This article is part of our CFB Barometer series.
While most of the world was sleeping, Arizona finished off an incredible comeback win over California, which saw a 45-30 lead dissipate in five minutes. What makes this relevant is that leading the way was the Wildcats' freshman quarterback Anu Solomon. Solomon put the ball up 73 times, completing 43 passes for 520 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. He added in 46 rushing yards to boot. So far, Solomon has racked up 1,454 yards passing with 13 touchdowns and three picks. Rich Rodriguez knows how to make the most of quarterbacks, and Solomon could be the next in a long line of players to pile up the fantasy points.
Let's look at the rest of the landscape in this week's College Football Barometer.
UPGRADE
Taylor Heinicke, QB, Old Dominion - Last year, as ODU transitioned to the FBS level, Heinicke threw the 486 times for 4,022 yards, 33 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Expectations were high for the senior, but he started slowly, even with teams like Hampton and Eastern Michigan on the schedule. The arrow was very much pointing down for him, and then last week, despite some questions about his shoulder, Heinicke threw for 430 yards and five touchdowns against Rice, adding a rushing touchdown for fun too. ODU's faces only Conference USA foes and Vanderbilt the rest of the way, a group Heinicke could easily exploit. Perhaps he has finally found his expected form.
Jarvion Franklin, RB, Western Michigan - It's easy for a freshman running back at lowly Western Michigan to fall under the radar, but do not let that happen with Franklin. Franklin and the Broncos have played three games, and Franklin has notched three rushing touchdowns in all three of those games. He has 542 yards and nine touchdowns on 82 carries. It's a seemingly unsustainable level of play, but Franklin could keep racking up huge numbers playing a MAC schedule. He's one of the most talented players Western Michigan has had for years, so why wouldn't they keep riding him, and why wouldn't you want to get on that gravy train too?
Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech - Much like Franklin, Dixon was once a successful freshman running back. He set freshman records with 27 rushing touchdowns and 28 total touchdowns. Last year, he dealt with injuries but ran just as well when healthy. This season, he's been healthy, and he's finding the end zone with gusto once again. Dixon has tallied at least one touchdown in all four games he's played in and has seven total. This includes a game on the road against Oklahoma, a much tougher opponent than anything Dixon has. He's a proven commodity, even if he still seems relatively under the radar. There are probably no more records to be broken, but he can still have some great fantasy numbers.
James Quick, WR, Louisville - With Devante Parker out, the Louisville Cardinals had to find a new go to wide receiver. Quick got off to a slow start to the season, but two weeks ago he caught five passes for 34 yards and a touchdown against Virginia, the first signs of life. Then, last week he really picked up the pace, catching seven passes for 174 yards and two scores. Granted, that was against Florida International, but it's still an encouraging sign, especially with Will Gardner also trying to get his footing as Teddy Bridgewater's replacement. Maybe Quick is the guy to step in for Parker, at least until Parker is healthy again.
CHECK STATUS
Dajon Williams, QB, North Texas - To start the year, North Texas was a mess at quarterback. Josh Greer and Andrew McNulty both got looks under center, and both were awful. It looked like there was no hope, and then in strolled Williams, the third starter the Mean Green has had. Admittedly, his only game has been against Nicholls State, but he has now thrown for 274 yards and three touchdowns, and rushed for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Due to the cupcake status of the opponent, it is wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Williams, and North Texas is off this week. However, if he shows that this wasn't a fluke, the Mean Green could have themselves a real quarterback.
Desmon Peoples, RB, Rutgers - Paul James was having an excellent year for the Scarlet Knights, but unfortunately it is over. James suffered a torn ACL on Saturday, and now somebody must step up to replace him. It seems likely that Peoples will get the first shot. So far, Peoples has done fairly well with his touches. He's rushed 46 times for 205 yards, a solid 4.5 yards per carry, though he has not scored a touchdown yet. He's also added three catches for 42 yards, so he can help there in some capacity. Rutgers can't rely on Gary Nova, so the run game is going to have to lead the way. If Peoples shows he is up to the task, there could be some fantasy value here.
Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor - Baylor's passing game has been firing on all cylinders this year, despite not having its best players together once this year. Goodley, who was outstanding last year, has yet to be a part of the fun this season due to a leg injury. However, he is considered probable for Saturday's game against Iowa State. If he returns, fantasy owners will breathe a sigh of relief. There's no stopping Baylor's offense, especially if you are Iowa State. You just need to make sure that probable status comes through.
Will Gardner, QB, Louisville - So far, Gardner's numbers don't leap off the page. He has yet to throw for more than two touchdowns in a game, and he has not thrown for more than 295 yards. Against Florida International, he seemed to be finally ready to break out, and then he injured his knee and had to leave the game. Now, there is another easy matchup with Wake Forest on the table, but Gardner is questionable. Is Gardner's potential high enough to take a risk on? At the very least, this situation needs to be monitored.
DOWNGRADE
Devin Gardner, QB, Michigan - Toward the end of Michigan's loss to Utah on Saturday, Gardner was replaced by former vaunted recruit Shane Morris. The only real question is whether this is a permanent move. Once again, Gardner has struggled. He has thrown five touchdowns to six interceptions, and turnovers are a real problem again. The writing may be on the wall for Brady Hoke and company. Gardner doesn't seem like the solution. Maybe a return to wide receiver is in order. The only thing that seems certain is that the status quo won't suffice.
T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama - Yeldon is a talented running back. There is no doubting that. He has a future in the NFL. The problem is that Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake are also both talented running backs, and they all share a backfield. So far, Yeldon only has 57 carries for 284 yards and two touchdowns. Last week against Florida he rushed 18 times for 59 yards. It seems clear the backfield is going to see a lot of sharing of the wealth. It will keep this trio healthy and more dynamic, which is smart for the Crimson Tide, but not good for fantasy owners. The SEC schedule doesn't really help, either.
Deon Long, WR, Maryland - Long and Stefon Diggs both were lost, and missed, last season after they went down with injury. Both are healthy now, and while neither has really been the major impact player that was expected, Long in particular is off to a slow start. He has yet to have more than four catches or 48 yards in a game, and last week against Syracuse he was held to one catch for 13 yards. Can Long find some of his old magic? Perhaps, but so far, there is nothing encouraging for fantasy owners here. Long's best days may be behind him.
Matt Jones, RB, Florida - Florida has tried and tried to get its offense going, but so far the success has been marginal, including this year. Jones had a bit game against Kentucky, but it was a triple overtime game, and also it was Kentucky. Then, last week against Alabama, he was held to 37 yards on 12 carries. The SEC schedule is starting in earnest for Jones and the Gators, and there is no reason to have confidence in this offense. Jeff Driskel is not going to make people wary of the passing game. Defenses should be able to focus on Jones and the running game, and this limits his potential.
