QUARTERBACKS
Jason Bean, North Texas
In what seemed like a matchup too good to be true for fantasy owners of Austin Aune, who started Saturday’s game at Middle Tennessee, it was. Aune threw two early interceptions, which prompted head coach Seth Litrell to turn to Jason Bean once again. Bean, a sophomore, led the Mean Green back from a 21-7 deficit to a 52-35 win. He completed 12-of-17 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 169 yards and three scores on the ground. Following a bye week, it’s very likely Bean starts the next game at UTEP.
RUNNING BACKS
Stephon Huderson, Tulane
When Tulane’s starting running back Tyjae Spears was lost for the season with an injury, it seemed as if Cameron Carroll would take over the top spot on the depth chart, and at the time Carroll led the FBS with eight touchdowns. However, it’s been senior Stephon Huderson who has led the Green Wave rushing attack since Spears’ injury. Huderson has rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown in two of the team’s last three games, carrying the ball 19 times for 132 yards and a touchdown in last Friday’s 37-34 OT loss to SMU.
Nelson Smith, Navy
After scoring 16 touchdowns in 2019, Jamale Carothers projected as Navy’s top back heading into the 2020 season. However, teammate Nelson Smith has outdone Carothers through the first five games of the year. Smith has rushed for at least 120 yards in each of the last two games and has scored two touchdowns in two of the last three games. Smith’s 37 rushing attempts in the last two weeks indicates he will be a consistent part of the running game moving forward.
Rahjai Harris, East Carolina
While the Pirates have struggled to a 1-3 start, the offense seems to have found something in freshman running back Rahjai Harris. In the last two games combined, Harris has carried the ball 41 times for 287 yards and three touchdowns. In last week’s 27-23 home loss to Navy, Harris carried the ball 22 times, while backup Keaton Mitchell only received five carries.
RECEIVERS
Tyler Page, SMU
The season-ending injury to Reggie Roberson has given senior Tyler Page an opportunity for more playing time. In Friday’s 37-34 win at Tulane, Page was targeted seven times and caught four passes for 101 yards. With opposing defenses having to focus on the play-making ability of Danny Gray, the vertical threat of Rashee Rice, and big bodied tight end Kyle Granson, Page isn’t a bad fourth option for quarterback Shane Buechele.
Calvin Austin, Memphis
In Memphis’ presser following Saturday’s game against Central Florida, we learned that receiver Damonte Coxie was no longer part of the program. Whether or not Coxie’s status changes remains to be seen, but the passing game looked just as lethal with junior receiver Calvin Austin and freshman Tahj Washington. In the 50-49 win over UCF, Austin caught nine passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Teammate Tahj Washington should not be ignored, either.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton, West Virginia
We always mention that consistency is tough to find at the receiver position, but that is exactly what Ford-Wheaton has provided through four games. The sophomore receiver has caught at least three passes and a touchdown in three of four games this year, and in a season when depth at every position is necessary, Ford-Wheaton might be needed.
Chase Lane, Texas A&M
Last week, we learned that receiver Caleb Chapman was likely lost for the season due to injury, which leaves the Aggies thin at the position. In Saturday’s win over Mississippi State, Chase Lane was the only receiver on the roster to catch a pass. He and tight end Jalen Wydermyer should be quarterback Kellen Mond’s top targets moving forward.