College Football DFS: Friday Slate: Friday Slate Week 4

We have three intriguing matchups on the Friday slate, and depending on what game script you favor, there are a lot of options to consider.  Can Utah overpower a young quarterback surrounded by a talented supporting cast in LA? Can you trust the running attack of Air Force against unbeaten Boise State? And finally, can FIU nail down its first victory? It's a diverse slate with a variety of playing styles, and I'll likely dip a toe in all three contests as I could my lineups.

Let's first take a look at how Vegas feels about Friday's matchups:

Florida International at Louisiana Tech (-7)  O/U: 51.5

Air Force at Boise State (-7)      O/U:50

Utah (-4) at USC O/U: 52

{Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change}

As you can see, all three games are showing similar metrics for the oddsmakers, but these three games couldn't be more different.  For those unfamiliar with the Mountain West, both Air Force and Boise State are performing well in the early stages of the season, and both have unbeaten records heading into this matchup.  The Falcons are the biggest surprise, and they are coming off a huge upset win against Colorado. Boise State is surging thanks to the heroic play of their new signal-caller, Hank Bachmeier. The contrasting offensive styles in this game will keep things interesting - ironically, Air Force doesn't have much air in their offense.  They're a ground-and-pound, run-heavy offense with no passing to speak of. Conversely, Boise State will air out the ball with abandon and will mix in a lot of play-action for Bachmeier, who can be dangerous out of the pocket.

In Los Angeles, Utah will try to prove it's worthy of its Top 10 ranking against the Trojans, who will once again roll out 18-year old Kedon Slovis under center. After a big win against Stanford, the Trojans blew a game against BYU and put coach Clay Helton back on the hot seat.  While Slovis has directed a potent offensive attack, the defense often looks lost and undisciplined. If they can't implement some fixes on the defensive end, I see Utah putting up a lot of points in this game. If you're a sports wagerer, I'd give USC four points and go with the Utes.

Finally, the FIU/LT matchup matches two teams that are more under-the-radar than the teams in our other games. While you should probably pound this game in your GPPs, there isn't a lot of reliable output on either side of the ball. As a result, this contest will be virtually absent from any cash builds I'm making.

This week, we are going to seriously challenge the DraftKings ($6,250) and FanDuel ($8,571) median prices with some costly targets, but there are few spots where we can aim low, thanks to an injury spot or two.

QUARTERBACK

Hank Bachmeier, BSU ($6,900 DK, $9,400 FD) vs. AF

Owners are going to flock to Tyler Huntley and Slovis, as most people don't put a lot of faith in Mountain West matchups for DFS success.  Enter Bachmeier, who's taken the reins of the offense and led the team to a 3-0 record. Although he's regressed a bit since his masterful 400-yard passing performance against Florida State, I think he'll have n easier time against the Falcons.  Don't let Air Force's passing defense numbers fool you. Colgate has a weak passing game and those numbers skewed the average. Colorado's Steven Montez completed 60 percent of his pass for 220 yards and two touchdowns against this defense.

J'Mar Smith, Louisiana Tech ($5,700 DK, $8,400 FD) vs. FIU

We have to keep the QB numbers low so we can load up on offensive talent elsewhere, and Smith fits the bill.  Although the Bulldogs got blown out by Texas, Smith aired it out for 331 yards and two touchdowns. He attempted 51 passes in that game, and against FIU's weak passing defense, I suspect he'll attempt a similar feat. The big numbers won't be coming from quarterbacks on this slate, but Smith is a solid budget option so you can spend up where it counts.

RUNNING BACK

Zack Moss, UTAH ($7,600 DK, $10,000 FD) at USC

You could probably find a path without Moss, but honestly, why would you want to?  You'll see Moss among the Top 10 running backs in the nation by season's end. USC will have to keep things competitive in order for Moss to be truly effective, but he's a lock to score at least once, as he's Utah's primary red-zone option.

Vavae Malepeai, USC (DK $6,400, FD $9,600) vs. UTAH

I think Vavae's price on FanDuel is a little high, but I favor him over Stephen Carr in this matchup.   Malepeai simply sees more touches than Carr, although there's no denying that Carr is a tremendous talent. One of them will blow up but I'll take my chances on Malepeai.

WIDE RECEIVER

My strategy at this position revolves around the availability of Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is currently questionable.  His absence would certainly make waves in USC's passing attack, and I see a couple of different ways to go, depending on his availability.  If he ends up sitting out altogether, I think it's likely that Drake London ($4,500 DK, $5,400 FD) will take over as the #3 WR and could be an excellent value for your rosters. If St. Brown plays but is limited, I would opt for Michael Pittman Jr. ($5,600 DK, $8,600 FD) over Tyler Vaughns, but not because I doubt a good game from him.  I just think Vaughn's cost is too high on both sites 

Khalil Shakir, BSU ($6,700 DK, $9,000 FD) vs. AF

You've got a trio of excellent wideouts for Boise State in your lists, but Shakir's 17 receptions lead the pack.  CT Thomas did the most damage last week but Shakir has been Bachmeier's more consistent target, and I like his floor above the other choices.

At our flex positions - it all depends on how you spend above.  Slotting Brock London immediately opens you up for guys like Tyler Vaughns, or spending up at the Super Flex for Tyler Huntley.  I'd also keep tabs on Robert Mahone, and make sure he's getting a full load for the Broncos. If his shoulder is still bothering him, George Holani would be a nice Bronco pivot.