Masoli deserves a Heisman look

By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The Ducks came up roses, but their quarterback really should be coming up with some major hardware at the end of this season.

Jeremiah Masoli showed on a national stage once again that he deserves some serious Heisman consideration, even though he's not likely to get it. There's not one thing or another that makes Masoli stand out, but the complete package. Let's break it all down and sort it all out.

First, we'll consider the statistics. Look at the other quarterbacks getting attention for this award. Masoli has 2725 total yards and 27 touchdowns, comparable to Tim Tebow's 2962 yards and 30 touchdowns, but doesn't really compare to Colt McCoy's 3,889 yards and 38 touchdowns, Kellen Moore's 3049 yards and 39 touchdowns and Case Keenum's 5042 yards and 42 touchdowns.

Based on statistics alone, Masoli appears to be a laugh as a Heisman candidate. But consider this. Masoli has faced more Top-40 defenses this year than McCoy, Moore and Keenum combined and two more than Tebow, including Boise State, Utah and Arizona, all top-20 teams. Tebow, Moore and Keenum also all had big days against FCS teams this season.

Throw on top of that the fact that Masoli has had to navigate possibly the most competitive conference in the nation, a league that features five ranked teams. His only conference loss came against a red-hot Stanford team in a game where Masoli score four touchdowns, but the Cardinal's Toby Gerhart had a school-record setting day. Oregon's schedule has featured five teams in the BCS Top-25 rankings heading into this week, more than the teams of any of the other quarterbacks considered played combined.

I show you all this simply to display that statistics alone do not paint the full picture. Masoli is a bulldog, just as much, if not more than Tebow gets credit for and last night's victory over Oregon State was a prime example of that. Masoli willed his team to a win by orchestrating a drive that took up the last 6:09 of the game to ensure victory, including picking up a key first down on fourth and three, lowering his head and bowling through a defender on a broken play for six yards.

Bottom line, Masoli is a winner. He's played the most difficult opponents of all the quarterbacks in the conversation and won what many consider to be the most difficult conference in the country. That has to count for more than just a little something.

Fantasy Football Friday: Week 13

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Hello and welcome all to the week 13 edition. I feel like it's been so long since the week 12 article because of the Thanksgiving games. Well, we are now down to the nitty gritty. Hopefully, most of you are at least in the playoff hunt, or have already locked down your spot. If you're in a 10 league team, like I am, then this is the penultimate week of the regular season.

Best Fantasy Match Ups of Week 13:

1. Titans @ Colts - I really look for this to be a great game this weekend. I actually think the Titans will win because of the work they can do on the ground. Chris Johnson figures to have another huge game, and I do somewhat like Vince Young this week. Look out for rookie Kenny Britt. He's developing good chemistry with VY, and is good for a fantasy start on Sunday. With the exception of the obvious (Peyton, Clark, Wayne, Addai) I really like Pierre Garcon this week.

2. Chargers @ Browns - If Eric Mangini wasn't the head coach of the Browns, then I'd probably feel a bit bad because the Chargers are going to stomp on the dog pound. LT should have a great day as the Browns defense allows159.9 ypg on the ground. The Chargers defense, Antonio Gates and Phillip Rivers are also must starts. Please read below for my take on the two Cleveland RB's who will take over for the injured Jamal Lewis

3. Raiders @ Steelers - The Raiders have a knack of playing tough against very good teams this season as 2 of their 3 wins have come against the Eagles and Bengals. They will not have much luck in Heinz Field this weekend though. The only fantasy worthy player for the Raiders is Zach Miller. On the other side, I pretty much like everyone. Big Ben will be back, and then you have Mendenhall, Ward, Holmes, Miller and the vaunted Steelers Defense

Put em' in the lineup:

QB - Kyle Orton, Matt Hasselbeck, Ben Roethlisburger

This is a good week for the Broncos to get back on track against the Chiefs and their 30th ranked defense. Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks play great at home and also take on a terrible pass defense in the 49ers.

RB - Cedric Benson, Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte

Cedric Benson will play on Sunday and has a very good reason to play hard. His name is Larry Johnson. Look for a 100+ yard game with a touchdown for a prominent return to the lineup. Jamaal Charles has been a very solid fantasy performer since taking over for LJ. He will do more of the same against the Broncos, who are great against the run. Matt Forte will at least of receptions for you every week, but he should also run wild against the Rams.

WR - Jason Avant, Pierre Garcon, Kevin Walter

Over the past 4 weeks Jason Avant has averaged 11 fantasy points per contest. With DeSean Jackson banged up, he'll continue to take a more active role in the passing game. He's a good 3rd WR play this week. As I mentioned earlier, I think Garcon will have a big fantasy day. Look for the Colts to pass all over the Titans in a very close game. I've been extolling the virtues of Kevin Walter all season, and he finally showed me something last week with 7 catches for 73 yards. It's high time he has two good weeks in a row against the Jaguars.

TE - Brett Celek, Kevin Boss, Zach Miller

I am not a fan of the Falcons team or defense, and they have trouble against the tight end position. Hello Brett Celek. Kevin Boss had a very good game 2 weeks ago and stunk last week. Mr. Inconsistent will be back in the plus column again this week. Zach Miller should have 5+ catches against the Steelers this week.

DEF - Bengals, Saints, Seahawks

This is a pretty easy week for defenses for me. The Bengals play the Lions, the Saints play the Redskins and the Seahawks play very well at home against the 49ers.

Make em' ride the bench:

QB - Matt Ryan, Jake Delhomme, Matt Cassel

I don't trust Matt Ryan, plain and simple. Just in case you didn't know, Jake the snake is hurt and will not play this weekend. Matt Cassel takes on the man (Josh McDaniels) who made him a lot of money. I take the coach this week.

RB - Brandon Jacobs, Larry Johnson, Chris Jennings, Jerome Harrison

I hate Brandon Jacobs. Will someone remind him how to run the ball? LJ will have a reduced role with the return of Cedric Benson. Chris Jennings and Jerome Harrison will battle for carries, but now is not the time to play them as they go against the Chargers.

WR - Darrius Heyward-Bey, Steve Smith (CAR)

TE - John Carlson, Fred Davis

I hate John Carlson. Another disappointing week in Week 12. 2 catches for 24 yards. There were 26 other tight ends that had more fantasy points in Week 12 than Carlson. I know Fred Davis had a good week (13 points) last week, but I don't like his match up against the Saints. He's also not the most consistent guy either.

DEF - Cardinals, Ravens, Dolphins

The Cardinals-Vikings game should be very exciting on Sunday night. I just don't like the Cards defense against Brett Favre and the 109 MPH driving Adrian Peterson. The Ravens have a pretty good defense, but the Packers offensive line is improved and Aaron Rodgers will not have a problem getting rid of the ball. My gut instinct tells me the Patriots will lose in Miami this week, but the Pats are just too good after a loss. Brady and company will put up a lot of points.