College Football FanDuel Picks For Late September 5

ByMike Marteny|

Jan 9, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; A view of the 2015 College Football Championship logo outside the Hilton Anatole hotel, home to the Ohio State University football team. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Since ESPN has axed their College Football Challenge, I have decided to take my prognosticating to FanDuel. The format is a little different at FanDuel since there is actually a salary cap, but being somewhat confined isn’t always a bad thing. It may make you look at some players that you would otherwise ignore.

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The options the best of the season so far this afternoon. Let’s see if there are any bargains hiding in here!

Here are my college football FanDuel picks for early September 5:

Next: Should You Spend Big At QB?

Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) throws a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the first quarter in the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback:

Best Bet:

Dak Prescott, Mississippi State ($9,800): He is a dual threat against a poor defense. Even if he does only play about three quarters, 30 points is well within reach.

Honorable Mention:

Everett Golson, Florida State ($8,500): Golson is looking to prove that the Seminoles are better than their current number ten ranking. The coaches want to see what they have in their new toy, so expect Golson to see plenty of action in this one. There are so many good QBs in action tonight, but Golson has the ability to be among the best at a little lower price.

Dark Horse:

Mike Bercovici, Arizona State ($8,400): Bercovici was very good as the starter against UCLA and USC last year while Taylor Kelly was out. Both of those teams had a better defense than this year’s version of Texas A&M. The Sun Devils are looking to make a statement. If they do, Bercovici will have a huge game. He could be a top three QB tonight.

My Pick: Bercovici

Next: Many Great Options At RB As Well

Sep 14, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans tailback Tre Madden (23) scores on a 30-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back:

Best Bet:

Tre Madden, USC ($6,100): It looks increasingly likely that Justin Davis won’t suit up, which means that Madden is a starter for just over $6,000 in a prolific offense. His status is elevated to must-play against Arkansas State.

Rushel Shell, West Virginia ($7,800): When Shell is healthy, he is a force for the Mountaineers. He will at least start the season that way. The only reason I take him over Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine is the fact that Perine was nursing a minor injury this week. The Sooners obviously won’t need to ride Perine to win, so I expect them to limit his carries against Akron. Shell will see more action against Georgia Southern.

Honorable Mention:

Kelvin Taylor, Florida ($7,200): The younger brother of Fred Taylor ran for nearly 200 yards against Georgia last season in a crowded backfield. It is significantly less crowded now, and Taylor seems to have emerged as the lead back. He could have a huge game against a poor New Mexico State defense.

Dalvin Cook, Florida State ($7,200): Cook finished 2014 with three straight 100 yard games, and should be the lead back for the Seminoles this year. Mario Pender will see some carries, but expect there to be plenty to go around against Texas State.

Dark Horse:

Matt Breida, Georgia Southern ($6,700): Breida destroyed the Sun Belt last year with 1,485 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. West Virginia’s run defense was gouged several times last year, and a bell cow like Breida could do the same.

My Picks: Madden and Taylor

Next: Who Are The Best Receivers?

Oct 18, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard (3) leads the team onto the field before the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers:

Best Bet:

D.J. Foster, Arizona State ($8,100): The versatile Foster switched from RB to WR, but head coach Todd Graham alluded to Foster still getting carries as well. That increases his value dramatically, especially against Texas A&M. The Sun Devils might use some trickery on the road in week one, and Foster would likely be in the middle of it. He ran for 1,081 yards last year, and had 688 receiving yards. Expect lots of all-purpose yards once again.

DeRunnya Wilson, Mississippi State ($7,400): Never mind that Wilson has one of the best football names out there. The fact remains that he is still Dak Prescott’s favorite target. He finished the season with three straight 90 yards games, and scored three times in those games. He could have a big year this year, and it should start with a good one against Southern Miss.

Honorable Mention:

JuJu Smith, USC ($8,400): Smith will be the number one receiver in a prolific offense this year, but I do have questions as to whether USC will actually throw enough in the opener to make Smith worth the price. That is the only reason I move him down a bit. He has the talent to be one of the best college receivers.

Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma ($8,200): Shepard had two big years without much of a passer at QB. What do you think he can do with Baker Mayfield under center? I have a feeling we are about to find out. The Sooners won’t pull out all the stops against Akron, but I do expect them to use Mayfield and Shepard liberally for at least one half of the game.

Dark Horse:

Armanti Foreman, Texas ($5,600): Foreman emerged as Tyrone Swoopes’ favorite target near the end of last year. He will likely be the lead receiver in an improved Texas offense, and the Longhorns are going to have to throw some to beat the Irish. Foreman could be a sneaky play tonight.

My Picks: Shepard, Wilson, and Foreman

Next: Is There A Favorite At TE?

Oct 11, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (48) is tackled after catching a pass during the third quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 38-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End:

Best Bet:

Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin ($2,300): Fumagalli will be targeted quite a bit against Alabama with Joel Stave running for his life. He is also a good checkdown option, and should see targets as a result, especially with the sure-handed Jared Abbrederis gone.

Honorable Mention:

Jake McGee, Florida ($3,600): McGee is a big part of the Florida offense, but he might not need to be against New Mexico State. That is the only reason I have him down here. McGee will be a stronger play as the opponents get tougher for the Gators.

Dark Horse:

Desroy Maxwell, Northern Illinois ($2,000): He caught a pass in every game last season, so he shouldn’t get you a goose egg. He is not a huge part of the NIU offense, but you might see a bone or two thrown his way against UNLV.

My Pick: Maxwell, because I was broke.

Good luck today and tonight, and I will be back with the Sunday-Monday FanDuel lineup tomorrow morning!

Next: Picks Against The Spread Late Games September 5?

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