Week 1 Start and Sit quarterbacks

Which quarterbacks can you trust right out of the gate in Week 1 of the College Fantasy season? We break down the best options from the BCS schools as well as a few darkhorses for the opening week.

By Brian McDonald

Aug 30, 2011 at 6:26 am ET • 4 min read

This will be my favorite article I write this season. Finally, after all the scandals, discussion of conference realignment and predictions, predictions, predictions, the games are upon us. And while the traditionalist in me laments so many games now being played on days that don't begin with SATUR, the college football junkie in me is absolutely thrilled that Murray State and Louisville are playing on Thursday at 6:00 EST.

I mean sure, maybe Murray State and Louisville should feature Popeye Jones and Denny Crum at a neutral site in March ... but college football is college football. Will Stein baby!

And of course the games continue on Friday, before the gluttonous feast on Saturday. And as someone who views NFL games as background noise around the house, the thought of an evening shootout between Kyle Padron and Ryan Tannehill on Sunday has me rearranging some weekend plans.

It's here, and so is Start and Sit, Week 1 style.

Start Em Quarterbacks (BCS-Only)

Landry Jones, Oklahoma (vs. Tulsa): Come on, it's Week 1. I've got to get off to a good start, and this one looks pretty, pretty promising. Needless to say we have very high hopes for Jones (400-plus yards passing and four scores) and a tilt against an in-state foe that can score a little itself should provide plenty of opportunity (and playing time) to kick off a Heisman campaign in style. Of course it's not like you were thinking of sitting Jones anyway, but whatever ...

Tyler Wilson, Arkansas (vs. Missouri State): I drafted Wilson primarily with these first two three in mind, and this opener against Missouri State looks tasty. The Hogs are looking to replace three O-line starters from a year ago. Won't be a problem this week. And with Knile Davis suffering a devastating broken ankle, there's reason to believe that Petrino will be even more willing to air it out a bit on Saturday night.

Collin Klein, Kansas State (vs. Eastern Kentucky): Here's my surprise starter play. Klein checks in at No. 19 on our QB Start List, but a couple of factors lead me to believe he's in for a big week. One, the opponent is Eastern Kentucky, and Coach Billy Snyder has an affinity for pouring it on against directional schools. Two, Klein has made some nice strides this offseason, and he'll look to show off some improved passing skills in the opener.

All-120

Bryant Moniz, Hawaii (vs. Colorado): I know what you're thinking: the Warriors return only three offensive starters from a season ago, receiver Darius Bright has been suspended for this one, and a BCS foe in Colorado heads out to the island. Not to worry. Two things are certain at Hawaii: lots of garbage blowing around the field and a whole bunch of points. Moniz posted 43 scores a season ago, and he'll be ready to go this weekend.

Austin Davis, Southern Miss (vs. Louisiana Tech): Davis opens his senior campaign against the nation's 116th-rated defense from a season ago. Joining Davis is a veteran receiving corps and a talented ground attack by committee. Look for some Saturday night fireworks in this one.

Jeff Godfrey, Central Florida (vs. Charleston Southern): Godfrey, the face of the UCF program, will see an opportunity to get well before a Week 2 visit from Boston College. We look for Godfrey to light up Charleston Southern to the tune of about 300 yards and three scores, with our only fear being an early blowout that has this sophomore holding his helmet for much of the second half.

Sit Em Quarterbacks (BCS Only)

Russell Wilson, Wisconsin (vs. UNLV): I know it's tempting. Here we have this talented veteran who finds himself surrounded by more offensive firepower than he's ever seen. And while we certainly forecast very nice (277 and two) numbers, this is Week One, where 300 and three should be the barometer for a successful quarterbacking week. Wilson will look very good against the Running Rebs, just not good enough to warrant a starting spot.

Robert Griffin, Baylor (vs. TCU): As a charter member of the Robert Griffin fan club, I waited anxiously to find where our wham bam computer would place the Baylor junior for this Week One tilt with the in-state Horned Frogs. And I was hurt and confused when I saw him on page 2 ... PAGE 2!

However following a few chants of "Serenity Now" I began to think with my head rather than my heart. And I learned that it's never wise to bet against a TCU defense because it's never wise to bet against Gary Patterson.

Griffin will post huge numbers this season...just not in the first two weeks as he has these Frogs and a bye. Patience my friends.

All-120

Dominique Davis, ECU (at South Carolina): Love love love Dominique Davis this season...just not in Week One. Two of his top targets (Michael Bowman and Justin Jones) are out this week, and the Gamecocks are a top-25 fantasy defense. Davis will be held in check, but fret not. He'll get his and then some in 2011.

Kellen Moore, Boise State (vs. Georgia): I've long stopped doubting Kellen Moore and Boise. And yes, I know they went into FedEx last year and took care of the Hokies. But this year, with such a green receiving group and a better Georgia squad, I look for the Broncos to struggle. Doug Martin fails to find room and the Dawgs will be coming hard.