There's just something about Texas A&M. It's the nation's "box o' chocolates" program.
On a week-to-week basis it's impossible to predict what you're gonna get from a wins/losses perspective, Fantasy production perspective, or even in what conference they'll even play. And this week was the perfect example of this team's explosive unpredictability.
Ryan Tannehill set some records, throwing for 415 yards and accounting for six scores, with not a single one coming on the ground. And wide receiver Ryan Swope nabbed 206 yards of footballs on 11 catches, with four going for scores, while setting some school records of his own.
Back in August we thought two sure-things in this attack would be Cyrus Gray and Jeff Fuller. Gray, who looked so good after Christine Michael broke his leg in 2010, has met expectations. Sharing the job with the rejuvenated Michael, he's posted more than 630 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns. But Fuller hasn't been able to get right, and he's hauled in only 32 balls for 351 yards and two scores. He's also failed to crack the 100-yard barrier in any contest.
So what does this mean for Aggie Fantasy performers moving forward? It's impossible to say. They have every right to be 6-0 instead of 4-2, and there's plenty of offensive skill talent that can step up and steal the show on any given week. Games against Iowa State and Kansas remain, as do contests with Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
Tannehill is pushing toward 30 scores, and Michael and Gray are on pace for about 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns each. And you can bet that Fuller will eventually make a little more noise. However predicting when these Aggies will go off will drive you nuts ... just like the team itself.
Trent Richardson removing any and all doubt
Heading into the season I was one of three people in the country who thought Richardson may struggle as he looked to become the man in Tuscaloosa. Much of my trepidation stemmed from my man crush on and respect for Mark Ingram. After all I often saw Ingram pound away with body blows to the defense only to give way to Richardson's speed. However, seven games in there is no doubt that everyone who predicted a Heisman-worthy campaign was right on the money.
Richardson’s 17 carries for 183 yards and four scores against Ole Miss cap off a seven-game run that now sees the junior with 16 touchdowns. Games against Tennessee, Mississippi State, Georgia Southern and Auburn will provide plenty of chances for more huge statistical outputs. And a little matchup with LSU will provide that Heisman stage.
A few other random observations from Week 7 ...
• Even after his monster outing against Kansas, Sooner senior Ryan Broyles remains behind Baylor's Kendall Wright as the two Big 12 counterparts battle for the spot atop the BCS fantasy WR leaderboard.
• After a relatively slow start, Boise State's Doug Martin is taking some names. Saturday’s 20 carries for 203 yards and three scores is his best outing on an ever-improving campaign. Remember when he was on the defensive side of the ball?
• He’s been a statistical disappointment to date, however Marcus Coker was quite impressive Saturday night against Northwestern. The Iowa sophomore ran angry on his way to 124 yards and two scores.
• I sure wish I hadn’t given up on Michael Egnew so soon.
• Case Keenum now has 17 touchdown passes against only two picks.
• Keenan Allen’s 50 receptions for 800 yards and four scores become even more impressive when you look at the Cal offense in action.
• The season-ending ACL injury suffered by South Carolina super sophomore Marcus Lattimore is not only devastating for the Gamecocks but for college football in general. Not many backs out there like this guy.
• Andrew Luck, Landry Jones and Collin Klein are separated by less than one Fantasy point. Which name doesn’t belong here?
• Don’t look now, but Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas is beginning to figure things out.
Five to Watch in Week 8
Wisconsin at Michigan State: Russell Wilson
sees his first true road test as a Badger.
Oklahoma State at
Missouri: First to 50 wins.
USC at Notre Dame: Robert Woods vs. Michael Floyd in
South Bend.
Washington at Stanford: Huskies come rolling in
Palo Alto, and they’re on fire.
North Carolina at Clemson:
The Heels will be ready to play this one.