QB, running game give TCU renewed swagger
Quarterback Kenny Hill and TCU’s offense struggled at the end of last season, looking nothing like the juggernaut that had turned the Horned Frogs into a Big 12 power in recent years.
The old TCU is back. The 16th-ranked Horned Frogs used Hill’s efficient effort and a balanced attack to knock off No. 6 Oklahoma State 44-31 on Saturday. TCU rushed for 238 yards and passed for 228 to put its mark on the conference and national championship races.
Hill has been outstanding, if unspectacular. Against OSU, he completed 22 of 33 passes for 228 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He’s completed 73 percent of his passes this season and thrown nine touchdown passes and just three interceptions.
Last November, the Horned Frogs were held to six points in a loss to Oklahoma State and six points in a loss to Kansas State. This season, a week after gaining 619 yards in a 56-36 win over SMU, TCU’s offense controlled the game against Oklahoma State. Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer said Hill played a key role in Saturday’s result.
“I was impressed with him,” Spencer said. “During the week, I had mentioned that Hill was playing with a lot of confidence, and I thought I was right in saying that. He has kind of gelled in their system a little bit.”
Darius Anderson has emerged as a star at running back. He ran for 89 yards and two touchdowns against SMU, then 160 yards and three scores against Oklahoma State, including a 42-yard touchdown that put TCU in control for good.
“For only being a sophomore, he’s really giving us what we need,” TCU coach Gary Patterson said. “If you want to win championships, you’ve got to throw it, but you’ve got to run the football — especially when you go on the road.”
Baylor almost completely ruined the weekend for football fans in the Sooner State, but third-ranked Oklahoma did just enough to gut out a 49-41 win over the winless Bears. “I think it was a good reality check for us,” Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield said. “We say it all the time around here: all gas, no brakes. So you can never let your foot off the pedal, especially playing a team like that because they can score in a second. Doesn’t matter their record or anything.”
The Sooners lowered the boom with their running game. Abdul Adams had 11 carries for 164 yards, including a 99-yard touchdown run. Trey Sermon ran 12 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns, all in the fourth quarter.
A chaotic fantasy football season continued Sunday, but at least we got to see some quality games.
The day didn’t start out with a quality game, however. The Jaguars must have felt at home as they trounced the Ravens 44-7 in London.
Blake Bortles made you think he’s still a viable fantasy option as he threw four touchdown passes. Three went to tight end Marcedes Lewis, who had never caught three touchdowns in a game. He hadn’t scored that many TDs in a whole season since 2013, when he had four.
Baltimore’s skill players were nonexistent in terms of fantasy. It’s hard to trust the results of this game, given the unique circumstances. Suffice it to say Bortles may have some viability left while the Ravens running backs aren’t actually as bad as they appeared. One thing is undeniable, though, and that’s that the Jags’ defense is a real option to start for you.
Speaking of what looked like a good start, turns out Trevor Siemian isn’t John Elway just yet. He feasted on a poor Cowboys secondary last week but didn’t find such success against the Bills. Though he turned the ball over twice, he managed to provide enough for Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders to avoid turning in dud games.
One thing to keep an eye on from this game was the use of Jamaal Charles. C.J. Anderson was great in the first two weeks, but Charles had the same amount of touches and scored. Charles outgained Anderson 57 to 43.
Another running back tandem that had better success was the one in Chicago. Jordan Howard, though banged up, had his best game of the season with 138 yards rushing and two touchdowns, including the winner against the Steelers in overtime.
Tarik Cohen nearly scored the winning touchdown but was ruled out of bounds, negating an electrifying play. He finished with 102 total yards.
Antonio Brown was reliable as always with over 100 yards and a score. Le’Veon Bell had his best fantasy game of the season as he finally got into the end zone.
The best running back performance of the week came from Todd Gurley on Thursday night. He scored three times and totaled 149 yards.
Another back that came through was the ultra-efficient Chris Thompson of Washington. I didn’t think he would be able to keep making the most of his few touches like he did in the first two weeks. Well, the Redskins gave him 18 touches for 188 yards and a touchdown. Shut me up.
A running back with few doubters left is Chiefs rookie Kareem Hunt. He scored once again, this time from 69 yards. Hunt became the first player ever to score a touchdown from at least 50 yards in each of his first three career games.
Dalvin Cook, another rookie, Devonta Freeman and DeMarco Murray all had big days.
On the flip side, Terrance West, Jay Ajayi and Marshawn Lynch were terrible in what looked to be decent matchups.
There were 12 100-yard receivers, led by Stefon Diggs, who caught eight passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
T.Y. Hilton had a surprisingly good game with Jacoby Brissett at the helm. Hilton caught seven passes for 153 yards and a touchdown.
Brandin Cooks had his best game as a Patriot, catching five passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns, including the winner in the final minute.
Sammy Watkins had his best game as a Ram. He scored twice and gained 106 yards.
Chris Hogan, Jordy Nelson and Odell Beckham Jr. each scored twice as well.
It’s been a tough two years for tight ends. Fifteen caught touchdowns this week, though. Vernon Davis was a big factor in the Redskins’ win on Sunday night. If Jordan Reed stays sidelined, Davis can be a nice pickup.
Top Week 4 waiver wire picks:
Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants: 7 rec., 133 yards, TD
Taylor Gabriel, WR, Falcons: 5 rec., 79 yards, TD
Case Keenum, QB, Vikings: A great streaming option for as long as Sam Bradford is out
Robert Woods, WR, Rams: 6 rec., 108 yards
Jamaal Charles, RB, Broncos: He’s owned in just 33 percent of Yahoo leagues. Stow him away if you have room.
D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texans: 10 touches, 90 yards
Wendell Smallwood, RB, Eagles: Darren Sproles is out for season (torn ACL) and Smallwood stepped up
Robby Anderson, WR, Jets: 3 rec., 95 yards, TD
Vernon Davis, TE, Redskins: 5 rec., 58 yards, TD