Fantasy College Football: Info for 2007 Team Offenses

Fantasy college football is upon us, and so I will provide my picks on who to take and avoid for those who play in leagues that feature team offensive and defensive points. If you want to play in a league that counts overall offensive and defensive points, I can't think of a better one to join than on Sporting News. You pick four offensive and defensive units every week while maintaining them under a salary cap. Be sure to check that out, but in the meantime, here are my picks for this year's team offenses.

Stud offenses

Hawaii: Colt Brennan returns as the starting quarterback, so Hawaii could once again lead the nation in offense in 2007. Hawaii has a solid backup quarterback in Tyler Graunke, who is more than capable of handling the position. The team's biggest issue is replacing the departed running backs Nate Ilaoa and Reagan Mauia. Look for Kealoha Pilares to win the job, and Leon Wright-Jackson to get touches as well. Hawaii returns three of their top four receivers in 2007 with Davone Bess and Jason Rivers, who both topped 1,000 yards receiving in 2006, leading the way. The team must replace three starters on the offensive line, but head coach June Jones believes that the depth created will not cause a problem for the unit in 2007. Expectations are high for the team, and their schedule makes them the top offensive unit for 2007. They should be a must start in every game for the upcoming season.

Southern Cal: Even though their schedule is more demanding, the Trojans should be one of the top offenses in the nation in 2007. Heisman Trophy candidate John David Booty finished 2006 on a strong note with his play against Michigan in the Rose Bowl. The team also lost wide receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith, but talent at the position will not drop off at all. Look for Vidal Hazelton to win a job and provide a nice target for Booty. Watch for Travon Patterson to have a great year as a downfield threat after a strong performance this past spring. The running game maybe the only concern after it became a problem for them late last year. Chauncey Washington will likely win the starting tailback job with C.J. Gable getting some carries as well. USC fields a strong and deep offensive line that should be able to hold up in 2007. Even though they have a tougher schedule with games at Nebraska and California, they should be played every game because of the wealth of talent on the offensive side of the ball.

Missouri: The Tigers offense in 2007 will be returning almost completely intact for a team that averaged over 425 yards a game last year. Chase Daniel, who had the weight on his shoulders in replacing Brad Smith, became one of the top quarterbacks in the nation a year ago. The junior quarterback will look to improve on those numbers, and he has the same weapons in place to do just that. Running back Tony Temple is coming off a 1,000-yard season in which he had to supplant a talented group to gain the starting nod last year. Backup Jimmy Jackson will get some carries as well. The Tigers have the best tight end tandom in the country in Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman while they also have three other receivers who caught at least 25 balls last year. The offensive line returns four players who have started, so the Tigers are primed to become quite possibly the most productive offense in the nation in 2007. As far as scheduling, they have the task of facing Nebraska at home, and a tough Oklahoma defense on the road in back-to-back games. With the talent and experience returning, Mizzou should be a must start for anyone who picks them up.

Michigan: Even though they finished 2006 with two losses after starting out 11-0, the Wolverines should have no trouble scoring this year. Quarterback Chad Henne returns for his fourth season as starter, and he has gotten better at eliminating mistakes in hi tenure in Ann Arbor. Running back Mike Hart, who is coming off his most productive season a year ago, is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Michigan once again loses their top receiver from a year ago, but the Wolverines like in years past, have found someone to replace them. This year, Mario Manningham and Adrian Harrington will look to fill the void left by Steve Breaston, who was the team's leading receiver last year. LaTerryal Savoy could surprise by becoming the top target as well with tight end Mike Massey also becoming a factor on offense. Left tackle Jake Long's decision to return to Michigan in 2007 is a huge one. The rest of the offensive line should be solid with right tackle being the only position so far without a clearcut starter. Michigan has a very favorable schedule for 2007 with Ohio State coming to Ann Arbor in November. The only other game to watch for is at Wisconsin. Other than that, Michigan should be worth a start throughout 2007 with returning experience and talent on offense.

Oklahoma State: With quarterback Bobby Reid returning after a very successful sophmore year, the offense is primed to be even better in 2007. Wide receiver Adarius Bowman is good enough for the NFL level right now, but the Cowboys are glad he returned for his senior year. Running backs Dantrelle Savage and Keith Toston provide a dangerous combination in the backfield that should make Reid run less from the pocket this year. Tommy Devereaux is an extremely fast, big-play receiver, but is also unproven. The team is hoping Atrell Woods can come back healthy after an accident he suffered in the weight room this year. The offensive line does have depth concerns, but the talent level at the skill positions make this offense a stud pick for anyone. That said, they have some tough matchups at Georgia, Texas A&M, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, and a home game against Texas. So be leary of who they play, but they should produce a nice season for you nonetheless.

Texas A&M: With quite possibly the nation's best offensive line in front of him, quarterback Stephen McGee figures to have an even better season in 2007. McGee is a very tough player that is not afraid to tuck and run the ball. The Aggies running game will be very difficult to stop with speedy Mike Goodson's breakaway ability, and Jorkorskie Lane's punishing ground attack behind that same veteran and aggressive offensive line. The wide receivers are good and are led by Earvin Taylor, who has 52 career receptions. Tight ends Martellus Bennett and Joey Thomas form a great tandom. Bennett is the better receiver of the two while Thomas is a punishing blocker with nice hands. Howard Morrow and E.J. Shankle could provide McGee with big play ability at the wide receiver position. The offensive line features four returning starters from a year ago that manhandled their way to a win over Texas. With veteran lineman, a tough quarterback, and a versatile running back combo, the Aggies figure to boast a very productive offense in 2007. They do have three tough road games against good defenses(Miami, Nebraska, and Oklahoma) before finishing out the season against Texas at home. They are worth a look in every game this year.

West Virginia: The Mountaineers will be a force on the offensive side of the ball in 2007, but they do have some concerns as well. A proven No. 2 receiver could be a problem as well as replacing two All-American lineman. However, the team has quite possibly the best quarterback-running back tandom in the nation in quarterback Pat White and running back Steve Slaton. White, who is a very dangerous runner as well as passer, is one of the nation's most explosive players. Slaton is a threat to score everytime he touches the ball, and will continue where he left off in 2006. Darius Reynaud is the team's best big-play receiver, but another wideout will need to step up for them in 2007. Among the top candidates are Nate Sowers and Jeremy Bruce. The team is not very deep on offense, so you may need to monitor their injury status very closely. However, the Mountaineer starters are too talented to ignore, and with a favorable schedule in 2007, look for West Virginia to produce solid offensive numbers again.

Louisville: Now that Brian Brohm actually did return to play his senior year for the Cardinals, Louisville will field one of the nation's best offenses in 2007. Even though the team lost running backs Michael Bush and Kolby Smith, they return three who have some experience. When Bush was injured last year, Smith along with Anthony Allen, George Stripling, and Brock Bolen got to see the field. Allen will be the starter and is the team's best all-around back. Stripling is a fast, big-play threat, while Bolen is a powerful runner that is tough to bring down. Mario Urrutia is a big and speedy receiver that almost left early to declare for the NFL Draft. Harry Douglas has very good hands as the No. 2 receiver while tight end Gary Barnidge is a big target for Brohm in the middle of the field. The offensive line will have to replace two starters from a year ago, which is the only major challenge for new head coach, Steve Kragthorpe. The Cardinals also have a very favorable schedule in 2007 with only two possible games that could cause problems for them: at West Virginia and Rutgers at home.

Rutgers: Yes, this is the third Big East team on this list. However, when you have an explosive player like running back Ray Rice on offense, who wouldn't want to use this team offense? Quarterback Mike Teel should improve on his average 2006 numbers because of the valuable experience that his young wide receivers gained a season ago. Running back Kordell Young could start for most any top-tier school, but will provide insurance to Rice in the backfield. Wide receivers Kenny Britt and Tim Brown have superstar potential, and Tiquan Underwood will be returning from an injury-plagued 2006 season. The offensive line returns three starters, including both tackle spots that garnered All Big East honors. The offensive line allowed the fewest sacks in the nation last year, and will likely come very close to doing it again in 2007. With the Scarlett Knights playing their first five games at home against less than stellar competition, they should get a look from most owners this year. They have one tough matchup at home against West Virginia before finishing out the season at Louisville. Rutgers will be strong on offense in 2007.

New Mexico State: Aggies quarterback Chase Holbrook returns to follow up on a season where he ranked second in the nation in total offense a year ago. The running game is not a big part of the pass-happy Aggie offense, but they must improve in that area to take pressure off a defense that had problems stopping opposing offenses a year ago. Justine Buries will be the starter despite missing most of 2006 with a knee injury. Jeremiah Williams figures to be the top backup, and he saw the field many times after Buries went down last year. Watch for Chris Nwoko to get some carries as well. Speedster Chris Williams returns as the top wide receiver while A.J. Harris is a very solid possession receiver. Derek Dubois and Nick Cleaver also caught at least 50 passes last year, so the receiving unit is very deep. Four starters return on the offensive line, and have some depth as well. The team has a brutal road schedule against Auburn, Boise State, and Hawaii, so be leary of when you use this offense during the season.

Sleeper offenses

Arizona: Now you would think that a team that finished 115th in the nation in total offense a year ago, couldn't improve much for 2007. However, the Wildcats are in for a big change on offense because they are converting from a pro-style set to a spread offense. Head coach Mike Stoops pushed hard for Texas Tech offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes, which he eventually convinced to come in and overhaul the offense. A year ago, starting quarterback Willia Tuitama suffered three concussions in the old offense because of inexperience on the offensive line. With a year of experience and in a system where the quarterback will get rid of the ball more quickly, Tuitama could have a nice year for Arizona. Arizona did lose starting running back Chris Henry, but there is reason for optimism as senior Chris Jennings and sophmore Xavier Smith both have great hands, which is a must for the spread offense that Dykes runs. Wide receiver Mike Thomas, who caught 50 passes a year ago, will welcome the change to a different offense because of his quickness. Anthony Johnson provides a bigger target for Tuitama, and Terrell Turner is another receiver that should get many thrown his way, too. The offensive line has more experience, and some depth behind the starters. Because of the different offense being put in place, look for Arizona to make some improvement and possibly a big jump in 2007 as long as Tuitama stays healthy. They do have less than favorable matchups at BYU, California, USC, and Oregon State. However, they should be treated as a sleeper, so avoid playing them against top-tier teams.

Wyoming: The Cowboys return seven starters on offense which includes quarterback Karsten Sween, who helped Wyoming finish 2006 on a strong note. Sween's backup, Jacob Doss, was the starter last year until head coach Joe Glenn decided he needed a spark on offense. The Cowboys have two solid running backs in Wynel Seldon and Devin Moore, who are capable of producing big runs. Wide receiver Michael Ford will be Sween's top target while Hoost Marsh will compliment him. Watch out for Greg Bolling, a former quarterback, to breakout in 2007 at wide receiver after a very strong performance this spring. The offensive line is the biggest question mark with three starters departing from a year ago. However, Glenn was more than pleased with the progression of the unit during the spring. Wyoming has games at Boise State and Utah while also playing TCU and BYU at home, so with them being a sleeper, you may want to play someone else in their place for those games. The rest of the schedule could possibly give owners a nice and productive campaign for the Wyoming offense in 2007.

Indiana: The Hoosiers are trying to end a 13-year bowl game drought, and the offensive talent on the team could bring that to an end this year. As a freshman in 2006, quarterback Kellen Lewis, a dual threat passer and runner, emerged as the unquestioned starter after taking over for Blake Powers. Powers will backup Lewis this year. Lewis has James Hardy, who has caught 20 touchdowns in two seasons, to throw to as well as James Bailey, Ray Fisher, and Andrew Means in the receiving unit. Running backs Marcus Thigpen and Demetrius McCray provide experience as well as the explosiveness to bring big plays to the ground game. The offensive line will have at least three new starters, but the depth of the unit should show in 2007 because the holdovers all got valuable playing time a year ago. The Hoosiers do not play Ohio State or Michigan in 2007, which makes them even more of an intriguing sleeper offense. However, you may want to avoid playing them at Wisconsin in October.

Wake Forest: It is hard to call a team that made a BCS game while winning a conference title a sleeper until you consider the fact they only ranked seventh in the ACC in total offense for 2006. Quarterback Riley Skinner returns this year, and his accuracy as well as decision making gives Wake Forest a chance to improve significantly on offense. The Demon Deacons have great depth at running back, and this will allow Kenneth Moore to return to his natural wide receiver position. Micah Andrews, who was the scheduled starter a year ago at running back, should be recovered from knee surgery. But if not, Chris Barclay and Kevin Harris have enough experience to provide insurance for Andrews. Moore joins a talented and deep receiving unit that features a big play threat in Kevin Marion, who is also a dangerous open-field runner. Chip Brinkman and Demir Boldin, brother of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin, will provide more weapons for Skinner to utilize. Four starters return on the offensive line, but the one they must replace is first-team All ACC left tackle Steve Vallos. The Atlantic division in the ACC should be much improved, so Wake won't sneak up on anyone. However, the team has a favorable enough schedule for those considering Wake Forest as a sleeper offense in 2007.

Vanderbilt: The offense was expected to dropoff in 2006 with Jay Cutler getting drafted by the Denver Broncos, but quarterback Chris Nickson did about as good a job as you could in his first year as starter. Running back Jeff Jennings returns after having ACL and MCL surgery. Cassen Jackson-Garrison started and did well for the injured Jennings in 2006, and Jared Hawkins provides another experienced back for depth. The sure-handed Earl Bennett is a returning All-SEC pick at wide receiver. George Smith and the speedy Sean Walker will see the field alot with their three-receiver sets. The offensive line is very experienced, and will be a key reason that the Commodores have a solid season on the offensive side of the ball. Vandy has eight home games on their schedule, and that also makes them an interesting pick on offense for the coming season. They should not be used in their road games at Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee, though Florida lost nearly their entire defense from a year ago. Vanderbilt looks to be a real sleeper team offense in 2007.

Those on the decline in 2007

Ohio State: With the Buckeyes losing Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, there is no clearcut choice as his replacement. Coupled with the fact that running back Michael Pittman and wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr are gone, you should expect a drop in offensive production for 2007. The offensive line will be a strength this year, so their is optimism in Columbus. But with the skill positions losing their three biggest playmakers, don't expect a duplication in offensive production from Ohio State in 2007.

Notre Dame: With quarterback Brady Quinn and their two top receving threats gone, the Fightin' Irish appear to be in transition for 2007. Running back Darius Walker is back, but he will also be running behind a young and inexperienced offensive line that will see at least three new starters for the upcoming season. Games against Georgia Tech, Penn State, Michigan, USC, UCLA, Purdue, and Boston College is all the more reason to avoid using the Fightin' Irish offense in 2007.

Boise State: With their starting quarterback and top four receivers gone from a year ago, Boise State should see a slip in offense for 2007. By the end of the year, they could re-emerge as a stud offense again. The good news is they have running back Ian Johnson returning. However, they have a tougher schedule in 2007 with games against Southern Miss and Hawaii on the road. Boise State has a reputation for rebuilding on offense very quickly, so do expect a little bit of slip, but it may not be by as much as you think.

Houston: With four-year starter Kevin Kolb gone at quarterback, the Cougars will have to rely more heavily on defense early in 2007 to win. The defense is strong, but may suffer because the quarterback position may not settle until a few games into 2007. The team has talented running back Anthony Aldridge returning and a deep group of play-making receivers as well. Until they settle on a new quarterback, then you would probably be wise to avoid using them on offense.

Texas Tech: They do have their starting quarterback and running back returning in 2007, but the offensive line must be completely overhauled. Only one starter returns from a year ago to help protect quarterback Graham Harrell. Shannon Woods returns as the starting running back. The Red Raiders lose their top two wide receivers from a year ago, but Danny Amendola is coming back after he had a strong 2006 season. They could produce nicely for you with their early schedule. However, I would be hesitant to start them against strong defensive teams like Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M. They should put up nice offensive numbers, but the jury is still out with their offensive losses on whether they match their 2006 numbers.

Staying Steady

Florida: With Chris Leak gone, the Tim Tebow era will now begin. Andre Caldwell decided to return at wide receiver this year, and that is good news for the development of Tebow. The very deep offensive line is the strength of the offense, and that should help in making this offensive unit a decent one in 2007.

Oklahoma: Yes, the Sooners lost quarterback Paul Thompson and running back Adrian Peterson. However, the running back position is very deep with Allen Patrick leading the way and Chris Brown along with DeMarco Murray, who was outstanding this spring, getting looks as well. Malcolm Kelly is an All-American wide receiver candidate for a talented unit that also features a deep group of playmakers. Oklahoma will field one of the nation's best offensive lines, and that will help both Joey Halzle or Sam Bradford, the likely quarterback replacements for the departed Thompson.

Texas: Colt McCoy will be returning to lead a potent passing offense in 2007. The running game was a big problem for the team late last year, and that must improve for the Longhorns to have any shot at the Big 12 title as well as a BCS Championship. Texas has talent on the offensive line, but they are also not very experienced. The wide receivers are very good and are led by seniors Limas Sweed and Billy Pittman. Running back Jamaal Charles has had a very nice career at Texas, but more is expected from him in his third year with coaches wanting him to be a tougher runner rather than relying on elusiveness. The team offense is very talented, especially in the passing game. However, they are steady as of right now until they show more consistency in the running game.

California: The Golden Bears have their starting quarterback from 2006 in Nate Longshore, but lost their very valuable running back, Marshawn Lynch. Justin Forsett is smaller than Lynch, and will have to shoulder the load. Redshirt freshman James Montgomery will likely back Forsett up. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson is one of the fastest players in the nation, so Cal will look to him for big plays quite often with Lynch gone. Lavelle Hawkins is a big target with breakaway speed at wide receiver as well. The team is set on the offensive line except at the guard spots, but head coach Jeff Tedford believes that it will not be a that big of a concern. Like Texas, the Golden Bears running game will likely prevent them from improving offensively in 2007 especially seeing Tennessee in the opener as well as UCLA and USC later in the year.

Oregon State: The Beavers finished very strong in 2006, and have most of their talent in place on offense to at least match last year's numbers. The team will likely alternate quarterbacks with Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao replacing last year's starter, Matt Moore. Canfield does have the most experience of the two going into the season. Running back Yvenson Bernard is probably the Pac-10's best all-around back, and Clinton Polk will back him up. It was Polk's performance against USC a year ago with over 100 yards on the ground in place of the injured Bernard that helped lead the Beavers to an upset win. Wide receivers Sammie Stroughter and Brandon Powers will provide nice targets for both quarterbacks. Anthony Brown, who was suspended for three games last year, will likely get some touches along with Chris Johnson getting in the mix, too. The Beavers will likely have the league's best offensive line as they return four starters from last year's group. Oregon State has a favorable early schedule to help both quarterbacks out, so it appears that there won't be a big dropoff after all. However, they do have very crucial road games at Southern Cal and California, which might make you think twice about starting them. Despite changes at quarterback, I am not expecting a decline in production, if not improvement, in 2007 for the Beavers.

Wisconsin: The Badgers return nine starters on offense, but the two they lost were arguably the most important players on that side of the ball a year ago. Gone is three-year starting quarterback John Stocco and All-American left tackle Joe Thomas. Stocco's replacement will likely be Tyler Donovan, who started two games last year. Running backs P.J. Hill and Lance Smith are back and will give Donovan a nice running game. Depth behind those two is a concern at running back. Wide receivers Paul Hubbard and Luke Swan along with tight end Travis Beckum are reliable targets in the passing game. The offensive line returns fully intact minus Thomas at left tackle. The Badgers will likely take a little bit to settle for Donovan at quarterback, so don't expect an improvement early on in 2007 on offense.

South Florida: Matt Grothe now has experience under his belt, but the biggest question is whether the Bulls can find a consistent running game. Benjamin Williams, who finished the season by winning the Papajohns.com Bowl MVP, will be looked upon to lead the rushing attack. Junior wide receivers Taurus Johnson and Marcus Edwards will be Grothe's go-to targets. The offensive line is fully intact from a year ago. If the running game can be established consistently in South Florida, this will be a formidable offense. But for now, I will say they will be a steadily useful offense in 2007 because of playing West Virginia, Louisville, Rutgers, and an out-of-conference game at Auburn in September.

Those are my picks for team offenses in 2007. Be sure to check out team defenses for 2007 as well.

Source: www.athlonsports.com