College Football DFS: Night Slate Week 5

 SLATE OVERVIEW

Arkansas @ Mississippi State (-17) O/U: 69.5

Auburn  @ Georgia(-6.5) O/U: 45

Oklahoma@ Iowa State(+7) O/U: 63.5

Tulsa  @ UCF(-21.5) O/U: 72

LSU   @ Vanderbilt (+21) O/U: 50.5

Virginia @ Clemson (-28) O/U: 55

At first glance, Vegas likes the TUL/UCF and ARK/MST contests in terms of production, and at least in the case of UCF and Mississippi State, I'm inclined to agree. Oklahoma/Iowa State gives us a narrow spread with a high O/U total, which is the combination we look for in fantasy game selection.  As for Clemson, it should handle Virginia with ease, but after licking their wounds from a beatdown in the ACC Championship last season, the Wahoos are going to do enough to keep Clemson's starters on the field for three quarters, which heightens their usually questionable value.

QUARTERBACK

Trevor Lawrence, Clemson (DK $8,800, FD $10,000) vs. Virginia

Clemson's starters are a bonafide cash register of fantasy coin when it comes to a guaranteed floor, and I think we will see their highest totals yet.  Like any other blowout-prone game, the favorite usually has its own specific form of volatility - the bench, and how soon the starters will ride it. Virginia is supremely motivated to improve on last year's blowout loss in the ACC Championship, and they genuinely feel they can make this game competitive. Brennan Armstrong looked great against Duke, and he has enough weapons at his disposal to give Clemson's defense their toughest test to date. It's all about usage for Lawrence, and we will see his longest tenure under center so far this season. 

Dillon Gabriel, UCF (DK $8,200, FD $10,400) vs. Tulsa

Quarterback is a spot where you can't afford to be cheap on Saturday. Gabriel and the Knights will beat up on Tulsa, and they won't let up, because like every season, each game is a campaign to give them credibility in the playoff conversation. Gabriel's thrown for over 400 yards in both games this season and sports a nifty 8:1 TD/INT ratio. He's the QB who will get the most exposure from me because he's bunched with names like Lawrence and K.J. Costello, who are more visible and inherently popular.

Bo Nix, Auburn (DK $6,800, FD $7,800) @ Georgia

As we load up on elites, sacrifices may have to be made. Using a QB for the S-FLEX spot is probably a smart way to go Saturday night, and in terms of value, I like Nix in this classic rivalry game.  While Stetson Bennett looked fine against Arkansas, this was supposed to be Jamie Newman's team, and the Bulldogs look a little vulnerable. Nix can use his feet to keep defenses on their heels, and if the defense can hold off Georgia's running game, Auburn should win the time of possession and snap count battle, leading to a significant total from Nix. Additionally, the Bulldogs may elect to give JT Daniels time at quarterback. If his performances as a USC Trojan are any indication, ushering in Daniels may be a supremely bad idea.

A word about K.J. Costello before we move on. Look, 623 yards in the air against LSU is nothing short of spectacular, but against a weaker opponent, I wonder how necessary the Air Raid offense will be. His performance was one of last week's biggest stories and he'll be insanely popular as a result. Based on his salary and popularity, he isn't a good route if you're looking for a unique GPP build.

RUNNING BACK

Breece Hall, Iowa State (DK $7,900, FD $9,300) vs. Oklahoma

The lack of depth for the Cyclones and the balanced line for this game make Hall an excellent play on this slate. Up to this point, the Sooners have done an excellent job of clamping down on opposing rushers, but Hall will present a more difficult challenge this week.  Hall now has four touchdowns on the season and is averaging 128 yards per game.

Travis Etienne, Clemson (DK $7,300, FD $10,000) vs. Virginia

Just throw Etienne's performance against Citadel out the window because it isn't useful. Virginia is the most formidable opponent the Tigers have faced, and we are bound to see Etienne's usage look more like his line against Wake Forest. He'll hit the century mark and probably score a touchdown or two, but as usual, that always depends on how liberally they'll use Lawrence in read-option plays in the red zone. I think he stays on the field through three quarters,

T.J. Pledger, Oklahoma (DK $5,400, FD $7,700) @ Iowa State

Even though he shares carries with Seth McGowan, Pledger seems to be Spencer Rattler's first choice as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, giving him additional value. Rattler may not need to check it down to Pledger as often in this game, but the junior will still be effective on the ground. This will arguably be the most balanced game on the slate, so all aspects of Oklahoma's offense will be in play.

WIDE RECEIVER

Marlon Williams, UCF (DK $7,700, FD $9,600) vs. Tulsa 

A QB/WR stack for the Knights is a great way to go on Saturday, and Williams should be the primary target if Tre Nixon (undisclosed) misses another game.  I'd temper my expectations a bit if Nixon plays, but UCF should display one of the most prolific passing offenses of the day.

Seth Williams, Auburn (DK $6,100, FD $8,100) @ Georgia

Williams is one of the most talented receivers in the SEC, and if you like the underdog today, the Nix-to-Williams connection is one you want to load. Whether they are playing from behind or in a tight game, expect Williams to get many targets and once again eclipse the 100-yard receiving mark.

Marvin Mims, Oklahoma (DK $5,500, FD $7,500) @ Iowa State

Mims has been a veritable touchdown machine with three touchdowns over two games this season. He's an excellent budget option to fill out your build.  With eight receptions so far and an obvious nose for the end zone, he should continue to get a lot of looks from Spencer Rattler.

BUDGET PICKS

Below I'm going to present some budget selections to aid you in filling out your FLEX positions.  

Braden Galloway, Clemson (DK $4,100, FD $5,900)

E.J. Williams, Clemson (DK $3,600, FD $5,400)

Josh Johnson, Tulsa (DK $4,600, FD $7,400)

Jaray Jenkins, LSU (DK $4,300, FD $5,800)