Early DraftKings college football picks September 21

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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 14: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before their game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Early DraftKings college football quarterback picks September 21

Top Tier:

Alabama is blowing everyone out, and Tua is still averaging 34.6 DraftKings points per game. He’ll get his. If you want to spend up at QB, there is no safer option, though there may be some with higher ceilings since this is going to be a blowout as well.

If Vanderbilt can by some miracle stay close to LSU, Joe Burrow could have a huge game. Even if Vandy doesn’t, I expect a big game from Burrow. Fitting both him and Tua in your lineup is tricky, but it can be done on this slate.

Kelly Bryant started against South Carolina once while with Clemson. It was a good game for him. This is not the same South Carolina defense that Bryant faced in 2017. No no. It’s much worse now. This should be another very good game for Bryant.

Middle Tier:

Pitt’s pass rush is one of the few bright spots on the team right now, but I don’t think they’ll be able to contain Dillon Gabriel. However, it is worth noting that Gabriel is a true freshman and struggled in his first road game in Boca Raton. That’s only a couple of hours from Orlando. How will he fare in Yankee territory?

The injury to Feleipe Franks is a tough blow for Franks, but I’m not convinced it’s a huge blow for the Florida offense. Kyle Trask was superb in relief and still led the Gators to the win in hostile territory. Tennessee’s defense isn’t the problem, so this is a tough task for Trask. However, the price is right to throw a dart here.

The middle tier of QB is dangerous territory with dangerous matchups. Even the matchup for James Blackman looks tough on paper. However, the FSU defense is going to make sure the Noles are down early and often, forcing Blackman to try and bring his team back. Blackman has actually done well in all of Florida State’s games so far. I expect this to be no different.

Bargain Shoppers:

Ryan Hilinski had a strong game despite the tough matchup against Bama. This is another situation where the Cocks may find themselves behind and have to throw. Missouri’s pass defense is good, but Hilinski has proven that he can throw the ball around the yard and not make mistakes.

Jawon Pass borders on elite against this Florida State secondary provided he plays. Pass has been dealing with a sore foot since the loss to Notre Dame in week 1. The Cardinals are likely just playing it safe, so I wouldn’t panic on Pass just yet. Even if Pass can’t go, Malik Cunningham is also an elite play. I want whoever is under center for Louisville here.

In case you weren’t paying attention last week, Jack Coan threw for more yards than any Wisconsin quarterback since 2007. Yes, that includes Russell Wilson. Michigan’s pass defense has been strong, but a lot of that is because Army didn’t throw. I don’t have really high hopes for Coan, but he could quietly have a good game here if Michigan stacks the box.