football

TAM Rankings: Vanderbilt holds off Ole Miss to be crowned best of 2012 season

January 10, 2013 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

College football is official over, and there is a new champion in the TAM rankings. Vanderbilt has dethroned last year’s champion (Arkansas), and now sits alone at the top. The Commodores also finished the year ranked No. 23 in the AP poll, serving as the only TAM team to finish the year ranked. Arkansas State received some votes in the AP and USA Today polls after their win against Kent State in the Godaddy.com Bowl. Yet their stellar season, and victory over a top 25 opponent in their bowl game, was not enough for them to jump Ole Miss, who had a remarkable season as well. The Rebels bowl win over Pitt was their first since 2009 and capped off a great first year for head coach Hugh Freeze. Mississippi State culminated a disappointing second half of their season (the Bulldogs went 2-5 in their last seven games after starting the year 7-0)with an equally disappointing performance in the Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl. It was a great year for the TAM teams, who posted a 3-1 record in bowl games this year, and provided fans with memorable moments throughout the season. Next season cannot come fast enough for the TAM teams, and it should be every bit as good as this year.

The Mid-South is full of fans with allegiances to different area college football programs. Which FBS program in the three states surrounding the Memphis area is the best? To help end some arguments and start others, every week MemphiSport ranks all the college football teams in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. We call it the TAM Rankings.

1. Vanderbilt (9-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game: W 38-24 vs. N.C.State @ Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Best Win: 41-18 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 vs. Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Tennessee)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Ole Miss (7-6): Last week No. 3
Last Game: W 38-17 vs. Pitt @ BBVA Compass Bowl
Best Win: 41-24 vs. Mississippi State @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Worst Loss: 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas and Mississippi State)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Vanderbilt)

Arkansas State (10-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: W 17-13 vs. Kent State @ GODADDY.com Bowl
Best Win: 17-13 vs. Kent State @ GODADDY.com Bowl
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. Mississippi State (8-5): Last week No. 2
Last Game: L 34-20 vs. Northwestern @ TAXSLAYER.com Gator Bowl
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 3 (Tennessee, MTSU, and Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)

5. MTSU (8-4): Last week No. 5
Last Game: W 24-21 vs. Troy @ Floyd Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

6. Tennessee (5-7): Last week No. 6
Last Game: W 37-17 vs. Kentucky @ Neyland Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: 41-18 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Mississippi State and Vanderbilt)

7. Memphis (4-8): Last week No. 7
Last Game: W 42-24 vs. So. Miss @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: 46-9 vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Southern Mississippi)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

8. Arkansas (4-8): Last week No. 8
Last Game: L 20-13 vs. LSU @ Razorback Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Mississippi State)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-12): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 42-24 Memphis @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

Week 13 TAM Rankings: New No. 1 thanks to Ole Miss defeating Mississippi State

November 29, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

There is a new number one TAM team this week for the fourth time this season, and nobody saw this coming at the start of the year. Vanderbilt now sits alone at the top of the TAM rankings thanks to an impressive 8-4 record and a win by Ole Miss over former No. 1 Mississippi State. The Bulldogs drop one spot after their embarrassing loss to the arch rival Rebels, who jump both Sun Belt teams to secure No. 3 in the rankings. Speaking of the Sun Belt Conference, MTSU and Arkansas State square off on Saturday to determine the conference champion. Tennessee started a new win streak against Kentucky to end the year with a win. Memphis also ended their year on a good note with their third straight win. Arkansas finished one of the most disappointing seasons in TAM history with a hard-fought loss to LSU, while Southern Mississippi could not find a way to muster up any wins on the year.

1. Vanderbilt (8-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game: W 55-21 vs. Wake Forest @ Groves Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 41-18 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Tennessee)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Mississippi State (8-4): Last week No. 1
Last Game: L 41-24 vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 3 (Tennessee, MTSU, and Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)

3. Ole Miss (6-6): Last week No. 5
Last Game: W 41-24 vs. Mississippi State @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 41-24 vs. Mississippi State @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Worst Loss: 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas and Mississippi State)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Vanderbilt)

4. Arkansas State (8-3): Last week No. 3
Last Game: W 41-34 vs. Troy @ Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium
Next Game: vs. MTSU @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Best Win: 45-23 vs. Louisiana-Monroe @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

5. MTSU (8-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: W 24-21 vs. Troy @ Floyd Stadium
Next Game: vs. Arkansas State @ Liberty Bank
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

6. Tennessee (5-7): Last week No. 6
Last Game: W 37-17 vs. Kentucky @ Neyland Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: 41-18 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (MississippiState and Vanderbilt)

7. Memphis (4-8): Last week No. 8
Last Game: W 42-24 vs. So. Miss @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 46-9 vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Southern Mississippi)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

8. Arkansas (4-8): Last week No. 6
Last Game: L 20-13 vs. LSU @ Razorback Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Mississippi State)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-12): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 42-24 Memphis @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Next Game:
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

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Week 12 TAM Rankings: Vanderbilt is challenging Mississippi State for No. 1

November 22, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

This week was full of big wins, crushing losses, and a coaching change for the TAM teams. Mississippi State remained perfect against TAM teams after defeating Arkansas in convincing fashion. The Rebels are the only thing that stands between the Bulldogs and an undefeated TAM record. Ole Miss needs to beat Mississippi State to become bowl eligible, so there is a lot on the line for this year’s Egg Bowl. Vanderbilt beat Tennessee so bad that the Vols decided to fire their coach. If Vanderbilt beats Wake Forest, and Mississippi State loses, the Commodores will end the year as the No. 1 TAM team. Arkansas State has a late bye week to get ready for their Sun Belt showdown against MTSU, and if the Blue Raiders beat Troy on Saturday, these two TAM teams will be playing in a defacto conference championship game. Memphis is on a two game win streak after pummeling UAB, and the Tigers have a chance to finish with a winning conference record. All they have to do is beat the winless Golden Eagles in this year’s Black and Blue Bowl.

1. Mississippi State (8-3): Last week No. 1
Last Game: W 45-14 Arkansas @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 3 (Tennessee, MTSU, and Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Vanderbilt (7-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game: W 41-18 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Next Game: vs Wake Forest @ Groves Stadium
Best Win: 41-18 Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Ole Miss and Tennessee)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

3. Arkansas State (8-3): Last week No. 3
Last Game: W 41-34 vs. Troy @ Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium
Next Game: vs. MTSU @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Best Win: 45-23 vs. Louisiana-Monroe @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. MTSU (7-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: W 20-12 vs. South Alabama @ Ladd-Pebbles Stadium
Next Game: vs. Arkansas State @ Liberty Bank
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

5. Ole Miss (5-6): Last week No. 5
Last Game: L 41-35 vs. LSU @ Tiger Stadium
Next Game: vs. Mississippi State @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 30-27 vs. Arkansas @ Razorback Stadium
Worst Loss: 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Vanderbilt)

T6. Tennessee (4-7): Last week No. 6
Last Game: L 41-18 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Next Game: vs. Kentucky @ Neyland Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: 41-18 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Mississippi State and Vanderbilt)

T6. Arkansas (4-7): Last week No. 7
Last Game: L 45-14 vs. Mississippi State @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. LSU @ Razorback Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)

8. Memphis (3-8): Last week No. 8
Last Game: W 46-9 vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Next Game: vs. Southern Mississippi @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: 46-9 vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-11): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 34-33 UTEP @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Next Game: vs. Memphis @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

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Week 11 TAM Rankings: Three TAM teams still trying to become bowl eligible

November 15, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

Bowl season is almost here and four TAM teams are now bowl eligible after last week’s games. Mississippi State is bowl eligible and remains No. 1 in the rankings despite their third consecutive loss by 20 points or more. They hope to stop their losing streak when they play a desperate Razorbacks team fighting for bowl eligibility. Vanderbilt is going to consecutive bowls for the first time in the school’s history thanks to their one point win over Ole Miss. The Rebels loss dropped them two spots in the rankings, and now they have to win one of their last two games (LSU and Mississippi State) to be bowl eligible in Hugh Freeze’s first season as head coach. Arkansas State and MTSU are headed for an end of the year Sun Belt showdown to decide the conference champion, while Tennessee needs to win out to become bowl eligible. The only bowl Memphis and Southern Mississippi can go to this season is the “Black and Blue Bowl”. Southern Mississippi still has not won a game all season and Memphis is just 2-10. So the “Black and Blue Bowl” should change its name to the “Toilet Bowl” because it may decide who is the worst team in college football.

1. Mississippi State (7-3): Last week No. 1
Last Game: L 37-17 vs. LSU @ Tiger Stadium
Next Game: vs. Arkansas @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Tennessee and MTSU)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

2. Vanderbilt (6-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game:  W 27-26 vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game:  vs. Tennessee @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Best Win:  27-26 vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

3.  Arkansas State (7-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game:  W 45-23 vs. Louisiana-Monroe @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Next Game: vs. Troy @ Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium
Best Win:  45-23 vs. Louisiana-Monroe @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss:  26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4.  MTSU (6-3): Last week No. 5
Last Game:  W 34-29 vs. Western Kentucky @ Smith Stadium
Next Game: vs. South Alabama @ Ladd-Pebbles Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss:  27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

5. Ole Miss (5-5): Last week No. 2
Last Game: L 27-26 vs. Vanderbilt @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Next Game: vs. LSU @ Tiger Stadium
Best Win: 30-27 vs. Arkansas @ Razorback Stadium
Worst Loss: 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Vanderbilt)

6. Tennessee (4-6): Last week No. 6
Last Game: L vs. Missouri @ Neyland Stadium
Next Game: vs. Vanderbilt @ Vanderbilt Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: L 37-20 Florida @ Neyland Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Mississippi State)

7. Arkansas (4-6): Last week No. 7
Last Game: 38-20 vs. South Carolina @ Williams-Brice Stadium
Next Game: vs. Mississippi State @ Davis Wade Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (Ole Miss)

8. Memphis (2-8): Last week No. 8
Last Game: W 37-23 vs. Tulane @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Next Game: vs. UAB @ Legion Field
Best Win: 37-23 vs. Tulane @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (Arkansas State and MTSU)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-10): Last week No. 9
Last Game:  L 34-6 vs. SMU @ Gerald Ford Stadium
Next Game: UTEP @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Best Win:  N/A
Worst Loss:  40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

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Week 10 TAM Rankings: Season is coming to an end for TAM teams

November 8, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

The college football season is coming to an end, and with only three games left in the regular season our TAM teams continue to be tested. Even though Mississippi State got off to a TAM team best 7-0 mark (and rocked some nice all white uniforms this week), they are beginning to fall back to reality suffering losses in consecutive weeks. To make matters worse, the Bulldogs have to travel to Tiger Stadium to take on an upset LSU team fresh of a heartbreaking loss to Alabama. It is fitting that the two teams tied for second in the rankings face off this week when Vanderbilt takes on Ole Miss. Both teams are a win shy of bowl eligibility, so expect a heavily contested game. Arkansas State finds themselves in the driver’s seat for a second Sun Belt Championship thanks to a Louisiana-Monroe loss on Saturday. All the Red Wolves have to do is win out and they will be champions, but in doing so they will have to beat the Warhawks this week. Sun Belt rival and fellow TAM team member MTSU would love to see a Red Wolves win because that would mean a potential end of the year show down between Arkansas State and the Blue Raiders for the conference title. Tennessee and Arkansas continue to disappoint us all as both teams struggled to get wins against lesser competition on Saturday. Memphis and Southern Mississippi continue to loss and are on pace to make the “Black and Blue Bowl” one of the worst in decades.

1. Mississippi State (7-2): Last week No. 1
Last Game: L 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Next Game: vs. LSU @ Tiger Stadium
Best Win: 28-10 vs. Auburn @ Davis Wade Stadium
Worst Loss: 38-13 Texas A&M @ Davis Wade Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 2 (Tennessee and MTSU)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

T2. Ole Miss (5-4): Last week No. 2
Last Game: L 37-10 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Next Game: vs. Vanderbilt @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 30-27 vs. Arkansas @ Razorback Stadium
Worst Loss: 66-31 Texas @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Arkansas)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

T2. Vanderbilt (5-4): Last week No. 3
Last Game: W 40-0 vs. Kentucky @ Commonwealth Stadium
Next Game: vs. Ole Miss @ Vaught-Hemmingway Stadium
Best Win: 40-0 vs. Kentucky @ Commonwealth Stadium
Worst Loss: 48-3 Georgia @ Sanford Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

4. Arkansas State (6-3): Last week No. 4
Last Game: W 37-19 North Texas @ Mean Green Stadium
Next Game: vs. Louisiana-Monroe @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Best Win: 33-28 vs. Memphis @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Worst Loss: 26-13 vs. Western Kentucky @ Liberty Bank Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

5. MTSU (6-3): Last week No. 5
Last Game: W 34-29 vs. Western Kentucky @ Smith Stadium
Next Game: vs. South Alabama @ Ladd-Pebbles Stadium
Best Win: 49-28 vs. Georgia Tech @ Bobby Dodd Stadium
Worst Loss: 27-21 vs. McNeese State @ Floyd Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: 1 (Memphis)
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (MississippiState)

6. Tennessee (4-5): Last week No. 6
Last Game: W 55-48 vs. Troy @ Neyland Stadium
Next Game: vs. Missouri @ Neyland Stadium
Best Win: 35-21 vs. North Carolina State @ Georgia Dome
Worst Loss: L 37-20 Florida @ Neyland Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 1 (MississippiState)

7. Arkansas (4-5): Last week No. 7
Last Game: W 19-15 Tulsa @ Razorback Stadium
Next Game: vs. South Carolina @ Williams-Brice Stadium
Best Win: 24-7 vs. Auburn @ Jordan-Hare Stadium
Worst Loss: 52-0 vs. Alabama @ Razorback Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

8. Memphis (1-8): Last week No. 8
Last Game: L 38-28 vs. Marshall @ Edwards Stadium
Next Game: vs. Tulane @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Best Win: 14-10 vs. Rice @ Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Worst Loss: 20-17 vs. UT-Martin @ Liberty Bowl
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: 2 (ArkansasState and MTSU)

9. Southern Mississippi (0-9): Last week No. 9
Last Game: L 27-19 UAB @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Next Game: vs. SMU @ Gerald Ford Stadium
Best Win: N/A
Worst Loss: 40-14 Boise State @ M.M. Roberts Stadium
Wins Against TAM Teams: N/A
Losses Against TAM Teams: N/A

CJ Hurt covers college football for MemphiSport. Follow him @churtj09 for live tweets from games.

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Filed Under: TAM Rankings, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Arkansas State football, football, Memphis Football, Mississippi State football, MTSU football, Ole Miss Football, Southern Miss football, Tennessee football, Vanderbilt football

Pick ‘Em Up, Dump City, and Backfield Battles – Week 5

October 3, 2012 by Ben Hogan Leave a Comment

This is the third week of this article and the fifth week overall. If you followed the advice over the past couple of weeks (Week 3 & Week 4), then you probably have done pretty well for yourself. Sure a few misses have occurred (Jake Locker – injury, Ramses Barden, Tashard Choice); but a couple of big hits (Brian Hartline – 253 yards!, Mikel Leshoure – Detroit starter, Kyle Rudolph – 2 TD game) as well.

Again this week, be aware of the teams on a bye and don’t get stuck with zero points because your player was off this week. Byes: Cowboys, Lions, Buccaneers, Raiders.

Pick ‘Em Up

QBs

1. Kevin Kolb – Cardinals
Kolb was a huge investment by the Arizona franchise that has not lived up to expectations coming into this season. In fact, John Skelton was the starter for Week 1, but Kolb has taken over the reigns and so far, has made the decision look like a good one. Kolb’s number have improved every week and while it is unreasonable to expect numbers like he put up in Week 4 (324 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs), expect him to be a decent bye week replacement and another guy to plug in if the matchup seems to favor him.

2. Tim Tebow – Jets
Despite what Rex Ryan is saying now, and even ii he does not see much action in Week 5, Tebow will be the starter sooner rather than later if the Jets continue to slide. Tebow provides an interesting option, as he will not go out there and throw for 300 yards, but provides enough offense with

It’s time, it’s time, it’s Tebow time!

his rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. If or when Tebow takes over, his numbers will be downright ugly some weeks for a QB, but the one number that matters, fantasy points, will be high enough to make him a starter in most leagues.

RBs

1. Rashard Mendenhall – Steelers
It is amazing on how a guy being injured for the first games of the season affects how many people own the player on a fantasy team. Mendenhall has been a top pick the past couple of years, being taken in the first and second rounds of drafts. Now it can be understood that folks might have injury concerns on Mendenhall, but wouldn’t a guy like him be worth stashing on the bench for when he does return to form. Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman did the best they could to ensure that Mendenhall will be thrust into the starter’s role once he returns and expect that to happen this week if he passes the strength test; if not, then it will happen next week.

2. Bilal Powell – Jets
The New York Jets are a mess and it wouldn’t be surprising for them to do anything they can to turn the ship around, as mentioned with Tebow. The amount of snaps Powell is in the game for has increased every week and continue to expect that as Shonn Greene’s averages stay down. It is also completely possible for the Jets to go to the dreaded running back by committee, but expect them to give Powell every opportunity to see what they have with him.

3. Jackie Battle – Chargers
Battle is turning heads everywhere as going into the season, he was third on the Chargers’ depth chart behind both Ryan Mathews and Ronnie Brown. Brown never got it going and Mathews, since returning from injury hasn’t gotten it going either. In fact, he has been in Head Coach Norv Turner’s doghouse since he has shown an inability to hold onto the ball. Enter Battle, who showed promise in Kansas City last year and continues to strive this year for another AFC West team. Now saying all this, I still believe Mathews is the number one in SD, but pick up Battle and use him while he has the hot hand and Turner’s trust.

WRs

1. Mike Williams - Buccaneers
Last year was a down year for Williams, who mired through a sophomore slump. He was not completely to blame as the whole Tampa Bay squad went into free fall mode after a blazing start to the 2011 campaign. It appears that last year is behind all of them and Williams is the number two option behind Vincent Jackson and is also a red zone target. Look for him to approach his rookie season totals as opposed to what he had last year.

2. James Jones – Packers
The Green Bay Packers are a high powered offense and will put up the points. Folks were worried about the Packers offense because it looked sluggish in the first few games of the season. The fact of the matter is they were playing some of the best defenses in the league and those performances were more on the defenses rather than the Packers’ offense. Jones will be the number two or three receiver for the Packers depending on the health of Greg Jennings. Expect Aaron Rodgers to look Jones’ way many times a game and the points will pile up, so pick him up.

Future gas pumper or future fantasy factor?? I’m thinking the latter.

3. Alshon Jeffery – Bears
Brandon Marshall finally had a breakout performance this past Monday Night and other than fantasy owners, the person to benefit the most from it is the rookie from South Carolina. Jeffery has the build to be a top receiver and appears to be that guy that the Bears were always looking for, except now they have two. Defenses will key on Marshall which should leave Jeffery to prosper. Not too bad for someone that Lane Kiffin said “will end up pumping gas the rest of his life.”

TEs

1. Scott Chandler - Bills
This one is easy. A two touchdown performance this past Sunday probably put Chandler on many fantasy radars. He is a big time red zone target and look for the Bills to set up the pass with the run game and Chandler will be looked for a lot underneath.

2. Greg Olsen – Panthers
He was seen as a possible sleeper at the beginning of the season as the only Tight End target in Carolina with the off season departure of Jeremy Shockey. Two less than stellar performances at the beginning of the season led him to “Dump City.” Now, it looks as though he is firmly entrenched in the game plan and will be used often as a safety valve for Cam Newton.

DST

Minnesota Vikings
They are the defense pickup of the week if you are looking for someone to plug in for the week. The Vikings D had two return scores last week and are facing the Tennessee Titans this week and that is a favorable matchup.

Dump City

1. Mark Ingram – Saints
Ingram looks like the odd man out as it seems that Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas will get the most looks in the New Orleans backfield. Ingram was expected to be the goal line back for the Saints, but with their offense struggling, his opportunities to score have been scarce. Unless he turns it around quickly, Ingram isn’t worth holding onto.

2. Peyton Hillis – Chiefs
Jamaal Charles is back and looks like he is in 2010 form that took the NFL by storm. That is bad news for Hillis owners as he has not looked good and it seems he won’t get much action unless the Chiefs are far ahead or far behind.

3. Titus Young - Lions
He is one big play away from being just a total disappointment. Young caught the ‘Hail Mary’ pass at the end of regulation in the Lions/Titans game to send it into overtime. Unfortunately, that’s really all the production he has had. Drop him.

Backfield Battles

1. Washington Redskins – As mentioned in the Week 3 article, the Redskins will be in here just because of their Head Coach Mike Shanahan. Roy Helu hit the IR last week, but the Redskins went out and signed Ryan Grant. Alfred Morris should still get 90% of the carries, but it should be interesting to watch on how Grant will be used in the offense.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers – Rashard Mendenhall should be the starter from here on out. Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman will split the rest of the carries. Mendenhall might not get the bulk this week as they ease him into the offense, but you need to grab him now.

3. Buffalo Bills - Tashard Choice was the chic pickup last week until Friday when it was announced that CJ Spiller might indeed play and play he did. Spiller and Fred Jackson, both nursing injuries didn’t look too sharpe, but to be fair the Bills were playing from behind most of the 2nd half and stayed away from the run. Look for Spiller to be used more as a pass catcher out of the backfield and for Fred Jackson to be used closer to the goal line.

4. Atlanta Falcons – Michael Turner delayed Jacquizz Rodgers ascendence to the lead back for at least another week by putting together a good performance. Rodgers still expected to be the lead back by season’s end, so keep an eye on that.

Ben Hogan is the producer of MSL and a long-time fantasy sports guru. Follow him @NotTheGolfer for any fantasy or lineup questions throughout the week.

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Add, Ben Hogan, Drop, Dump City, Fantasy Football, football, Ingram, Packers, Steelers, Tebow

NFL Week 4: Pick ‘Em Up, Dump City, and Backfield Battles

September 26, 2012 by Ben Hogan Leave a Comment

Once again, it is time for waiver wire pickups and here are some of the guys that need to be picked up. Also, bye weeks start, so depth is an important issue as well as being aware of which teams are on a bye week this week. Pittsburgh and Indianapolis do not play this week, so set your lineup accordingly.

Pick ‘Em Up

QBs

1. Jake Locker – Titans
It looks like the Titans are going to have to be a pass heavy offense since they cannot get the ground game going. It might be the offensive line, but also could be Chris Johnson being a step slower and little hesitant once he gets the ball. Nonetheless, Locker looks like he can handle it and has the weapons to succeed in Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, Jared Cook, and rookie Kendall Wright. Pick him up and play him when the matchup seems

Jake Locker has stepped up for the Titans with their lack of a run game.

right.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick – Bills
Fitz is a Top-10 QB right now and with the news that CJ Spiller’s injury is not severe expect him to continue to strive. Spiller provides that safety valve that QBs love to have, he can turn a dump pass into a 75 yard TD and Fitz gets points for that too. This week Buffalo takes on New England, expect a shootout and a lot of fantasy points in that one.

RBs

1. Tashard Choice – Bills
Two Bills to pick up? Yes, Choice will be the man getting the carries this week in Buffalo. This is just a bye week replacement as Spiller will be out this week, Fred Jackson will return, but at what capacity is still unknown. If you have somebody on your bench worth dropping, it would be advisable.
2. Jacquizz Rodgers – Falcons
This guy was mentioned in last week’s article – Week 3 - in the backfield battles segment. He keeps getting more and more touches in the high-powered Falcons offense. He can also catch passes out of the backfield, which makes him more valuable for Atlanta and your fantasy team. He still may not be the starter in Atlanta right now, but after this week, he might not be available on the waiver wire for you to pick up.

WRs

1. Andrew Hawkins – Bengals
Hawkins has quietly put together a good season so far as the Bengals number two receiver. His fantasy points have increased each week and even

Andy Dalton has a new number two in Cincinnati.

though he might level off, he will still get between six and eight passes thrown his way a game. Also, the emergence of AJ Green as a Top 3 receiver in the NFL will allow Hawkins to see single coverage all season.
2. Ramses Barden – Giants
He could be Kevin Ogletree, which really hasn’t done much since his breakout performance opening night. He also could end up being one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets by the end of the season. He had nine catches this past week and with Hakeem Nicks injury history he could see the playing field very often this season. Even if he won’t get the start next week, definitely worth having for when he does get the call.

TEs

1. Heath Miller – Steelers
An oldie, but goodie. Miller has been in the league for a while and this year looks like a comeback year him. He has at least one touchdown in each week and seems to be striving as Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown are getting all the defenses’ attention.
2. Dennis Pitta – Ravens
It seems that no matter who the TE is in Baltimore, he will succeed. Flacco loves to use his tight end and Pitta is his favorite target as he leads the Ravens in receptions. His success will continue as long as “Joe Cool” is behind center.

DSTs

- Cardinals
It’s surprising how people have not jumped on these guys and picked them up. Now, it is reasonable to not think the Cardinals as a team are for real, but it is their offense that is keeping them down. The defense has been remarkable and they also have one of the best return men in the league in Patrick Peterson. Arizona plays the Dolphins this week, pick them up if they are available.

Dump City

1. Robert Meachem – Chargers
The guy that looked like he could be Philip Rivers’ favorite target coming into the season has been a huge disappointment. Malcolm Floyd and Antonio Gates are those guys, also Ryan Mathews returned and that’s more bad news for Meachem.
2. Roy Helu – Redskins
He was just placed on IR by the Redskins, so his season is over, but for some reason he is owned in way too many leagues. Helu owners more than likely took him in hopes that he would succeed in Shanahan’s offense, instead Alfred Morris has been that guy.
3. Shane Vereen – Patriots
When fantasy drafts were first starting it looked as if New England was going to be a time-share backfield between Vereen and Stevan Ridley. Vereen’s injury problems along with Ridley doing nothing wrong has put Vereen as the backup and therefore brings minimal fantasy value to your squad.
4. Replacement Refs
Too easy.

We can all agree – Dump these guys!

Backfield Battles

1. Washington Redskins
Again, they will be mentioned every week just because of Mike Shanahan and his tendency to switch his running backs whenever he feels like it. Alfred Morris is still the man to own in the Redskins backfield. Keep an eye on newly signed Ryan Grant and Evan Royster, but there are plenty of better options out there to get fantasy points than those two.
2. Arizona Cardinals
The door has finally opened for Ryan Williams to take over the reigns of the Cardinals’ backfield. Beanie Wells was injured in this past Sunday’s game against the Eagles and Williams flourished, picking up 83 yards on only 13 carries. While he has not found the end zone, expect that to change this week.
3. New York Jets
Last year it looked as if Shonn Greene might have turned the corner and into the running back the Jets thought they were getting when he drafted out of Iowa. This year, he reverted back to his old form in which the team has him on a short leash. Bilal Powell has gotten more and more action as the weeks go on. Expect the Jets to stick with Greene for the time being, but if he continues to struggle look for Powell to pick up the slack.
4. Atlanta Falcons
They make another appearance here as Jacquizz Rodgers looks to be the back of the future. He is used in the passing game and Michael Turner just has too many miles on his legs to where he won’t be getting the workload that he used to.

Ben Hogan is the producer of MSL and a long-time fantasy sports guru. Follow him @NotTheGolfer for any fantasy or lineup questions throughout the week.

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, Features, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Adds, Bills, Drops, Dump City, Falcons, Fantasy, football, Locker, Meachem, Refs, Sports, Titans, Waivers

Fantasy Football Rankings: Week 3

September 20, 2012 by Ben Hogan Leave a Comment

Every week, rankings will be posted by Thursday afternoon in order to set your lineup accordingly. After the Thursday game the rankings will be adjusted whenever injury news comes out to ensure that you will have the best lineup for the week.

Cutler will rebound quite nicely against the Rams this week.

QBs

1. Drew Brees – NO vs Kansas City
2. Matt Stafford – Det vs Tennessee                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Robert Griffin III – Was vs Cincinnati                                                                                                                                                                                                                           4. Aaron Rodgers – GB vs Seattle
5. Tom Brady – NE vs Baltimore                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Matt Ryan – Atl vs San Diego
7. Ben Roethlisberger – Pit vs Oakland
8. Tony Romo – Dal vs Tampa Bay
9. Jay Cutler – Chi vs St. Louis
10. Philip Rivers – SD vs Atlanta
11. Michael Vick – Phi vs Arizona                                                                                                                                                                                        12. Peyton Manning – Den vs Houston                                                                                                                                                                             13. Matt Schaub – Hou vs Denver
14. Andrew Luck – Ind vs Jacksonville
15. Joe Flacco – Bal vs New England
16. Alex Smith – SF – Minnesota
17. Andy Dalton – Cin vs Washington
18. Matt Cassel – KC vs New Orleans                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      19. Carson Palmer Oak vs Pittsburgh                                                                                                                                                                                                                              20. Josh Freeman – TB vs Dallas

CJ Spiller has gone from a backup on his team, to a must start every week.

RBs

1. Ray Rice – Bal vs New England
2. Maurice Jones-Drew – Jac vs Indianapolis
3. CJ Spiller – Buf vs Cleveland
4. Arian Foster – Hou vs Denver
5. LeSean McCoy – Phi vs Arizona
6. DeMarco Murray – Dal vs Tampa Bay
7. Michael Bush – Chi vs St. Louis
8. Darren McFadden – Oak vs Pittsburgh
9. Marshawn Lynch – Sea vs Green Bay
10. Trent Richardson – Cle vs Buffalo
11. Reggie Bush – Mia vs New York Jets
12. Ryan Mathews – SD vs Atlanta
13. Frank Gore – SF vs Minnesota
14. Doug Martin – TB vs Dallas
15. BenJarvus Green-Ellis – Cin vs Washington
16. Darren Sproles – NO vs Kansas City
17. Adrian Peterson – Min vs San Francisco
18. Chris Johnson – Ten vs Detroit
19. Stevan Ridley – NE vs Baltimore
20. Jamaal Charles – KC vs New Orleans
21. Alfred Morris – Was vs Cincinnati
22. Willis McGahee – Den vs Houston
23. Donald Brown – Ind vs Jacksonville
24. Shonn Greene – NYJ vs Miami
25. Steven Jackson – STL vs Chicago
26. Cedric Benson – GB vs Seattle
27. Michael Turner – Atl vs San Diego
28. Ben Tate – Hou vs Denver
29. Jonathan Dwyer – Pit vs Oakland 30. Kevin Smith – Det vs Tennessee

WRs

1. Calvin Johnson – Det vs Tennessee
2. AJ Green – Cin vs Washington
3. Julio Jones – Atl vs San Diego
4. Andre Johnson – Hou vs Denver
5. Brandon Marshall – Chi vs St. Louis
6. Mike Wallace – Pit vs Oakland
7. Roddy White – Atl vs San Diego
8. Larry Fitzgerald – Ari vs Philadelphia
9. Percy Harvin – Min vs San Francisco
10. Dez Bryant – Dal vs Tampa Bay
11. Dwayne Bowe – KC vs New Orleans
12. Miles Austin – Dal vs Tampa Bay
13. Jordy Nelson – GB vs Seattle
14. Marques Colston – NO vs Kansas City
15. Steve Johnson – Buf vs Cleveland
16. Antonio Brown – Pit vs Oakland
17. Reggie Wayne – Ind vs Jacksonville
18. Vincent Jackson – TB vs Dallas
19. Demaryius Thomas – Den vs Houston
20. Pierre Garcon – Was vs Cincinnati
21. Brandon Lloyd – NE vs Baltimore
22. Danny Amendola – STL vs Chicago
23. Greg Jennings – GB vs Seattle
24. Malcolm Floyd – SD vs Atlanta
25. DeSean Jackson – Phi vs Arizona
26. Wes Welker – NE vs Baltimore
27. Kenny Britt – Ten vs Detroit
28. Eric Decker – Den vs Houston 29. Denarius Moore – Oak vs Pittsburgh 30. Santonio Holmes – NYJ vs Miami

TEs

1. Jimmy Graham – NO vs Kansas City
2. Rob Gronkowski – NE vs Baltimore
3. Vernon Davis – SF vs Minnesota
4. Antonio Gates – SD vs Atlanta
5. Tony Gonzalez – Atl vs San Diego
6. Brandon Pettigrew – Det vs Tennessee
7. Jason Witten – Dal vs Tampa Bay
8. Brent Celek – Phi vs Arizona
9. Jermichael Finley – GB vs Seattle
10. Kyle Rudolph – Min vs San Francisco
11. Dennis Pitta – Bal vs New England
12. Jared Cook – Ten vs Detroit
13. Jacob Tamme – Den vs Houston
14. Owen Daniels – Hou vs Denver
15. Fred Davis – Was vs Cincinnati 16. Coby Fleener – Ind vs Jacksonville

DSTs

1. 49ers vs Minnesota
2. Bears vs St. Louis
3. Steelers vs Oakland
4. Jets vs Miami
5. Texans vs Denver
6. Lions vs Tennessee
7. Eagles vs Arizona
8. Bills vs Cleveland
9. Seahawks vs Green Bay
10. Ravens vs New England
11. Falcons vs San Diego
12. Cardinals vs Philadelphia
13. Dolphins vs New York Jets
14. Cowboys vs Tampa Bay
15. Broncos vs Houston
16. Patriots vs Baltimore

1. David Akers – SF vs Minnesota
2. Mason Crosby – GB vs Seattle
3. Stephen Gostkowski – NE vs Baltimore
4. Sebastian Janikowski – Oak vs Pittsburgh
5. Justin Tucker – Bal vs New England
6. Garrett Hartley – NO vs Kansas City
7. Nate Kaeding – SD vs Atlanta
8. Matt Bryant – Atl vs San Diego
9. Billy Cundiff – Was vs St. Louis
10. Matt Prater – Den vs Houston
11. Jason Hanson – Det vs Tennessee
12. Dan Bailey – Dal vs Tampa Bay
13. Robbie Gould – Chi vs St. Louis
14. Alex Henery – Phi vs Arizona
15. Shayne Graham – Hou vs Denver
16. Connor Barth – TB vs Dallas

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Chris Johnson, Cutler, Fantasy Football, football, NFL, Titans

NFL Week 3: Pick ‘Em Up, Dump City, and Backfield Battles

September 19, 2012 by Ben Hogan 2 Comments

Each week in fantasy football, a few players are available in more than a quarter of leagues that need to be picked up, and plenty of other players are owned that need to be let go. To help you improve your chances of fantasy football dominance, here is a list of the players to pick up and dump this week.

Pick Em Up

QBs

1. Sam Bradford – Rams
So far, the 2012 version of Sam Bradford is what a lot of people expected to see last year. He has been solid over the first two weeks of the season, posting a 4:1 TD/Interception ratio. In Week 1, Bradford lost a couple starting offensive lineman, but posted even better numbers in the Rams win over the Redskins. Go ahead and pick him up and play him if the matchup seems favorable.

Luck is moving along just fine in Indianapolis

2. Andrew Luck – Colts
The number 1 overall pick of this year’s draft has not gotten that much love in Fantasy Football, as the number 2 pick, RGIII, has just exploded onto the scene. Luck got his first career win this past week and showed much improvement from the first week. He spreads the ball out plenty in Indianapolis, which keeps the defense on its’ toes. Luck is still a backup, but could end up being a fantasy starter by the end of the season.
3. Carson Palmer – Raiders
Ok, there is a chance that I could tell you to drop Palmer in two weeks. Palmer is averaging over 350 yards a game and has yet to throw an interception. The only problem is that he has just one TD pass in those two games. Expect Palmer to start throwing downfield more, which could be bad as Palmer is known to throw some bad balls every once in a while. But, as long as Palmer is keeping the mistakes at a minimum, then he is worth owning as a backup in your league.

RBs

1. Andre Brown – Giants
Ahmad Bradshaw went down during the Giants comeback win against Tampa Bay, and Andre Brown stepped right in and the Giants didn’t miss a beat. There is a possibility that Bradshaw could be out a few weeks with a neck injury and it looks as if Tom Coughlin will be giving Brown starter reps instead of rookie David Wilson.
2. Mikel Leshoure – Lions
Many people might have not even heard of Leshoure, as he missed all of last season, which was his rookie season, due to a torn achilles. He also missed the first two games of this season due to suspension. Now, why am I saying that one should pick this guy up? He will be the starter in Detroit sooner rather than later.

McCluster may be catching passes out of the slot, but his RB eligibility boosts his value.

3. Dexter McCluster – Chiefs
Now for a name that everybody around here is familiar with. McCluster was used very often in the first week and happened to be QB Matt Cassel’s favorite target. In Week 2, he wasn’t targeted as much because he a slot guy used for slants and short pickups. He is listed under RB because in most leagues he is one of a few players that can be used as either a RB or a WR and will be relied on in fantasy leagues once bye weeks start.
4. Daryl Richardson – Rams
Keep an eye on this guy, as he entered the Rams past game when starter Steven Jackson had to leave with an injury. He excelled in replacing Jackson and if this injury lingers for him, then Richardson would turn into the Rams feature back and would be worth owning in all leagues.

WRs

1. Danny Amendola – Rams
Twelve catches…. in the first half!! Yes, he has quickly become Bradford’s favorite target and should be picked up in all leagues. He will targeted early and often in the Rams offense. Don’t expect him to get sixteen looks every game like he did in Week 2, but 8-10 a week is not out of the question.
2. Brandon LaFell – Panthers
Somebody has to be the number two WR in Carolina and it looks to be LaFell. Smith has been a little bit injured and will also see double teams, which should free up LaFell to prosper for the Panthers.
3. Brian Hartline – Dolphins Davone Bess did all the talking before the season, but Brian Hartline looks like he might be the guy in Miami to approach a hundred catches instead. He has led the Dolphins in receptions the past two games. One drawback is that he lacks the breakaway speed to be a deep threat, but with Tannehill being eased along as a rookie, Hartline will be looked at often.

4. Greg Little – Browns
Good news: He is the number one WR for Cleveland. Bad news: He is the number one WR for Cleveland. Little is one of those type of players that has the talent to be a top 15 receiver, but unfortunately his QB (Brandon Weedon) isn’t really good. He will frustrate you one week, but put up outstanding numbers the next. He is worth having if he does break out, as he is most likely guy to do so that is available in majority of leagues.

TEs

1. Martellus Bennett – Giants
I really don’t know why Bennett is available in so many league. If anybody likes their TEs as much as Brady and Peyton like theirs it’s Eli. Every year the Giants’ TE, whomever it may be, puts up good fantasy points. Jake Ballard and Kevin Boss were not as athletic as Bennett is and Bennett also has a chip on his shoulder. All good news for fantasy owners.
2. Brent Celek – Eagles
It looks like the Eagles are going to just let Vick throw the ball this season. Celek is Vick’s third option behind Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, which means he should have many passes thrown his way.

Brent Celek has turned into on of Michael Vick’s favorite targets.

3. Kyle Rudolph – Vikings
He has emerged as the Vikings’ second option and will see a lot of passes in the red zone. That means TDs and fantasy points.

DSTs

- Bills
Each week I will put in a Defense you should look at if your defense is on a bye week or has an unfavorable matchup. The Bills play the Browns this week, need I say more?

Dump City

1. Andy Dalton – Bengals
Dalton is a safe guy to have, but will not win you weeks. He is one of those guys that is a better NFL starter than a fantasy starter. Decent start this week, but things will get tougher when he plays Baltimore and Pittsburgh twice each.
2. Beanie Wells – Cardinals
I would love to tell you to go and pick up Ryan Williams because he will be taking over as starter for Wells, but just like Cardinals’ QBs, I really wouldn’t want any of the Cardinals’ RBs. Yes, I know they are 2-0
3. Isaac Redman – Steelers
Redman was expected to be the starter coming in this season with Mendenhall on the shelf, but Dwyer has been getting the majority of the carries and when Mendenhall does return, Redman should slide down to the number three RB in Pittsburgh.
4. David Wilson – Giants
The rookie had a rough start to his NFL career, fumbling in his first game. Since then, he has been in Coughlin’s doghouse. Wilson might see an uptick in number of carries if Bradshaw is on the shelf for an extended period of time, but he isn’t worth taking up a roster slot.
5. Mario Manningham – 49ers
He is the fourth option in San Francisco. He will have a few games in which he might get close to 60 or 70 yards and a TD, but will also go games without getting a catch.

Backfield Battles

1. Washington Redskins
Redskins will be a featured team weekly. The reason is because Mike Shanahan just goes with what feels right for the week. Many fantasy owners have been burned by Shanahan’s backs. Right now, he is going with Alfred Morris who will get the majority of carries, but don’t be surprised if one week Roy Helu or Evan Royster get more than twenty carries. Good luck and don’t get “Shanahan’d”
2. Detroit Lions
Kevin Smith had a great first week, but a disappointing second week. The Lions have Mikel Leshoure coming back and he is expected to take over as the starter close to his return. Also, don’t forget the Lions also have Jahvid Best coming back sometime soon. Look for Smith to again be the lead back this week, but Leshoure will be starting after the Lions bye week (Week 5).
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
This is another situation in which a player coming back will take away from guys getting the carries now. Rashard Mendenhall is still a few weeks away, but should take the starting role back upon his return. Jonathan Dwyer has been serviceable in his duty as the starter, but unless he posts back-to-back impressive performances, he will slide into the backup role.
4. Atlanta Falcons
This team was not in the backfield battle when I first wrote this last night, but the late night DUI arrest of Michael Turner makes this interesting. Turner has looked slower this year, and the 300 carries a year for three of the past four years has seemed to take a toll on him. I expected Jacquizz Rodgers to be the Falcons’ starter by the end of the year, but if Turner is suspended soon, Rodgers’ time could be coming up quickly.
5. Arizona Cardinals
I mentioned this situation when I talked about dropping Beanie Wells. Wells has not been what the Cardinals thought he would when they drafted him out of Ohio State, so they are looking for any reason to replace him. Arizona drafted Ryan Williams last year, but he went down in the preseason and Wells was given another season to prove himself. Well, they still aren’t impressed, but Williams fumbled when trying to run out the clock and almost cost them the game. So, based on all that, Wells is still the guy, but it is a fluid situation in the desert.

Ben Hogan is the producer of MSL and a long-time fantasy sports guru. Follow him @NotTheGolfer for any fantasy or lineup questions throughout the week.

Filed Under: Fantasy Sports, The Big Features, Web Exclusives Tagged With: Backfield, Dexter, Dexter McCluster, Dump City, Falcons, Fantasy Football, football, Luck, NFL, Pick 'Em Up

The Front Nine: Coach Bill Courtney

April 18, 2012 by C.J. Hurt Leave a Comment

This article originally appeared in the April 2012 issue of MemphiSport

Coach Bill Courtney has gone from local high school coach to nation wide star in a matter of months. The documentary Undefeated, about the Manassas Tigers 2009 football season, has gained nationwide attention thanks to its intimate portrayal of inner city athletics. Before Courtney arrived at Manassas, the program that had never won a football playoff game, and its’ players were more likely to go to jail than to college.

With so many great and memorable moments during your time at Manassas High School, which one makes you the proudest?

There were 19 seniors on the 2009 team and 19 of them went to college. That makes me the .proudest. And I do not mean that they went to play college football. I mean went to college. There was a scene where Aaron asked the kids how many of them had a mother and father who both went to college and nobody raised their hand out of 70 kids. And then he asked how many people have a family member incarcerated and every one of them raised their hand. We are talking about a zip code where kids are more likely to go to jail than to college, and 19 kids graduated off of that 2009 team and 19 went to college. So that has to be the thing I am most proud of.

When did you know or feel like Manassas had turned the corner from being a bad football team to a good or respectable team?

Going into the 2006 season. And it was not because I felt like I had more talent, but because that was a group of juniors and seniors that I had been with for three years. They had come up understanding that X’s and O’s was secondary to character, discipline, and commitment. So as upperclassmen they started tutoring the new freshmen and sophomores coming into the program on how to act. Not how to play football, but how to act. And I knew once I had that kind of leadership based in the right fundamentals that we were going to start getting good, and we did.

How did you stop the filming of the documentary from becoming a distraction for your team?

Dan (Lindsey), Rich, and TJ (Martin) were 30 year old guys with no credit to their name except a documentary on beer pong for God’s sake. There was no crew; it was just two guys carrying around camcorders. We did not think this was going to be a major production, but the opposite. We thought we might see this thing buried on channel 365 at three in the morning some random Wednesday. They went to graduation, prom, they taught a film class, they were at chalk talk playbook studies, they were at practice and games. So the truth is you were cognizant of the fact that two guys were running around with cameras, but because they were so consistent and always around that they blended into the team.

Did anything happen during the movie that you were not aware of while the movie was taking place?

Yep, the scene where I am walking away from my son’s football game carrying his equipment. I did not know they filmed that, and the first time I watched the movie, that scene about broke me down. Earlier in the movie I talked about my relationship with my father. Then I am watching the movie for the first time and that scene comes up. I did not know they were filming, I had no idea it was in the movie, and it was so intimate for me that the scene hit me in the face hard. It really showed how my life from 15 years old to 43 years old had come full circle.

Is there anything you would do differently?

Yeah, absolutely! I would not have called pro right trap left.

If there was one message you want a young person to take from the documentary what would it be?

Do right. Every human being who is born on this Earth knows right from wrong. It is just whether or not they choose to do right. If you do right you will be disciplined, committed, and people will be willing to give you an opportunity to get out of your circumstances. So do right, because if you do right you cannot do wrong. None of this has to be complicated. If you do right and realize that your foundation cannot be a football then you will do fine. If you get off track of that then you are going to end up falling on your butt.

Which actor should play you in the remake?

Man I don’t care. I leave that up to the artist. But Chris Farley is dead so I do not know what they will do.

Did you or Manassas get an Oscar?

No, that is for the producers and directors and stuff. It is enough that a documentary, made about our lives, is an Oscar winner. We do not need a 14 inch piece of metal to validate us. We did what we did and we are who we are. Our story has garnered attention from the entire country, and brought heart felt emotions from places we didn’t even know existed. That is what matters, not some stupid statue.

Was the most memorable thing about being at the Academy Awards?

I had just finished an interview with Ryan Seacrest and when I turned to go to the next reporter and I bumped into somebody. So when I turned around to apologize it was George Clooney. When I stuck my hand out to say, “Excuse me George, hi I am Bill Courtney,” he says, “Hey coach! How are you?” And I thought if George Clooney recognizes me this thing has gotten to be pretty big.

Which rags to riches story best exemplifies the documentary Mighty Ducks, Blind Side, or Bad News Bears?

Bad News Bears because it is a story about kids who were not doing anything with their life. Who turned it around and got better. And a very unlikely coach who led them.

What do you mean when you say football does not build character it reveals it?

You don’t have control over anything but your soul, your character, your worth and what goes on inside of you. So something as trivial as football game is not going to build character. What builds character is our recognition that the only thing you have control over at the end of the day is how you walk, how you handle yourself, your character, your discipline, your commitment, your courage, your honor. And then, the trials that are put in front of you throughout your life reveals the character that you built. I do not think football or working hard builds anything, what builds character is something of much greater depth than just football.

Photo Courtesy of Manassas High School

Filed Under: The Front Nine Tagged With: football, High School, Manassas, Preps