Jacksonville State: 37.4
CFF Player of the Week: Braylon Braxton, Marshall
CAN'T STOP BRAYLON BRAXTON pic.twitter.com/lEDFAnhEpd
— Marshall Football (@HerdFB) October 5, 2024