CFB Waiver Wire: Players to Pick Up Week 8

Throughout the college football season, I'll pick two guys from every active conference who either caught my eye in the previous week or who have a favorable match-up in the near future. As always, I'll get to any questions or comments you have in the comments section below.

First though, here are the guys who made me look good last week;

Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams (40.4 points)
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker (33.1 points)
Miami (OH) WR Jack Sorenson (25.3 points)
UTSA WR Joshua Cephus (22.3 points)
Stanford TE Benjamin Yurosek (22.0 points)
Tulsa WR Josh Johnson (21.4 points)
Mississippi RB Snoop Conner (19.9 points)
Virginia TE Jelani Woods (16.8 points)

Slate Background: The week starts off with a clash between Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State on Wednesday Night. We then have a pair of four-game slates on both Thursday and Friday Night. Tulane at SMU on Thursday and Memphis at UCF on Friday could be a lot of fun for fantasy. Saturday will be highlighted by Oregon at UCLA, LSU at Ole Miss and Tennessee at Alabama for some potential high-flying match-ups with important implications. A sneaky great fantasy game on Saturday night will be Western Kentucky at Florida International as we're talking about two of the worst defenses in the nation!

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

AAC

Clayton Tune, QB, Houston (33 percent rostered)

The Cougars are on a five game winning streak and averaging 37 points per game which provides plenty of opportunity for Tune. They'll go up against East Carolina this week who are giving up 460.8 yards per game, including 299.3 yards through the air. Tune started relatively slow on the season, however, was able to turn out 21.9 fantasy points with a three-touchdown performance at Tulane in Week 6. 

Isaiah Bowser, RB, UCF (46 percent rostered)

Bowser was able to return from a knee injury this past week with 13 carries for 27 yards and a touchdown against a tough Cincinnati defense. He missed the previous two games which is the reason for his lower roster percentage. He'll have far more room to run against a Memphis squad that is giving up 426.1 yards and 30.4 points per game.

Week 7 Rewind; Tulsa WR Josh Johnson (21.4 points - 8 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD) & Memphis QB Seth Henigan (17.0 points - 8/12, 215 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT, 14 YDS rushing)

ACC

Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State (10 percent rostered)

The last time we saw the Seminoles, Travis was a superstar while accounting for five touchdowns in a surprising 35-25 win at North Carolina in Week 6. He's coming off back-to-back 100-yard rushing games and is averaging 35.7 fantasy points in his last two starts for Florida State. That hot streak shouldn't stop against Massachusetts who has one of the worst defenses in all of college football. I'm betting on Travis doing plenty of fantasy damage before being taken out of the game. 

Jaylan Knighton, RB, Miami (10 percent rostered)

I don't necessarily love the match-up against NC State (allowing just 93 rushing yards per game) this week, yet I think Knighton is that kind of special player. Cam'Ron Harris is dealing with a knee injury and I haven't been impressed by Tyler Van Dyke at QB which means that the team will need to lean on Knighton over the next couple of weeks. Knighton showed he can handle that type of responsibility with 36.5 fantasy points on 19 total touches against North Carolina this past weekend.

Week 7 Rewind; Virginia TE Jelani Woods (16.8 points - 5 REC, 58 YDS, 1 TD) & Duke WR Jake Bobo (7.0 points - 4 REC, 30 YDS)

BIG 12

Skylar Thompson, QB, Kansas State (6 percent rostered)

Thompson has always been known as a run-first quarterback; however, over his last two games he's thrown for five touchdowns and just one interception. The coaching staff could be avoiding those designed run plays due to his recent return from a leg injury, yet he was still able to record a rushing score in the loss to Iowa State this past weekend. If he's truly going to be more active through the air and still be a threat to run in a score or two, he has a ton of upside at Texas Tech this weekend.

Mike Woods, WR, Oklahoma (14 percent rostered)

While Marvin Mims (79 percent rostered) and Jadon Haselwood (25 percent rostered) have flashed in games with multiple touchdown receptions, Woods has been the more consistent receiver with 25 catches for 294 yards and two touchdowns on 36 targets. Instead of going boom or bust with Mims or Haselwood, ride with Woods now that true frosh Caleb Williams (52 percent rostered) is embarking on his Heisman campaign.

Week 7 Rewind; Texas QB Casey Thompson (8.8 points - 15/27, 179 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT), Texas WR Xavier Worthy (7.8 points - 5 REC, 28 YDS) & Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams (40.4 points - 18/23, 295 YDS, 4 TD, 9 ATT, 66 YDS, 1 TD)

BIG TEN

Noah Cain, RB, Penn State (33 percent rostered)

With QB Sean Clifford dealing with an undisclosed injury, I can see the team turning back to the run game as it didn't appear that back-up Ta'Quan Roberson could do much in his short time against Iowa. Luckily for the Nittany Lions they play Illinois this week which should prove to be an easier opponent that they can overpower. Cain does have a touchdown in four of his six games this season and typically sees around double-digit touches which is anticipated once again.

Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan (34 percent rostered)

Now that it's getting colder in Big Ten country, it's time to migrate towards the run game and discount the pass-games a little bit, thus the reason for a couple of running back recommendations in this conference. Haskins was the primary back over Blake Corum (81 percent rostered) for the Wolverines when he rumbled for 27.3 fantasy points against Nebraska in Week 6. I expect both of them to have great games against Northwestern who has the 13th worst rush defense in the nation (205.7 rushing yards allowed per game). 

Week 7 Rewind; Michigan State QB Payton Thorne (10.5 points - 14/26, 126 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT 10 YDS rushing), Michigan State WR Jalen Nailor (6.2 points - 4 REC, 22 YDS) & Northwestern RB Evan Hull (7.5 points - 25 ATT, 53 YDS, 1 REC, 12 YDS)

C-USA

Frank Harris, QB, UTSA (32 percent rostered)

Was very excited to hit on Joshua Cephus (36 percent rostered) last week and it's now time to go get his battery mate in Harris. The undefeated Roadrunners are for real and Harris is averaging over 25 fantasy points per game. This weeks opponent, Louisiana Tech, is giving up 314.3 passing yards per game, so it's all set up for Harris to have a great game on Saturday Night. Beep Beep! 

Tyrese Chambers, WR, FIU (46 percent rostered)

I hinted at this game in my slate background and I'm so excited to see what type of fantasy production is put forth from the Hilltoppers and Golden Panthers in what could have the highest over/under for the week. Most know about the Western Kentucky playmakers, but if you haven't had a chance to see Chambers, check him out as he's been as productive as any receiver in the nation. In six games, he has 20 catches for 672 yards and six touchdowns on 36 targets. 

Week 7 Rewind; Louisiana Tech QB Austin Kendall (5.6 points - 14/28, 164 YDS, 3 INT, 11 ATT, 20 YDS) & UTSA WR Joshua Cephus (22.3 points - 4 REC, 63 YDS, 2 TD)

MAC

Sean Tyler, RB, Western Michigan (7 percent rostered)

Similar to the Big Ten above, I'm looking for running backs in the MAC as the weather gets colder. Tyler is averaging 15 touches per game for a Broncos team that appears to be one of the best in the conference. This week's opponent, Toledo, is giving up 143 rushing yard per game which isn't the worst. More importantly, the Rockets have been beat on the ground by some similar teams with 242 rushing yards allowed to Northern Illinois and 209 rushing yards to Colorado State. 

Andrew Homer, TE, Miami (OH) (0 percent rostered)

The MAC has not been very exciting in 2021 with just three players averaging over 20 fantasy points in the conference. That means touchdowns have been hard to come by and really tough for the tight end position. Since returning from an injury, Homer has three touchdowns on his six catches and appears to be a complimentary target to Jack Sorenson (49 percent rostered) for a team that's going to need to throw the ball most weeks. There should be some points at Ball State this week.

Week 7 Rewind; Miami (OH) WR Jack Sorenson (25.3 points - 5 REC, 113 YDS, 1 TD) & Northern Illinois QB Rocky Lombardi (11.4 points - 4/8, 38 YDS, 1 TD, 1 TD rushing)

MWC

Charles Williams, RB, UNLV (34 percent rostered)

Williams couldn't be tackled against Utah State this past week with 43.1 fantasy points on 27 carries for 221 yards and three touchdowns. He's a true workhorse for the Rebels as he's had at least 19 carries in each of his last four games. There's no doubt he'll be an excellent play against San Jose State, Nevada, New Mexico and Hawaii over the next month of the season.

Derrick Deese, TE, San Jose State (36 percent rostered)

There's not a hotter tight end in the nation as Deese has 17 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns on 30 targets over his last three games. Those would be excellent numbers for the position on the entire season, but he's done it over a few weeks of conference play. He's emerged as the Spartans top receiver and commanding double digit targets each week means he should be rostered in many more leagues.

Week 7 Rewind; San Diego State QB Jordon Brookshire (6.8 points - 13/27, 132 YDS, 25 YDS rushing *Banged up late in the game) & Nevada WR Melquan Stovall (14.1 points - 7 REC, 71 YDS)

PAC-12

Travis Dye, RB, Oregon (35 percent rostered)

With CJ Verdell going down with a season-ending injury, Dye becomes a workhorse back for the Ducks. Against Cal on Friday Night, he went for 145 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries while snagging seven of eight targets for 73 yards (37.8 fantasy points). That's monster production in two facets of the game and he could easily do that against UCLA and Colorado over his next two games.

Cameron Rising, QB, Utah (4 percent rostered)

The Utes are simply underrated and have a fascinating match-up against Oregon State this week. Rising has been fantastic while accounting for seven total touchdowns, including five through the air and two on the ground in back-to-back wins against USC and Arizona State. The Beavers are a surprising 4-2, however, can be beat through the air as they have allowed 356 passing yards per game in three road games. Rising is a sneaky great play this week.

Week 7 Rewind; Washington RB Sean McGrew (5.3 points - 18 ATT, 38 YDS, 1 REC, 5 YDS) & Stanford TE Benjamin Yurosek (5/7 TAR, 99 YDS, 1 TD, 1 ATT, 11 YDS)

SEC

Tyrion Davis-Price, RB, LSU (11 percent rostered)

Hello Davis-Price who just set a school record with 287 rushing yards in a upset of the Florida Gators. Pretty sure there's been some awesome running backs on campus in LSU over the years, so that's a nice record to have. If I knew Florida's defense was going to completely implode, I would have been on this last week, but we'll take it this week as he'll surely be rostered in more than 50 percent of leagues after this week against Ole Miss. 

KJ Jefferson, QB, Arkansas (43 percent rostered)

Jefferson has no business being rostered in less than 50 percent of leagues as he has most recently posted 53.5 fantasy points against Ole Miss and 22.7 fantasy points against Auburn with dual-threat ability. The Razorbacks defense is pretty bad, so I expect him to have similar production numbers against other SEC opponents. Even better is the fact that Arkansas plays Arkansas-Pine Bluff this week which means he can rack up a few scores before getting some rest.

Week 7 Rewind; Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker (33.1 points - 17/26, 233 YDS, 1 TD, 23 ATT, 108 YDS, 1 TD) & Mississippi RB Snoop Conner (19.9 points - 15 ATT, 24 YDS, 2 TD, 3 REC, 25 YDS)

SUN BELT

Jake Bentley, QB, South Alabama (12 percent rostered)

I see you Bentley, exploding for 389 passing yards and three touchdowns to go along with two rushing scores against Georgia Southern. It must be nice to have WR Jalen Tolbert (87 percent rostered) and play in the Sun Belt that has some of the worst pass defenses in the nation. Bentley's torrid pace should continue against Louisiana-Monroe and Arkansas State over the next two games.

Dontae Fleming, WR, Louisiana (0 percent rostered)

Here's a recommendation for deep leagues as Fleming and the Ragin' Cajuns go up against the worst defense in college football. Arkansas State is giving up 584 yards and 46.7 points per game. Louisiana is fresh off an impressive win against Appalachian State. Fleming had 17 fantasy points when grabbing all four of his targets for 70 yards and a touchdown when they played a similarly bad Georgia Southern pass defense in Week 4.

Week 7 Rewind; Appalachian State WR Corey Sutton (3.9 points - 2 REC, 19 YDS) & Troy QB Gunnar Watson (10.6 points - 22/29, 182 yards, 1 TD)

INDEPENDENTS

Jaren Hall, QB, BYU (16 percent rostered)

I'm going back to Hall who showed a lot of heart in a 38-24 loss at Baylor. Against the tough defense, he went 22-for-31 for 342 yards and a touchdown to go along with another rushing score. He should be able to have a ton of success over his next few games against Washington State, Virginia and Idaho State. I also love his closing stretch against Georgia Southern in Week 12 and USC in Week 13. Besides a bye week in Week 11, Hall can be locked in to the line-up for the rest of the season.

Week 7 Rewind; Liberty WR Demario Douglas (DNP - Undisclosed)

DEFENSE RECOMMENDATIONS

Iowa State (vs. Oklahoma State) - The Cyclones defense was impressive at Kansas State (7.5 fantasy points) and it should be a slow-going run-fest against the Cowboys. Iowa State is rostered in 15 percent of leagues.

Purdue (vs. Wisconsin) - I'm sure there aren't many out there excited to watch this game as it's a match-up between two great defenses. Purdue is giving up just 14.0 points per game, good for fifth in the nation. They're available in 100 percent of leagues fresh off an upset of #2 Iowa.

Michigan (vs. Northwestern) - The Wolverines have a top ten defense and are giving up just 15.5 points per game. The defense is rostered in just eight percent of leagues and Northwestern has no shot in this game.

Week 7 Rewind; South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt (8.0 points - 20 PA, 2 Sacks, 2 TAs), Baylor vs. BYU (3.5 points - 24 PA, 5 Sacks, 1 TA) & Wisconsin vs. Army (6.5 points - 14 PA, 1 Sack, 1 TA)

SUMMARY & TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

Utilizing the two players for each conference above, here are my top recommendations for the week by position:

QB: Houston Clayton Tune, South Alabama Jake Bentley, BYU Jaren Hall

RB: LSU Tyrion Davis-Price, UCF Isaiah Bowser, Penn State Noah Cain

WR: FIU Tyrese Chambers, Oklahoma Mike Woods, Louisiana Dontae Fleming

TE: San Jose State Derrick Deese, Miami (OH) Andrew Homer

D/ST: Michigan (vs. Northwestern), Purdue (vs. Wisconsin), Iowa State (vs. Oklahoma State)