CFB Waiver Wire: Players to Pick Up Week 13

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Published on November 23, 2020

It was an eventful Week 12 as there were some noteworthy upsets and fantastic fantasy performances across all of the leagues. We now turn our attention to the College Football Playoff committee as they come out with their highly anticipated rankings this upcoming Tuesday. Before we get that far into the week though, we need to take care of business on the waiver wire. Here are the guys that came through in my recommendations and balled out this last week:

Texas State QB Brady McBride (42.1 points) – Arkansas State's defense is so bad!
Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong (39.5 points) – Averaging 33.5 fantasy points in the last three!
Oregon QB Tyler Shough (31.5 points) – Two straight games with 300+ passing yards & 3 TDs!
Arkansas QB Feleipe Franks (29.9 points) – Five games with double-digit totes!
BYU RB Tyler Allgeier (29.1 points) – 11 TDs for the undefeated Cougars!
Iowa St WR Xavier Hutchinson (26.1 points) – Top receiver on an underrated Cyclones squad!
Eastern Michigan QB Preston Hutchinson (25.8 points) – 11 Total TDs in three games!
Rice WR Austin Trammell (25.6 points) – Elite when the Owls take the field!

A week after causing the postponement of 15 games, COVID-19 continued the carnage with 18 games affected by the virus. It hit my article particularly hard this last week as I had five position players and two defenses wiped out. With my article needing to go out so early, nothing I can really do about the

Slate Background: With it being a holiday week, there's no college football until Thursday when a quartet of Mountain West teams play on Thanksgiving (Colorado State at Air Force & New Mexico at Utah State). Since most people will have their attention on the NFL games on Turkey Day, get ready for a jam-packed Friday which includes Iowa State at Texas, Notre Dame at North Carolina and Oregon at Oregon State. The slate doesn't end there with a full Saturday highlighted by Auburn at Alabama in the Iron Bowl.

*Fantasy Points referenced in article are DK format.
**To qualify for recommendations, players must be owned in less than 50 percent of Fantrax Leagues

AAC

Greg McCrae, RB, UCF
McCrae's volume has been hit or miss this season as he platoons with Otis Anderson in the Golden Knights' backfield. Anderson is owned in more fantasy leagues, however, McCrae has been the touchdown vulture with a score in seven of eight games, including five straight for UCF. In fact, his eight touchdowns has him averaging 13.6 fantasy points per contest which ranks fifth among AAC running backs and ahead of Anderson's average of 11.5 fantasy points per contest. I would expect both Anderson and McCrae to have big weeks against South Florida who is giving up 208.8 rushing yards per game.

Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
As most of you know, I'm always on the look-out for up-and-coming tight ends as they are one of the hardest positions to roster in all of college football. Whyle had his best game at UCF with five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown. The sophomore has at least three catches in each of his last four games and is becoming a bigger part of the offense since the Bearcats know they need to put up a ton of points to climb as far as they can in the College Football Playoff rankings. Whyle ranks third in the conference with 24 catches behind SMU's Kylen Granson (32 catches) and Memphis' Sean Dykes (36 catches).

Week 12 Rewind; Houston QB Clayton Tune (Game Postponed due to COVID-19) & East Carolina RB Rahjai Harris (7.7 points – 14 carries for 65 yards, 12-yard reception)

ACC

Brennan Armstrong, QB, Virginia
Were that many people really burned by Armstrong in his early injury in the NC State game in Week 6 as he is still owned in just 33 percent of Fantrax Leagues? This is absolutely insane when you consider he's a top-five fantasy player in the ACC Conference with 29.0 fantasy points per game. A dual-threat quarterback of Armstrong's talent should not be available in any fantasy format at this point. He has a dream match-up this week when the Cavs play at Florida State who is giving up 464.3 yards of offense per contest. As long as Armstrong can finish the game out, the likelihood for a 30+ fantasy point performance is high.

Mataeo Durant, RB, Duke
Duke and Georgia Tech could be a sneaky good fantasy match-up this week as both of their defenses can't really stop anyone right now. While Durant technically backs up Deon Jackson, he's been the better back with three 100-yard rushing games in his last four appearances. He's also seen a small uptick in the pass-game with five catches for 55 yards on five targets in those four games. I would expect that Durant will see enough volume in games at Georgia Tech and at home versus Florida State to make it worth it for fantasy owners in a pinch at the RB position. Durant's big play ability gives your fantasy team considerably more upside if it's needed.

Week 12 Rewind; Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong (39.5 points – 16/23, 383 yards, 4 TD, 52 rushing yards on six attempts) & Wake Forest WR Jaquarii Roberson (Game Cancelled due to COVID-19)

BIG 12

Max Duggan, QB, TCU
Although my gut is screaming to recommend RB Zach Evans, Duggan is likely the only sure thing for the TCU offense against a Kansas defense that gives up 468.6 yards per game, including 213.7 yards on the ground. Duggan actually prefers to run the ball and has double-digit carries in five of his seven contests this season. If he can repeat his rushing performance versus Texas Tech in Week 10 with 19 carries for 154 yards and three touchdowns, his fantasy owners who choose to pick him up will be more than happy.

Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State
No reason to move away from Hutchinson who ranks second in the Big 12 Conference with 41 catches, especially considering that the Cyclones are playing their best football right now. Hutchinson has the benefit of having a great quarterback in Brock Purdy and an elite running back in Breece Hall which means he'll have his opportunities each and every week. The number one receiver has at least five catches in four of his last five games and goes up against a Texas secondary that can be beat in an early afternoon Friday tilt.

Week 12 Rewind; Texas RB Bijan Robinson (Game Postponed due to COVID-19) & Iowa State WR Xavier Hutchinson (26.1 points – Six catches for 111 yards, 1 TD)

BIG TEN

Michael Penix & Ty Fryfogle, QB & WR, Indiana
Time to go all-in on the Hoosiers offense as both Penix and Fryfogle rank fourth and ninth respectably in fantasy scoring per game in the Big 10 Conference. Fryfogle is coming off back-to-back 200-yard receiving games and is good for double-digit targets each and every week. Indiana's style of up-tempo football neutralizes the strength of the opponent's defense as that was on full display against the Buckeyes. Penix has been extremely efficient this season with 16 total touchdowns versus just four interceptions. They shouldn't have any problems putting up a ton of points against Maryland who have the conference's worst defense through their first three games.

Jake Funk, RB, Maryland
Sticking with that game between the Hoosiers and Terrapins, let's go with Funk who is averaging 18.4 fantasy points per contest which ranks third in a conference that is known for their running backs. Ohio State's Master Teague just ate up Indiana to the tune of 169 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries (6.5 YPC), so there's no reason to believe Funk can't have some success in this one. He also has some desirable match-ups to finish the rest of the season with Michigan and Rutgers, so go out and get Funk who is available in the majority of leagues.

Week 12 Rewind; Purdue RB Zander Horvath (16.8 points – 10 rushes for 68 yards, five catches for 50 yards) & Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz (10.5 points – 23/41, 230 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT, 13 rushing yards)

C-USA

Jason Bean, QB, North Texas
Believe it or not, but Bean is the conference's top fantasy player with 29.5 points per game in four contests. The majority of that is from a five-touchdown game against Middle Tennessee in Week 7, yet we are talking the C-USA here, so it's not like they have a bunch of solid defenses. North Texas has the conference's worst defense, so it's very possible that Bean has yet another solid outing at UTSA in Week 13. Bean isn't the type of passer who is going to light it up through the air, however, he will rack up a bunch of rushing yardage which is just as good in the fantasy game.

Austin Trammell, WR, Rice
Trammell is just too good to not keep beating this drum as he is still owned in just 43 percent of Fantrax leagues. While the Owls have been high risk for actually seeing the field this season, Trammell was able to impress this last week with six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown against North Texas. In just three games, he already has six touchdowns which ranks second behind North Texas' Jaelon Darden (11 TD) who has played in double the amount of games this year. If Rice can play UTEP, Marshall and UAB to end the season, Trammell could help bring home a fantasy championship for your squad.

*Old Dominion is not playing in Fall 2020

Week 12 Rewind; Rice WR Austin Trammell (25.6 points – Six catches, 116 yards, 1 TD) & Marshall QB Grant Wells (Postponed due to COVID-19)

MAC

De'Montre Tuggle, RB, Ohio
The Bobcats were not able to take the field this past week as they had too many players with COVID-19 issues. With it being a holiday week, MACtion will be delayed until Friday and Saturday, so it's anticipated that it should be enough time for Ohio to get back to the gridiron. Perfect timing as Tuggle gets to go up against a Bowling Green defense that is giving up 333.7 rushing yards per game which ranks dead last in the nation by quite a bit. Outside of the excellent match-up, Ohio's starting running back has been great in his first two games. When we last saw him in action against Akron in Week 11, he rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.

Kaleb Eleby & D'Wayne Eskridge, QB & WR, Western Michigan
Eleby and Eskridge have been an unstoppable force to begin the season as they have connected on 14 passes for 457 yards and six touchdowns on 22 targets in three games. Eskridge is averaging an absurd 32.6 yards per catch and 20.8 yards per target. They are both available in a ton of leagues as I'm not sure that many knew that the Broncos would be 3-0 while averaging 516.3 offensive yards and 50.3 points per game. While they do have a tougher match-up with Buffalo this week, it's very possible it turns in to a shootout as most MAC games do. Either way, these two should be owned for the rest of the conference schedule.

Week 12 Rewind; Eastern Michigan QB Preston Hutchinson (25.8 points – 25/38, 244 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, 10 rushing yards) & Buffalo WR Antonio Nunn (13.0 points – 6/7 targets, 70 yards)

MWC

Carson Strong, QB, Nevada
While the college football nation has caught on the stud receiver Romeo Doubs, they're still behind on Strong as he's owned in just 45 percent of Fantrax leagues. I wouldn't anticipate that he'll get a ton of buzz after a hard-fought battle with San Diego State either as he had a season-low 288 passing yards, two touchdowns and an interception. There should be no concern with those numbers though as the Aztec defense is legit and the volume was still extremely healthy (46 passing attempts) which suggests he could return to his normal production against Hawaii. He's a top priority add for the rest of the season.

Calvin Turner, WR, Hawaii
Speaking of that Hawaii team, Turner is quietly having an excellent season as he had a breakout game with 32.7 fantasy points against Boise State. He's a combo receiver/rusher with big play potential as he caught five passes for 65 yards and two scores while rushing for 32 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries this past weekend. He should be fun to watch for the Rainbows in a game which could have a ton of offensive firepower against Nevada.

Week 12 Rewind; Nevada TE Cole Turner (19.0 points – Eight catches for 50 yards, 1 TD) & San Diego State RB Greg Bell (7.8 points – 28 yards & 1 TD on nine attempts, 1 fumble lost)

PAC-12

Sam Noyer, QB, Colorado
Let's try this again with the Buffaloes as they were not able to host Arizona State this past weekend due to COVID-19 concerns which wiped out my recommendation of RB Jarek Broussard who has been fantastic in their first two games. Noyer has also been good while averaging 32.8 fantasy points behind three touchdowns through the air and three touchdowns on the ground. Colorado's next two games with USC and Arizona have shootout potential, so Noyer is a decent QB option available in virtually all leagues on the waiver wire.

Travell Harris, WR, Washington State
I don't love the match-up for Harris with Washington and Washington State in the Apple Cup, but I do love Harris' volume in his first two games at 16/23 targets for 201 yards and two touchdowns to go along with three rushing attempts for 54 yards and a score. While I don't think the Cougars will able to score many points against Washington, I do think Harris will get double-digit targets and be the focal point in a game where they are fighting from behind. Moreover, Harris is an elite add for the rest of the season at USC in Week 14 and vs. Cal in Week 15.

Week 12 Rewind; Oregon QB Tyler Shough (31.5 points – 19/30, 334 yards, 3 TD, 31 rushing yards) & Colorado RB Jarek Broussard (Game cancelled due to COVID-19)

SEC

JT Daniels, QB, Georgia
Welcome back to college football Daniels as he obliterated the Mississippi State pass defense while completing 73.7 percent of his passes for 401 yards and four touchdowns in a 31-24 win on Saturday. Even though Georgia fans would like to completely forget about Stetson Bennett and D'Wan Mathis, fantasy owners can capitalize here by utilizing Daniels against South Carolina and Vanderbilt for absolutely excellent match-ups over the next two weeks. While there's blowout potential in these games, the Bulldogs might as well see what they can do with Daniels for the rest of the year.

Osirus Mitchell, WR, Mississippi State
While it's been a while since I've talked about Mitchell – following his 40.3 point performance against LSU in Week 4 – he has sustained an average right around double-digit fantasy points each week. While I don't necessarily condone that for season-long formats as the upside has been limited, I think he can be utilized heavily this week against an Ole Miss defense that gives up 535.6 yards per contest. There's no doubt he will get a handful of targets and the Bulldogs should be chucking the ball all day long.

Week 12 Rewind; Arkansas QB Feleipe Franks (29.9 points – 17/26, 339 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 43 rushing yards and a rushing score) & Kentucky RB Chris Rodriguez (Inactive – Undisclosed Reason)

SUN BELT

Desmond Trotter, QB, South Alabama
I'm proud to see WR Kawaan Baker owned in more than 50 percent of fantasy leagues as he is one of my favorite players in the Sun Belt Conference. With Baker off the board, I turn my attention to Trotter who has managed single-digit fantasy performances in each of his last three games. That's not ideal, but there's a good chance that turns around against an Arkansas State squad who has one of the worst defenses in all of college football and like to play in shoot-outs. If desperate at the QB position and not sure where to go, take a chance on Trotter who is a deep sleeper this week.

Isaiah Likely & Jaivon Heiligh, TE & WR, Coastal Carolina
Likely made significant contributions for the Chanticleers who earned a hard-fought victory over Appalachian State this past weekend as the junior was able to snag a 75-yard touchdown pass. That wasn't his only catch either as he had three grabs for 118 yards and the score. Coastal Carolina should trounce Texas State this week, so I'm willing to take a chance on Likely at the difficult tight end slot as he is owned in just 44 percent of fantasy leagues. I still like WR Jaivon Heiligh a bit more, but I need another recommendation at the TE position. QB Grayson McCall is the real deal and should keep this team competitive in the Sun Belt for many years to come.

Week 12 Rewind; Arkansas State RB Lincoln Pare (1.4 points – 14 yards on three carries) & Texas State QB Brady McBride (42.1 points – 32/45, 443 yards, 5 TD, 14 yards rushing)

INDEPENDENTS

Joshua Mack, RB, Liberty
UMass and Liberty will be the only game that has independents in Week 13, so we're obviously going to migrate back to the Flames even though they're no longer undefeated after a wild ending against NC State. QB Malik Willis is owned in 66 percent of leagues, so we'll go back to the other guy in the run-game with Mack. I think WR DJ Stubbs (4% ownership) has some potential, but I'm not sure Liberty will need to throw the ball much in this one. Go with Mack who has had his moments this season.

*New Mexico State and UConn are not playing in Fall 2020

Week 12 Rewind; BYU RB Tyler Allgeier (29.1 points – 13 rushes for 141 yards, 2 TD)

DEFENSE RECOMMENDATIONS

Liberty (vs. UMass) – The Minuteman have statistically the worst offense in the nation with just 12 points scored in three games. This seems too easy!

North Carolina State (at Syracuse) – I'm a little worried about this being a road game, however, Syracuse put up a donut at Louisville and look completely lost on the offensive end right now.

Northwestern (at Michigan State) – Northwestern is legit and they're led by their defense. They should have no problems in East Lansing.

Week 12 Rewind; BYU vs. North Alabama (14 PA, 3 Sacks, 3 TAs), Wyoming vs. Utah State (Postponed due to COVID-19) & Texas at Kansas (Postponed due to COVID-19)

SUMMARY & TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

Utilizing the two players for each conference, I'll list out who my top recommendations are on a weekly basis by position:

QB: Nevada Carson Strong, Virginia Brennan Armstrong, Indiana Michael Penix
RB: Ohio De'Montre Tuggle, Maryland Jake Funk, Duke Mataeo Durant
WR: Indiana Ty Fryfogle, Western Michigan D'Wayne Eskridge, Rice Austin Trammell
TE: Coastal Carolina Isaiah Likely, Cincinnati Josh Whyle
D/ST: Liberty vs. UMass, Northwestern at Michigan State