This article is part of our Start vs. Sit series.
START
Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia (vs. New Mexico State) - Murray and the Georgia Bulldogs are riding a six-game winning streak entering Saturday's matchup against New Mexico State. Expect that streak to extend to seven against one of the nation's worst defenses. Murray should have a field day this weekend; get him in your lineups.
Zach Collaros, QB, Cincinnati (at Pittsburgh) - Don't let the matchup against Pitt's defense fool you; its passing defense has shown more holes than it did last season under Wannstedt (almost 60 more YPG allowed). And in a game in which the Bearcats must win, you can bet the athletic Collaros will be called upon to carry the team.
Curtis McNeal, RB, USC (at Colorado) - McNeal had a breakout performance last week against Stanford. He has now averaged 116.3 yards per game and scored three touchdowns against stout run defenses the last three weeks. This week McNeal faces a cakewalk matchup in Colorado. He could do a lot of damage from the flex position this Friday.
Roy Finch, RB, Oklahoma (vs. Texas A&M) - Since starter Dominique Whaley went down a couple weeks ago, Oklahoma has been splitting carries between their remaining backs. But consider starting Finch this week. He has had experience as the starter last season, and he looked strong last week against Kansas State. He might not touch the ball more than 15 times, but with the 8.0 YPC he has averaged the last three weeks, he
START
Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia (vs. New Mexico State) - Murray and the Georgia Bulldogs are riding a six-game winning streak entering Saturday's matchup against New Mexico State. Expect that streak to extend to seven against one of the nation's worst defenses. Murray should have a field day this weekend; get him in your lineups.
Zach Collaros, QB, Cincinnati (at Pittsburgh) - Don't let the matchup against Pitt's defense fool you; its passing defense has shown more holes than it did last season under Wannstedt (almost 60 more YPG allowed). And in a game in which the Bearcats must win, you can bet the athletic Collaros will be called upon to carry the team.
Curtis McNeal, RB, USC (at Colorado) - McNeal had a breakout performance last week against Stanford. He has now averaged 116.3 yards per game and scored three touchdowns against stout run defenses the last three weeks. This week McNeal faces a cakewalk matchup in Colorado. He could do a lot of damage from the flex position this Friday.
Roy Finch, RB, Oklahoma (vs. Texas A&M) - Since starter Dominique Whaley went down a couple weeks ago, Oklahoma has been splitting carries between their remaining backs. But consider starting Finch this week. He has had experience as the starter last season, and he looked strong last week against Kansas State. He might not touch the ball more than 15 times, but with the 8.0 YPC he has averaged the last three weeks, he may be flex-worthy.
Tyler Shoemaker, WR, Boise State (at UNLV) - Shoemaker shines against weak opponents. Judging by his history, he will shine this weekend against a UNLV defense that ranks in the bottom of all FBS teams. Start him with confidence.
Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State (vs. Minnesota) - Bell has been fairly quiet since his three-touchdown performance in September. But this matchup should provide him with an opportunity to put up a similarly strong game. Minnesota isn't stopping anybody right now, and the Spartans might look to run up the score after being held to three points last week. Bell is a lock for 14-16 touches, and he gets those valuable goal-line carries. He makes a sneaky flex play this week.
Kashif Moore, WR, Connecticut (vs. Syracuse) - Moore has been the model of inconsistency this season; either putting up a big game or completely disappearing. This week, he faces a Syracuse defense that gives up just less than 287 passing yards per game. So while Moore is a risky play any given week, he is more likely to put up a big game this game.
SIT
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama (vs. LSU) - There is much anticipation heading into this week's heavyweight matchup between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama. But temper your expectations from the nation's leading running back this week. LSU provides a much stiffer challenge than any defense Richardson has faced this season. And you can guarantee that Les Miles will aim to shut him down. You obviously aren't going to bench a player of Richardson's caliber, but don't be surprised if he isn't his 100-plus yard, multiple-touchdown self on Saturday.
G.J. Kinne, QB, Tulsa (at UCF) - Kinne has been a fantasy force this season but runs into a tough matchup this Thursday. UCF, as usual, boasts one of the nation's top defenses (allowing just 245 YPG). Have a contingency plan ready for Kinne this week.
MarQueis Gray, QB, Minnesota (at Michigan State) - Gray, the dual threat quarterback, has been coming on the last couple weeks; but that will most likely come to a screeching halt this week at Michigan State. The Spartans are coming off a derailing loss last week and will look to put up crooked numbers against an inferior Minnesota team. Gray is about the only positive thing going for the Gophers, so the Spartan's top-3 defense will focus all of its attention on him.
Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia (vs. Louisville) - Austin is coming off a huge game (more than 150 total yards, two TDs) last weekend. He won't have the same kind of success this week against a Louisville defense that holds opponents to less than 200 Yards per game. Consider benching Austin in this one.
Stephen Houston, RB, Indiana (at Ohio State) - I was high on Houston last week, and he came through in a big way. But now I am forced to flip-flop on him like a politician. As great a matchup Northwestern provided last week; Ohio State provides an equally difficult matchup this week. The Hoosiers just don't have enough weapons to move the ball against tough opponents (especially after losing two of their top receivers this week). Houston's opportunities will be limited, leave him out of starting lineups this week.
