Devy Roundup: Week 12

Kyle Holden Posted On November 23, 2017

As expected, last week did not create any real shakeups amongst the rankings. In fact, every team inside the top ten won. This was the first time this has happened since the College Football Playoff Rankings were formed in 2014. With “Rivalry Week” on the horizon, it appears many teams used this past week as a tune-up. Even though there were not many close games, there were still some impressive individual performances.

You can find the final results of each Week 12 game here.

Top Performers

Performances ranked on a 5-star scale

5 stars – Saquon Barkley, RB Penn State (158 yards rushing, 3 TDs, 6 recs, 66 yards)

After failing to rush for more than 65 yards in any of his last three games, Barkley exploded for 158 yards and three touchdowns last Saturday. He also broke Penn State’s touchdown record in the process. He continues to look like the clear 1.01 in the 2018 class.

4 stars – Ronald Jones, RB USC (122 yards rushing, 2 TDs, 1 rec, 22 yards)

While quarterback Sam Darnold did not have a great game last Saturday, Ronald Jones stepped up big against his cross-town rival UCLA. He has been on a tear the past month, rushing for at least 122 yards and a touchdown in each of his last four games.

4 stars – James Washington, WR Oklahoma State (8 recs, 159 yards, 2 TDs)

James Washington has consistently posted fantastic numbers over the last three seasons and last Saturday was no different. He has put up at least 90 receiving yards in every game this season but two and scored a touchdown in all but three.

4 stars – Anthony Miller, WR Memphis (8 recs, 163 yards, 2 TDs)

I believe Anthony Miller is one of the more underrated players in all of college football. After a couple quiet games early in the season, he has been truly outstanding. Although he has not played the toughest competition, he has simply dominated his opponents in about half of his games so far this year.

4 stars – Royce Freeman, RB Oregon (135 yards rushing, 4 TDs)

I have been critical of Freeman over the course of this season, but he was impressive last Saturday. He also set Oregon’s career record for total touchdowns (currently at 62) in the process. He has actually posted impressive statistics throughout most of this season, rushing for at least 120 yards in eight of eleven games.

Honorable Mentions: Rashaad Penny (222 yards rushing, 2 TDs, 1 rec, 6 yards), Josh Rosen (421 yards passing, 3 TDs 1 INT), Jordan Lasley (10 recs, 204 yards, 3 TDs), Tee Higgins (6 recs, 178 yards, 2 TDs), Deon Cain (5 recs, 140 yards, 1 TD), Baker Mayfield (257 yards passing, 3 TDs), Nick Chubb (151 yards rushing, 2 TDs), Sony Michel (87 yards rushing, 3 TDs), Mike Weber (108 yards rushing, 2 TDs), Mason Rudolph (425 yards passing, 3 TDs, 2 INTs), McKenzie Milton (208 yards passing, 4 TDs, 23 yards rushing, 1 TD), L.J. Scott (147 yards rushing, 1 TD), Myles Gaskin (52 yards rushing, 2 TDs, 6 recs, 114 yards, 1 TD), David Montgomery (144 yards rushing, 1 rec, 14 yards), Demario Richard (119 yards rushing, 3 TDs), Lamar Jackson (270 yards passing, 2 TDs, 111 yards rushing, 2 TDs)

Poor Performers

Performances ranked on a 5-star scale

1 star – D.K. Metcalf, WR Ole Miss (1 rec, 10 yards)

Unfortunately, Metcalf has found himself on the “Poor Performers” list a few times this season. While I remain intrigued by his physical tools, teammate A.J. Brown has consistently out-produced him this season.

2 stars – John Kelly, RB Tennessee (25 carries, 47 yards, 3 recs, 31 yards)

It is often hard to put running backs in the “Poor Performers” section as they are often dependent on the play of their offensive lineman. John Kelly did not play that poorly, but he finds himself in this section because I expected more out of him than just 47 yards rushing on 25 carries. He ran hard throughout the game but unfortunately could not find many holes to run through. The LSU defense did a good job meeting him behind the line of scrimmage.

2 stars – Courtland Sutton, WR SMU (1 rec, 35 yards, 1 TD)

Sutton only caught one pass against Memphis, but he did make the most of it as it was for a 35-yard touchdown. I still expected more from him in a game SMU scored 45 points in.

My Rankings

Below is a preview of my Top 25 Devy rankings. I made a few adjustments after this week of play. You can find my full set of Devy rankings here.

Marquee Matchups

Below are some of the more intriguing games on this upcoming week’s slate. You can check out the full Week 13 schedule here.

1.) Ohio State @ Michigan – 11/25 @ 12 PM EST on FOX

One of the biggest rivalries in all of sports, this yearly matchup has been named “The Game.” Ohio State must win to keep their playoff hopes alive and victory will be extra sweet for Michigan if they can knock off their rival.

2.) Alabama @ Auburn – 11/25 @ 3:30 PM EST on CBS

This year’s Iron Bowl will feature two of the top-six ranked teams in the country. Auburn will likely look to lean on talented running back Kerryon Johnson like they did in their win against Georgia a few weeks ago.

Calvin Ridley has taken a step forward this season with the departures of ArDarius Stewart and O.J. Howard and has caught at least three passes in every game this season. He will look to continue his recent hot-streak this Saturday. Alabama also boasts a talented, balanced rushing attack featuring Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Najee Harris, and Josh Jacobs.

3.) Notre Dame @ Stanford – 11/25 @ 8 PM EST on ABC

This game features two of the most talented running backs in the nation, Bryce Love and Josh Adams. Both have been steadily rising in my rankings over the course of the season. Notre Dame receiver Equanimeous St. Brown also looks to showcase his talent on the national stage.

4.) Washington State @ Washington – 11/25 @ 8 PM EST on FOX

The two schools from Washington will battle for the Apple Cup on Saturday night. Luke Falk and the Washington State Cougars will try to defeat Myles Gaskin and the rest of the Washington Huskies in Seattle.

Other News/Notes

Rivalry Week is one of the best weeks of the college football season. School traditions come out and tailgate sessions can get crazy. There are some great matchups this week and their outcomes will likely help determine the playoff landscape. If your favorite team is playing their rival this week, enjoy it and get ready to cheer them on.

Look for this series to continue to be published every Thursday. In the meantime, feel free to follow me on Twitter @TheDevyDude and get ready for another exciting week of college football!

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Kyle Holden

Writer at Dynasty League Football

Kyle was introduced to fantasy football at a young age, tagging along with his dad and brother for work league drafts. From calling out draft picks to placing the stickers on the big board, he was immediately hooked. His favorite format is devy leagues because there is always so much to study and learn.