Fantasy Stroke/Prospect Watch

No foundation is accepting contributions for a cure at the present time but if you would like to make donations to my dying fantasy dreams please contact me on Twitter @JJKay13.

Once regaining consciousness I fired up my DVR to the weekend’s college football action and here is what I came away with this week:

Matt Barkley (QB, USC): Barkley went 21 for 33 which looks good on the surface but he was just inaccurate enough to not set up his receivers for YAC in and out of the pocket. He appeared to not be stepping into his throws when the opportunity was given and held the ball slightly low delaying his release. To add salt to an open wound, Barkley had 2 redzone turnovers (one an INT, the other on a blindside hit causing him to fumble). He ended the day with 227 yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs in a tough loss to ASU.

Trent Richardson (RB, “Bama): Richardson did it all on Saturday. He rushed, received and stuck his nose in on pass blocking situations. He found the open hole and attacked it quickly on his way to 126 yards on the ground (17 carries). He also caught 3 passes for 85 yards including a 61 yard TD on a screen pass.

Justin Blackmon (WR, OK State): Mentally Blackmon get a C-, physically he receives an A. The C- comes on a frustrating 1st half that includes a drop, a hissy fit (like a child who just had their favorite toy taken away) after a ball did not go his way on a open route, and a momentum changing 3rd quarter fumble at the goal line. The A comes with his usual 11 rec, 121 yards, 1 TD type of effort in one of the most exciting barn burners of the weekend.

Zach Brown (LB, UNC): Brown only got to play on special teams (recorded 1 tackle) due to disciplinary issues. Brown is going to have to learn that playing at the next level is being smart off the field as much as on it.

Cliff Harris (CB, Oregon): Harris has had to earn his way back onto the playing field after off field problems. He is doing that quickly and entered the game on the 2nd AZ drive. His size (5’11 170 pounds) is already an factor at the college level. It results in him not being very physical off the LOS and AZ attacked his lack of height in the redzone. Harris does not help himself tackling with bad form (goes to high) as well. We know the cover skills are there (evident from last year) but his nonchalant approach against AZ led to him getting burned on 2 occasions in the 2nd quarter before briefly leaving with an injury. However, Harris was able to return and finished the game with 3 tackles and 2 pass deflections.