Fantasy College Football: Power Rankings #1

It's that time of year again! Time for the first round of fantasy college football power rankings. There are five categories included in this ego-bruising, pride-crushing analysis. So let's get started! Ace of the franchise... the player most likely to lead their team in points. Expect this player to be the team's most valuable player and the captain of their respective squads. Potential bust... a player from the early draft rounds who will likely disappoint their owner time and time again. Expect this player to crack under the pressure or perhaps be a complete non-factor down the stretch. Sleeper pick... a player from the late draft rounds, a diamond in the rough for their owner. Expect this player to sneak their way into the starting lineup and make the entire league feel dumb for repeatedly passing on them for so long. Draft grade... a letter grade assigned to each owner based on their draft strategy and execution. Did they make solid picks at each round? Or did they reach here and there, or completely pick with their heart? A good grade doesn't necessarily mean you are the best team. But who put their franchise in the best position for a championship after the draft? Magic 8-ball outlook... a prediction on what each franchise can expect this upcoming season. Will my sources say yes to success? Or maybe the outlook is grim? For others, the reply will be so hazy, they might need to concentrate and try again. Feel free to post your comments and let the smack-talking officially begin. It's still extremely early in the game, as we are only past week one. But as commissioner, I can assure you that it's never too early to start a fight, I mean a discussion. And remember... read at your own risk!

Team #6: The Real McCoy

Ace of the franchise: Colt McCoy, Texas... The undisputed #1 overall pick is your prototypical All-American quarterback. McCoy can do it all, as he also led the Longhorns in rushing a year ago. He'll be a finalist for the Heisman trophy, while leading Texas towards a National Championship. But he might end up being the best point producer on this league's worst team.

Potential Bust: Malcolm Williams, Texas... As one of Colt McCoy's favorite targets towards the end of last year, Williams seemed destined to turn into the go-to-guy this season. But after a disappointing 1-catch performance in week one, perhaps expectations were too high for this young, talented wideout.

Sleeper pick: Daniel Thomas, Kansas St... This free-agent pickup was a much-needed addition to a team desperate for running back production. While not the opening week starter in Manhattan, Thomas received the bulk of the carries. His running style and sure hands suit head coach Bill Snyder's taste, and he could become the feature back if he continues to show potential in the non-conference.

Draft grade: When you have the first pick in the draft, your goal is simple - don't blow it! The Real McCoy managed to get through the first two rounds quite nicely (Colt McCoy; Ryan Broyles). But taking Malcolm Williams in the third was a desperate attempt at finding a QB/WR combo far too early. This franchise passed on some talented running backs in the 3rd/4th rounds, and is now suffering the consequences... C

Magic 8-ball outlook: "My sources say no." Look, there are some talented individuals on the roster. It never hurts to have one of the best Big XII linebackers spearheading your defensive attack, Sean Weatherspoon. But I don't think the depth is there to field a competitive 9-man rotation on a consistent basis. This franchise will need McCoy to put on his cape and hope he can lead this group to the promised land.

Team #5: Whoooaaa Nelly
Ace of the franchise: Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma St... The Big XII's leading rusher (by more than 300 yards) from a year ago, Hunter was a focal point of the potent Cowboy offense. While Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant soak up the media's hype, Hunter is their perfect complement, and an ideal feature back. Look for him to get more involved in the passing game as well, on screen passes or as a receiver in the slot.

Potential bust: Robert Griffin, Baylor... One of the big surprises from a year ago had to be the superb play of the true freshman quarterback. While his speed is unmatched, Griffin still needs to learn how to take a hit, due to his rugged style of play. With improved decision-making, he'll be able to lead Baylor to improbable wins. But I am not sure how successful he will be in conference play now that Baylor's element of surprise is gone.

Sleeper pick: Blaine Gabbert, Baylor... Missouri didn't miss a beat finding Chase Daniel's replacement. Gabbert appeared well-schooled on how to run the offense in week one. Despite losing the bulk of their receiving yards (Jeremy Maclin; Chase Coffman) there are still some viable options at Gabbert's disposal. He has proven more than capable of creating plays with his legs as well. It will be interesting to see if this potential "quarterback controversy" becomes a distraction for Whoooaaa Nelly.

Draft grade: After the elite quarterbacks were picked in round one, Whoooaaa Nelly decided to shore up a solid stable of running backs. No one can match the 1-2 punch of Kendall Hunter and DeMarco Murray. Nabbing Keith Toston in round 11 was a great insurance policy as well. Wide receiver is clearly this team's weakest position. And while there are some interesting possibilities, I'm not sold just yet... B-

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Cannot predict now." There are just too many unknowns on this team to know for sure. If some of the unproven wideouts can emerge into steady contributors, this team might have the makings of a darkhorse. If not, they might need to start generating some interest in a possible trade. Whoooaaa Nelly might not ever post the highest score, but this league is a marathon... not a sprint.

Team #4: Dez it really matter

Ace of the franchise: Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St... Bryant was the first non-quarterback taken in the draft, and with good reason. He is arguably the most electric player in the entire country. A dual-threat, Bryant is just as effective in the return game. With a superb running game, defenses won't be able to roll double-coverage as much as they'd like. Expect Dez Bryant to come out "pistols firing" early and often this season.

Potential bust: Zac Robinson, Oklahoma St... While I admit being a big fan of Robinson, he could be a bit of a headache for Dez it really matter this year. He was never a great (statistical) passer, but he always made up for it with his running ability. This past offseason, Robinson put on 20lbs to help protect him from any shots he might take while trying to become a pocket passer. Folks are dreaming big in Stillwater, but team success might come at the expense of Robinson's unique offensive talents.

Sleeper pick: Jacob Branstetter, Kansas... I know, I know... He's just a kicker. They're a dime a dozen, right? Well, I think the fact that Dez it really matter waited until the last round to pick a kicker showed tremendous guts. It was a risk worth taking, by picking up an extra skilled position player in the earlier rounds. And it's not like they picked up a slouch by waiting so long. They still ended up with a kicker on one of the Big XII's most explosive offenses. Well played!

Draft grade: Owners who take wide receivers with their first two picks are a different kind of breed. I don't care how wildly talented they are. They'll take flashy over reliable everytime. And to be honest, there's nothing wrong with that. In a pass-happy Big XII, it's logical to make wide receiver top priority. After scooping up both Dez's ASAP, winning clearly does matter to this franchise... B+

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Signs point to yes." I know that Dez it really matter is in last place after week one. The surprise suspension to Dezmon Briscoe truly hurt. But they were still only 30 points from third place while playing a man down. Once they get down to business, no one will be able to match their big play ability. But with wide receivers running the show, managing egos might be a tall order.

Team #3: I'm a man - I'm forty

Ace of the franchise: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma... Going the unconventional route, I'm naming a defensive player as the franchise MVP. While learning on the job last year, Lewis accumulated 143 tackles (70 solo) and became the leader of the Sooner defense, while Ryan Reynolds was sidelined with an injury. Simply put, Lewis is a playmaker on the defensive side of the ball who will consistently put up big time numbers with the best of 'em.

Potential bust: Sam Bradford, Oklahoma... This has nothing to do with Bradford's shoulder injury in week one. He was going to be a potential bust long before that. Losing your top three receivers and four offensive lineman from last season would be difficult for any team to overcome. Bradford was getting pressured left and right, before ultimately getting knocked out of the game. Bradford will probably be back sooner, rather than later, but I am not anticipating a repeat of last year's point totals (not even close).

Sleeper pick: Christine Michael, Texas A&M... The highly touted blue chipper surprised the recruiting world when he picked Texas A&M. But does he have a chance at making an immediate impact, or will he become this year's Darrell Scott? Regardless of Aggie success, Texas A&M traditionally has a successful running game. He'll be splitting carries with Cyrus Gray, but he'll get plenty of touches in Mike Sherman's offense. Just hope that he learns how to pass protect, which is the biggest problem for most incoming running backs.

Draft grade: This was an excellent draft by I'm a man - I'm forty. There aren't any huge names on the offensive side of the ball (hence, a linebacker is the ace of the franchise). But starting two talented possession receivers will pay dividends down the road. If free agent QB Zac Lee can keep this ship from sinking, this team will be in the mix. I'm a man - I'm forty is solid from top to bottom... A-

Magic 8-ball outlook: "You may rely on it." I am really liking the makeup of this team. Obviously the quarterback spot could remain an issue, but no one is stronger on the defensive side of the ball. And there are a couple of young running backs who could push for playing time as well. At the very least, they provide adequate depth at a position of need.

Team #2: A Stuckey Situation

Ace of the franchise: Todd Reesing, Kansas... He won't get a lot of publicity, but the undersized signal-caller from Austin is a great player to build your team around. Given this is his last year, and knowing he might need to put up 40+ points every week in order to win, Reesing won't be holding anything back this year.

Potential bust: Baron Batch, Texas Tech... Taking a Red Raider running back in the second round is just asking for trouble. And Mike Leach has repeatedly said he's not sold on Batch being his feature back. While Batch is still valuable in the passing game, I doubt he'll ever get more than 15 touches in any given week.

Sleeper pick: Danario Alexander, Missouri... The Tigers clearly had some shoes to fill on the offensive side of the ball from a year ago. While hauling in ten passes, Alexander was Gabbert's favorite target in week one. He's a versatile, reliable target and should continue to be Missouri's possession receiver this season. And at 6'5", Alexander can go up and grab just about anything.

Draft grade: I'm not blown away at the talent on this squad, but they do seem capable of putting up some big points. Cody Johnson was a steal in round 9, and it appears Gary Pinkel once again has Mizzou in contention for the Big XII north title. But the one concern I have is this: A Stuckey Situation is the only franchise with neither of his quarterback's top two receivers... B

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Better not tell you now." This team needs a couple of guys to emerge as quality contributors to help out Reesing. Waiting until round 4 to pick a receiver could spell trouble. But there is a load of potential (unproven) talent on their roster. It's simply too early in the game to compliment or criticize this franchise.

Team #1: Any Given Saturday

Ace of the franchise: Taylor Potts, Texas Tech... The air show in Lubbock rivals that of the Blue Angels. With virtually no running plays in the playbook, you have to like the Red Raider quarterback leading the league in points once again. And with Mike Leach's lead foot when it coming to scoring, Potts could be the beneficiary of massive point totals in his first season as a starter.

Potential bust: Chris Brown, Oklahoma... The injury to Jermaine Gresham was unfortunate, but Any Given Sunday's potential bust is also in Norman. The "other guy" in Oklahoma's two-man rushing attack is due for a letdown. Even as a backup, he amassed an amazing 1220-yard season, while scoring 20 touchdowns on the ground last year. But Brown's stats could be a mirage. He gained the bulk of his points on goal line carries and yardage once the game was in hand. Right now, it doesn't appear Oklahoma will be blowing anyone out.

Sleeper pick: Matt Featherston, Texas A&M... As the leading tackler in College Station a year ago, Featherston put up some impressive numbers while his team struggled. But he is one of the Big XII's surest tacklers, and he will definitely get plenty of opportunities. And if the Aggies can surprise some people, Featherston's point totals will look even more impressive.

Draft grade: Any Texas Tech quarterback is a game changer, but the talent doesn't stop there for Any Given Saturday. Feature backs are a rare commodity in the Big XII, and landing Roy Helu Jr might end up being a brilliant move. Snatching up Lyle Leong in round 8, Potts' high school teammate, could pay off big. The chemistry is established for these two already... B+

Magic 8-ball outlook: "Without a doubt." This franchise might need a little help at wide receiver, but Potts appears to be the league's ultimate gamebreaker. He'll light up the scoreboard week after week. But I have a feeling he'll need some help from the supporting cast if they want to keep their dream of a championship burning bright.