This article is part of our Start vs. Sit series.
START
Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin (vs. Michigan State) - Wisconsin is undeniably one of the nation's better running offenses. You can be assured Montee Ball will get upward of 25 touches in this one. So why start Wilson? Michigan State boasts a top-3 defense and most of its attention will be focused on containing the Badgers rushing attack. While his numbers haven't been eye-opening this season, Wilson has shown that he can throw successfully when called upon. And in a game of this caliber, you can almost guarantee 30-plus passing attempts from Wilson. He could surprisingly be a top-3 quarterback in this short week of games.
Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State (at New Mexico State) - Turbin picked up right where he left off in 2009 after missing last season with a knee injury, as he looks to close out a strong 2011 campaign this weekend. New Mexico State sports one of the nation's worst defenses. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Turbin goes for more than 200 yards and scores multiple touchdowns in this one. Make sure to start him Saturday.
Casey Pachall, QB, TCU (vs. UNLV) - Pachall has been up and down all season. It seems as though he will either give you a monster game, or throw for less than 200 yards. We will most likely see the former in this week's matchup against UNLV. The Rebels rank in the triple digits in team defense this season. Expect Pachall to
START
Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin (vs. Michigan State) - Wisconsin is undeniably one of the nation's better running offenses. You can be assured Montee Ball will get upward of 25 touches in this one. So why start Wilson? Michigan State boasts a top-3 defense and most of its attention will be focused on containing the Badgers rushing attack. While his numbers haven't been eye-opening this season, Wilson has shown that he can throw successfully when called upon. And in a game of this caliber, you can almost guarantee 30-plus passing attempts from Wilson. He could surprisingly be a top-3 quarterback in this short week of games.
Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State (at New Mexico State) - Turbin picked up right where he left off in 2009 after missing last season with a knee injury, as he looks to close out a strong 2011 campaign this weekend. New Mexico State sports one of the nation's worst defenses. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Turbin goes for more than 200 yards and scores multiple touchdowns in this one. Make sure to start him Saturday.
Casey Pachall, QB, TCU (vs. UNLV) - Pachall has been up and down all season. It seems as though he will either give you a monster game, or throw for less than 200 yards. We will most likely see the former in this week's matchup against UNLV. The Rebels rank in the triple digits in team defense this season. Expect Pachall to move the ball with ease this weekend.
Ryan Balentine, WR, Southern Mississippi (at Houston) - Lost in the hubbub surrounding Case Keenum and Houston this season, the Golden Eagles have actually been a nice story out of Conference-USA. While Houston should win the contest, Southern Miss should hang in there and put up some points. Expect Balentine to step up and have a big game Saturday. Remember that Houston is known for its prolific offense, not its defense.
Kama Bailey, RB, Idaho (at Nevada) - With a short schedule this week, owner's should consider starting Bailey. He has come out of nowhere and posted two triple-digit rushing efforts in his last three games. This week, he faces a Nevada defense that has given up 147 yards per game this season to opposing running backs. Give Bailey a shot.
SIT
Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State (vs. Iowa State) - Klein was exposed by Texas' defense last week. While he obviously will fare better against Iowa State in this game, don't expect a huge improvement. The Cyclones passing defense is better than it has shown on paper. If the Cyclones devote their linebackers to contain Klein on the ground, then we could be looking at another lackluster performance from the breakout quarterback.
Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State (vs. Oklahoma) - Randle is beast, and most owners would never consider benching him. Consider this a warning to keep your expectations in check this week. This Oklahoma showdown has all the makings of a shootout between two of the nation's top quarterbacks. Shootouts usually result in both sides abandoning the running game. Again, Randle will still have some success, even with limited touches, but his ceiling isn't as high as usual.
James White, RB, Wisconsin (vs. Michigan State) - While Montee Ball is too talented to bench, you should strongly consider benching White this Saturday. The Spartans are not going to give up much on the ground, and White doesn't receive enough touches to be relevant in this one.
Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas (at Baylor) - Brown has put up a couple of stinkers recently, and his matchup against Baylor could create problems this Saturday. The Bears defense is no juggernaut, but the Baylor offense could force Texas to throw all game. And the Longhorns passing game won't be able to keep up with RG3 and the Baylor receiving corps. Unless Brown breaks off a big run early in the game, his season likely will end on a sour note.
Deon Long, WR, New Mexico (at Boise State) - Long has put up some big games this season; but most have come against weak defenses. Boise State is not a weak defense by any means. The Broncos will have their defense keyed on New Mexico's best playmaker in this one. Leave Long on the bench.
