Most of the high-profile bowl games are behind us now, but there's still some action available for you to get in your DFS fix. On Saturday, Ohio and Nevada square off in the Famous Idaho Potatoes bowl on the blue turf in Boise.
Despite going just 6-6 this year, Ohio is favored by eight points in this game with the total set at 59 points. Since motivation is often a factor in bowl games, it's worth noting Nevada recently fired its defensive coordinator and will have three interim coaches on the defensive side of the ball on this game. It's hard to predict these things, but that could potentially further swing the advantage in this game in favor of Ohio's potent offense.
If you're new to the single-game format, you'll select one player from this game as your MVP. The fantasy points accumulated with this selection will earn 1.5 times his total fantasy points. You'll then select four other players who earn fantasy points at the standard rate.
In this preview, I'll break down the top MVP candidates -- who should also be used in the flex slots if not selected as your MVP -- while also highlighting some others who should be in consideration for the flex position. All references to betting totals and spreads are from the NCAAF odds.
MVP Candidates
QB Nathan Rourke, Ohio ($17,500) -- Nathan Rourke, a dual-threat quarterback, has been dominant over the second half of Ohio's season and draws an ideal matchup in this game. Nevada has allowed at least 20 points to opposing starting quarterbacks in seven of 11 games versus FBS schools this season. Rourke has scored at least 26 fantasy points in seven straight games, and Nevada's defense does not appear up for the challenge of stopping that streak. Nevada is allowing 259.8 passing yards per game, which ranks 107th in the nation.
QB Carson Strong, Nevada ($13,000) -- It's difficult to make an argument for anyone other than Rourke as an MVP candidate, but if you want to fade the most consensus selection, Nevada's redshirt freshman quarterback is a reasonable choice. Carson Strong closed the season on a high note, posting 18 or more fantasy points in three of his last four games. However, Strong's season high (27.2 points) fell just shy of Rourke's season average (27.24).
RB O'Shaan Allison, Ohio ($13,500) -- If you want to fade both quarterbacks, the only other MVP candidate who stands out on this slate is O'Shaan Allison. Nevada's defense is much better against the run than the pass, but the Wolfpack still allowed five different running backs to reach 20 fantasy points this season. Allison's fantasy production has been limited due to his struggles reaching the end zone (six scores in 12 games) but not for lack of opportunities. Despite having the third most rushing touchdowns on the team, Allison leads the Bobcats with 16 carries inside the 10-yard line, according to Sports Info Solutions.
WR Elijah Cooks, Nevada ($12,000) -- Another option for fading the quarterbacks in the MVP slot is Elijah Cooks, who could be in line for an increased workload. Nevada's number-two receiver, Romeo Doubs, is listed as doubtful for this game. In the regular season finale, Doubs' absence resulted in a career high 12 receptions on 22 targets for Cooks against UNLV. Prior to that outburst, Cooks was averaging just 11.73 fantasy points per game, so his value as an MVP option is probably tied to the availability of Doubs.
Flex Options
RB De'Montre Tuggle, Ohio ($12,500) -- If you're stacking lineups for various scenarios, it makes sense to use De'Montre Tuggle based on an assumed close game or Nevada victory. Tuggle is the primary pass-catcher in the Bobcats' backfield, and his workload increases when they're playing from behind. According to Sports Info Solutions, Tuggle had just three receptions on four targets while Ohio was playing with the lead this year.
WR Dominic Christian, Nevada ($8,500) -- Nevada lost slot receiver Kaleb Fossum to injury in mid-November, allowing Dominic Christian to assume an increased workload. Despite not being listed as the starter, Christian led Nevada with 13 targets from the slot over the Wolfpack's final two games, according to Sports Info Solutions.
WR Ty Walton, Ohio ($6,000) -- Freshman receiver Tyler Walton had just 16 receptions this season, but he closed out the year as the team's primary weapon in the slot. Walton's regular season ended with a career-high five receptions for 82 yards against Akron. According to Sports Info Solutions, Nevada is allowing 8.19 yards per target to slot receivers this year, which ranks 93rd in the country. Based on that weakness, Walton could be in line for an increased role.
Ryan McCrystal is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Ryan McCrystal also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username cfbfilmroom. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.